Some weddings around the world, are switching from in-person celebrations to virtual ceremonies. Though the global pandemic has put a halt to many weddings, brides can still plan their special day or postpone it to a later day. According to wedding experts, many receptions could take place during a weekday instead of the weekend. In a recent conversation with Micaela Erlanger for HOLA! USA she recommends choosing an alternative day, “If it’s a Monday night party, a rooftop celebration or a backyard celebration, I think we’ll see the scale and size of weddings will be probably a little bit smaller in light of social distancing.”
But what distinguishes a wedding from other weddings around the world, are the cultural traditions and customs. Latino weddings involve different folklore from the type of music to the wedding reception. While some brides prefer to toss the bouquet others prefer to involve a cake tradition few know about. If you are still planning your special day, here is a roundup of the best wedding traditions you can incorporate on your special day.
© GrosbyGroupEmeralds are a Colombian best friend
Despite popular culture, diamonds are not always a bride-to-be best friend. Many Colombians prefer to be proposed with an emerald instead of a diamond. Colombia is the world’s largest export of emeralds and produces 70% to 90% of the world’s emerald market. The green gem is not the traditional clean-cut diamond many women dream about but is the ultimate sign of luxury and status.
© GrosbyGroupHire a mariachi band
A real Mexican or Latino wedding always involves a mariachi band during the cocktail hour. The romantic ballads are a great way to get the party started while enjoying tequila. Besides mariachi bands, Mexicans also have padrino de arras, a Hispanic wedding tradition of 13 coins in which the groom gives to the bride during the wedding ceremony. The symbolic meaning behind the coins represents Love, peace, commitment, trust, respect, joy, happiness, nurturing, caring, harmony, wholeness, harmony, and cooperation.
© Lyly NadeauGo wild on ‘the crazy hour’
La Hora Loca, also known as the ‘crazy hour’ originated in Venezuela but it has roots in Spain. This wild tradition has propagated across Latin America, where people do a carnivalesque performance and people wear different party props. The party riot usually includes confetti, balloons, feathered dancers, drums, noise-makers and more. The craziness lasts for one hour and the guests get to enjoy a different type of party withing a wedding.
© EtsyGive a small \'Capia\'
Weddings at La Isla del Encanto involve small party favors called capias. These ribbon favors have a flower pin attached with the names printed of the bride and groom on one side and the wedding’s date on the other. The bride’s bouquet has the capias attached to it and then cuts them to pin the capias to the wedding guests. Traditionally, the capias are worn on the lapel of a blazer or shoulder of a woman’s dress.
© GettyImagesSwitch the bridesmaids
In Argentina, the parents of the bride and groom sit alongside them during the wedding ceremony. Instead of using bridesmaids and groomsmen, the parents serve as godparents. In Chile, the parents also stand at the altar.
© GrosbyGroupPin her with money bills
In many cultures, the money dance tradition involves wedding male guests dancing with the bride and pinning money to her wedding dress. Though this tradition originated in Poland, Cubans also do this tradition. The extra money carries a special meaning. The money contribution helps the couple for their honeymoon or to set up their home.
© GettyImagesPull the cake
In Peru, the cake pull is a fun alternative to the US tradition. Instead of tossing the bride’s bouquet, all the single ladies gather around the bride and groom to pull the cake. The Peruvian pull cake has several ribbons sticking out with a fake ring attached to the end. All the single women grab a ribbon and the lady who pulls the one with the fake ring is the next one to get married.
