A typical mexican wedding
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If you or your spouse-to-be is of Mexican descent, you may want to have a wedding ceremony that reflects the customs and traditions of the Mexican culture. A typical Mexican wedding includes close family and friends, ethnic food and religious customs with sentimental meaning.
Thirteen Gold Coins
The thirteen gold coins or "trece monedas de oro" are what the groom gives the bride as a symbol of his commitment to the marriage and signify that he is entrusting all that he owns to his bride. When the bride accepts the coins, she is showing that she will be completely dedicated to her husband. At the beginning of the wedding, the priest blesses the coins and gives them to the bride. She then places the coins in the groom's hands before they are transferred to a tray, where they will be put in a box by the priest and presented to the groom later in the ceremony.
Bridal Party
For a typical Mexican wedding, the bride does not choose a group of women or bridal party to attend to her, which differs from the U.S. custom. Instead, a Mexican woman will choose her madrina de copas or the woman who carries the wine glasses that the bride and groom will use to toast. The madrina de velacion is the woman that the bride has selected to play the role of a counselor in her marriage. The last person in the wedding procession carries the "recuerdos" or wedding favors that are passed out to the guests. Padrinos, or godparents, are also part of a Mexican wedding. The padrinos may give the couple a rosary during the wedding or may present a heartfelt reading. 'Padrinos' is also the masculine term for wedding attendants that refers to any man that is part of the wedding party besides the groom.
Attire for the Bride and Groom
The bride often wears a slim or form-fitting dress for the ceremony, along with a bolero to cover her shoulders. A mantilla veil, which is very long and often trimmed with lace or flowers, is worn by the bride at many traditional Mexican weddings as well. Some brides choose to carry a decorative fan down the aisle instead of a bouquet of flowers. The groom's attire can be a traditional matador's outfit, which consists of slim-fitting black pants and a bolero jacket. For a more casual look, the groom can wear drawstring pants and a Mexican wedding shirt, which is loose and fits all body shapes.
Wedding Ceremony
When the bride and groom exchange their vows at a Mexican wedding, a white rosary or a "lasso" is often tied around the couple to signify the joining of two lives. It is also customary to present the 13 gold coins at this time. After the couple has been pronounced man and wife by the priest and are leaving the church, the wedding guests will toss red beads at the couple as a way to wish them good luck.
Wedding Reception
During the reception for a Mexican bride and groom, the wedding guests hold hands and form the shape of a heart, in which the couple dances the first dance. A number of savory foods are served at the reception as well, such as spicy rice, beans and entrees that include chicken or beef. Sangria, a wine drink made from red or white wine, brandy, fruit juice and pieces and seltzer water, are also served to guests. While the guests eat and dance, a mariachi band traditionally plays Mexican ranch music at the reception using instruments such as drums, harps and guitars.
Source: www.ehow.com
Tags: bride groom, gold coins, Mexican wedding, Mexican wedding, that bride, wedding guests
