Mexican wedding reception traditions

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Mexican weddings are steeped in tradition, with many symbols, including el lazo, or the lasso, that couples wind around their shoulders to signify their union, or arras, 13 gold coins that the groom presents to the bride. The wedding receptions too have many fun traditions and dances.

1. Padrino System

   • Traditionally, the groom and his family pay for the wedding. Often, the couple asks several family members and friends to act as "padrinos" or "madrinas"---godparents or sponsors. The padrinos help the couple financially, but also assume roles in the wedding reception, such as making the toast or saying a few words before the wedding cake is cut and served.

   Food

   • Mexican weddings feature spicy rice, beans and lots of tortillas. Wedding cakes are traditionally are made with nuts and dried fruit, and are soaked in rum. Pastelitos de boda, or Mexican wedding cookies, which are pecan or almond cookies that are rolled in sugar, are traditionally served at the wedding and may also be wrapped in tulle and ribbon and given as wedding favors to the guests.

   Mariachi

   • A mariachi band is traditional.

     The mariachi band is a group of musicians playing insturments including trumpets, violins and guitars, who circulate through the reception as they play. The mariachi dress in the traditional colorful costume of the charro, or Mexican horseman.

   La Marcha

   • La Marcha traditionally opens the dancing at the reception. The bride chooses a man and a woman to lead two chains of dancers. Each dancer holds the shoulders of the person in front, and follows the steps of the leader. The lines weave in and out of each other as the mariachi play, and even split up and rejoin each other.

   Money Dance

   • Another traditional dance at the reception is the money, or dollar, dance. Guests pin bills on the bride or groom in exchange for a dance. The newlyweds then use the money on their honeymoon or to help them set up their new household.

   The Piñ-ata

   • Mexican weddings usually involve the whole family, including the children. A papier-mâ-ché- piñ-ata, often heart-shaped, filled with trinkets and candies, is often hung from the ceiling for the children to break open.

   La Vibora de la Mar

   • The bride throws the bouquet at the end of La Vibora de la Mar.

     The bride and groom join hands and form a bridge for their guests to duck under during this popular Mexican wedding song. At the end, the bride throws her bouquet and the groom may throw the bride's garter.

Source: www.ehow.com

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