Marrying a Latin Mail Order Bride

Pre-wedding traditions

A party to celebrate the engagement is common. The couple may be blessed at home by their parents before the wedding.

Wedding outfits

Elaborate dresses are the norm, with a Spanish mantilla, or veil, completely covering the face and shoulders.  A light blue slip is often worn beneath the dress.

The flower girls and ring bearer are often dressed as miniature versions of the bride and groom.

Ceremony

Godparents or sponsors of the wedding (padrinos and madrinos) place pillows for the couple to kneel, present the couple with a bible and present coins in a treasure box. A cord, (el lazo), is placed around the couple to show that they are bound together for life. The groom gives the bride 13 coins, called arras, as a sign of sharing his wealth with her. In some Latin American cultures only the couple's parents stand with them at the altar.

Reception and food

A money dance is sometimes performed to collect donations from guests. Special favours, called capias, are displayed on a doll dressed like the bride. The capias have the couple's names and wedding date inscribed on them, and are given as favours to the guests. Food may include chilli, soups, tamales, fajitas, paella, cake, flan and sopapillas.

Bringing your bride home

Once you are married, please be aware that your wife will have to rapidly learn to cope with an unfamiliar culture.  She will need your emotional support as well as practical help with issues such as visas.

More info about Latin Brides

• Brides-4U's Latin mail order brides section
• Dating Latino women (Brides-4U)
• Characteristics of Latin American Brides (Brides-4U)
  

Article by Emma Newlands
© Brides-4U Ltd