Traditions & Rituals for a Mexican American Wedding

South of the Border traditions make a wonderful addition to your Mexican-American wedding, and bring a little bit of home to your family and their ancestors. If you or your groom are of Latin descent, you can add a little bit of fiesta to your patriotic affair.

Unlike American weddings, both parents are listed as hosts on Mexican-American wedding invitations, and both sets pitch in on expenses. More significantly, grandparents, bridesmaids and groomsmen, and other friends and relatives donate money, and their names are listed as well. This is no longer required, although both sets of parents often contribute equally to wedding finances.

Speaking of invites, Mexican-American invitations tend to get a little busy, listing all events on one card. It’s a step in the Green direction, but feel free to attach information on a separate piece of paper or to send out additional notifications.

Another long-held custom is to group bridesmaids and groomsmen and assign them tasks; one group provides a symbolic rosary that’s draped over the couple during the ceremony; another brings 13 coins (representing Christ and the 12 Apostles), and a third provides kneeling cushions for Mass. How much of these customs you want to incorporate is up to you. Many wedding-party members simply bring a rosary for the bride to wear. Talk to your parents to find out which of these traditions are important to them.

Mexican-American weddings can be as formal or as informal as you’d like. Casual Mexican-American weddings often have the couple dressed in a simple lace dress for the bride, and khakis and a cotton shirt for the groom. A fun custom still practiced is for the groomsmen’s vests or cummerbunds to match the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses, and to drape the wedding cars in ribbons of the same hues.

A mariachi band is a must. However, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a band and also having a DJ spin modern music, combining both heritages blends families and is a symbol of unity. Popular Mexican dishes can live side-by-side with a more American menu. Along with your dream cake, opt to have another, Mexican specialty, such as rum cake or tres leche cake. Mexico’s green and red colors can be used in centerpieces, and, to really thrill the young ones, string up a few piñatas.

One of the most popular Mexican-American wedding customs is the Dollar Dance (it’s so big that many other nationalities are incorporating it). During the reception, the bride dances solo and guests are invited to dance with her—provided they give her money. She usually carries a bag; sometimes people pin the money on a specially made sash attached to her gown. Rumor has it the grooms are getting in on the act too.

A certainty of Mexican-American weddings is celebration. Receptions traditionally last a long time—sometimes all night—so, along with those killer heels, you might want to bring some comfy sandals. Then get ready to spice things up!

-David Toussaint

Check Out Balancing Family Wedding Traditions with What You Want
Check Out Welcoming Out-of-Town Guests in For Your Wedding
Check Out Considering Multiple Maids of Honor