5 Main Wedding Traditions in Mexico

Wedding in Cancun Mexico

Many couples from all over the world have chosen Mexico and especially Cancun or the Riviera Maya as their wedding destination. The reasons to choose these beautiful places for such a special day are many and putting into practice some traditions of a Mexican wedding can make them even more attractive.

It is true that the traditions of a Mexican wedding vary from region to region, from one town to another and even from one family to another. But there are five things that are typical of Mexican culture and that many families keep current.

Bridal Bouquet for the Virgin of Guadalupe

Ramo de Novia Para la Virgen de Guadalupe

In a Catholic wedding the bride wears three bouquets. The first bouquet is used during the ceremony and is the one that is usually kept. Another, simpler, is used to toss it to the single ladies during the reception. The third is left in the church as an offering to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of Mexico.

Godmothers and Godfathers Cooperate

In Mexico it is well seen that the whole family, sometimes even friends, actively participate in the organization of the wedding. The bride and groom choose godmothers and godfathers to cooperate with them by paying, by mutual agreement, different elements necessary for the wedding: the flowers, the ceremony, including the bow, the 13 coins and the cushion; the place for the reception (usually the parents of the bride), the cake, the banquet, the drinks, the orchestra and even the dress of the bride (usually the parents of the groom). This
contribution constitutes the wedding gift itself.

La Víbora de la Mar

La Víbora de la Mar (the sea snake) is a traditional Mexican children’s game that adults often play at wedding receptions, with variations and different meanings. Basically, a line is formed in which people hold on to their waists or clothes, while the bride and groom raise their arms and join them to form an arch. The line passes below to the rhythm of the song “La Víbora de la Mar”. This game represents that the already married couple will remain united despite adversity. At the end is when the bride tosses the bouquet, and the groom takes off the bride’s garter and tosses it.

Mariachi

El Mariachi

The mariachi is a musical group made up of a minimum of three members who generally use guitar, guitarrón, violin and trumpets, in any quantity, and simply cannot be missing at a wedding reception. So much so that it is said that the name comes from the French word “mariage”, which means wedding, however it is disputed. Either way, the mariachi repertoire tends to intensify the mood and get everyone singing, dancing or… crying.

The Tornaboda

We’re not done yet! It is no secret that we Mexicans like to party, and many consider that the five hours that receptions usually last are not enough, which is why we created the tornabodas to continue celebrating after a short break. The tornaboda is usually much more informal and relaxed, like an intimate gathering where drunken Mexican cuisine is served: shrimp broth, barbacoa, menudo, birria, chilaquiles and more.

Mexican wedding traditions have evolved over time, combining ancient rituals and modern trends. The food, the music, the dress codes and even the customs that vary from one family to another. But one thing is certain: Mexicans believe in the solidity and firmness of marriage as pillars of the family. These sentiments combined with beautiful traditions make for unforgettable weddings.

What traditions of your culture do you want to include or did you include in your wedding?