Latin America's culture is filled with traditions and customs that have been passed down for many generations. The traditional practices are greatly reflected on the natives' lifestyles especially when it comes to weddings.

Latin Americans have a wide range of wedding traditions because it start even before the actual wedding takes place. Moreover, aside from the bride and groom, their respective families are also involved in the wedding preparations so it is really a long process for them.

Likewise, for most Latinos, in order to fulfill their dream wedding and make it a more meaningful event, couples strictly follow their countries' customs. Besides, parents or the older generations of the families who are attending the celebration would be happy to see that their legacy are continued on.

Marrying in Latin America is not really complicated, but there are some unique aspects to the concept. Here are a few wedding customs and traditions that are common in Latin culture.

Who Pays for Wedding

Latin American weddings are sponsored by families of the bride and groom. Both sides are involved in the wedding planning so all of them pitch in when it comes to the expenses.

The families include the grandparents, parents, godparents and other relatives. Sometimes friends help too, especially the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Place of Wedding Ceremony

Since Latin Americans are widely Catholics, wedding ceremonies always take place in a Catholic church. However, modern brides and grooms look for something out of the ordinary so sometimes a marriage rite in historical sites, cultural museums or gardens is considered.

The Wedding Dance

Latin countries are known for their love for dancing. And since weddings are parties, they cannot pass without a night of Latin music and grooving to salsa, samba, merengue, flamenco, mambo and a lot more.

Customs and Traditions for Some Latin Countries

Brazil

It is customary for Brazilian brides to arrive earlier than the groom. The wedding ceremony usually starts 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

Guatemala

The reception is often held at the home of the groom. The groom's mother waits at the door and as the newlyweds enter, she cracks a white bell full of rice, grains and flour. The practice is for the couple to be blessed with abundance and prosperity.

Venezuela

Before proposing to his girlfriend, the groom must ask permission from his future father-in-law first. Venezuelan couples must hold both civil and church weddings. The civil marriage is arranged two weeks prior to the church wedding rites.

Also, don't be surprised when suddenly, the bride and groom disappear at the reception! The vanishing act is supposed to bring good luck to the newlyweds, provided that no guest notices their exit.

Panama

Before the wedding, the groom must get 13 gold coins, have them blessed by a priest and then give them to his bride. The coins symbolize the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ.

Costa Rica

Brides are serenaded by the groom on the eve of their wedding. This is done so that the neighbors will know how the groom feels about his wife-to-be.

Colombia

The wedding gowns are usually long. At the wedding reception, all single women and gentlemen place one of their shoes beneath the bride's gown, then the groom will pick one. Whoever owns the chosen shoe will be the next to marry.

Lastly, in El Salvador, the bride and her family are typically escorted to the church by a convoy of seven white cars.