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Notes:

Spanish Weddings Lantern Ceremony

Wedding Chests
Like Middle-Eastern and Armenian weddings, Latin culture weddings involve much dancing, drinking, eating,
and reverie. To pay homage to tradition, Spanish culture is filled with rich traditions.
Islay Cherry Red
Hand Lanterns

Historically, the night before the wedding, hand lanterns were used to light the way from the groom's home
to the bride's home. The groom's family would then carry a wedding chest filled with gifts for the bride's Wedding Tea
family. Once the bride receives her soon-to-be in-laws, her groom and family will carry boxes lavishly
decorated in lacquer and red colored cloth, representing wealth. Tea is served and advice is traded between
parents and children. During this tea party, the groom’s mother opens the box and gives her daughter-in-law
gifts, mostly jewelry.

Nowadays the wedding party (or the groom’s family) typically carry hand lanterns and a chest filled with
gifts for the bride’s family.

Grand Entrance & Exit
According to tradition, the bride's father escorts his daughter to the church after having ensured that the
groom has not seen her the night before the ceremony. The groom is escorted down the aisle by his mother
before the bride makes her spectacular entrance. The mother sits or stands by his side during the ceremony,
instead of groomsmen. The bride is then accompanied by her father, who is also next to her throughout the
ritual. Their presence and role represents the strong bond that holds Spanish families together.

Traditionally there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen, no best man or maid of honor. This means a lot less
stress, because bridal parties are hard to coordinate!

As they emerge from the church, the newlyweds are often greeted with firecrackers. Once the reception
begins, the festivities continue into the night with dining and dancing.

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