Wedding Supplies

Spain is known as a passionate, colorful country, rich in culture.  These attributes make the perfect ingredients for creating an amazing wedding. Spanish wedding traditions have long been a staple in Western European culture. Though they have certainly changed over the years, some of them are still practiced and cherished today.

One tradition that has survived the test of time is the presentation of thirteen coins from the groom to the bride.  Before a couple exchanges their vows, the groom gives his bride a wedding present of thirteen coins. The coins, which are usually presented in some type of special bag or box, symbolize the groom’s commitment to his new bride and his vow to support her.  The bride carries the coins, which are then blessed by the priest or minister, during the ceremony. Once they’ve served their purpose, the coins are added to the collection of family keepsakes.

Orange blossoms have long been the flower of choice for Spanish brides. Since the orange tree bears fruit and blossoms at the same time, its flowers represent happiness and fulfillment. Today, brides tend to use a combination of rose garlands and/or white flowers in their wedding ceremonies, but the orange blossom still remains a favorite accent and is often used in bouquets, wreaths and tiaras.

In more modern times, Spanish brides have opted to wear white silk dresses as their bridal gown.  A traditional Spanish bride’s wedding gown, although still made of silk, was quite different.  Both the dress and the lace veil were black.  Also, traditionally the groom would wear a shirt that the bride embroidered for him especially for the ceremony.

The Lasso Ceremony is a time honored tradition that begins during the minister’s prayer right after the bride and groom has said their vows. A rosary is wrapped around the couple to insure the protection of the union.

As with most cultures, the wedding rings are a significant part of the ceremony as well. Although some people may be accustomed to wearing wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand, Spanish wedding traditions are different. The bride and groom wear wedding rings on the right hand.

A Spanish wedding reception is filled with lively festivities and music. It is typical too see a Mariachi Band or hear a DJ playing Latin or Spanish music.  The Spanish are known for their flashy, colorful dancing. During the reception guests traditionally dance a “sequidillas manchegas” and present the newlyweds with a gift.

The meal served at the reception will often consist of seafood and/or the native dish paella.  Local wines and sangria are also very popular.  Wedding cookies flavored with almond and different spices are a favorite delicacy. The wedding cake is usually filled with a variety of local fruits and almonds.

The bride and groom like to give their guests a variety of different party favors. The men in attendance can expect cigars.  The bride gives out small pins that should be worn upside down by the unmarried women during the festivities. The Spanish tradition believes if the pin is lost during the reception; the lady who loses it will be the next in line to marry.

As you can see, a Spanish wedding is an extremely festive occasion filled with time-honored traditions. Add some of these ideas to your wedding and you’ll be guaranteed a dynamic event filled with sound, color, and a whole lot of love.

Since Italy has such diverse regions and such a long history, Italian wedding customs vary from region to region, as well as from era to era.

Let’s begin with choosing the perfect date.  Old church traditions warn against marrying during Lent, Advent, and during the months of May and August. Sunday marriages are believed to be the luckiest.

On the morning of the wedding it is customary for the couple getting married to walk to the church together.  Townsfolk traditionally place obstacles in the bride’s path to see how she would react to domestic situations.  For example, if there was a broom in her way and she picked it up, it meant she would be a good housekeeper.  If there was a crying child in her way and she stopped to help them, it meant she would be a good mother. If they met a pig or came across a funeral during their walk, it meant bad luck.  A black cat, sunshine or a rainbow forecasts good fortune.  In some regions, the bride and groom might be asked to cut a log in half, using a double-handed saw, before they reach the wedding site.  This demonstrates their partnership in love and marriage.  More recently this tradition takes place in between the wedding and the reception.

Once they reach the wedding site, yet another popular Italian tradition awaits the couple.  The door has a ribbon tied across, much like the doors of the houses along the couple’s walk between the bride’s house and the church.  This symbolizes the “tying of the knot” and the bond between the couple getting married.

The actual wedding ceremony (sposalizio) is usually a catholic mass and is officiated by a priest. To ward off evil spirits, the groom might carry a piece of iron in his pocket. He will also present his bride a bouquet made with fragrant herbs, in hopes of warding off evil spirits.  The bride also wears a veil to hide her face from the evil jealous spirits. Tearing the veil is considered good luck.  Conversely, it is considered bad luck for a bride to wear any gold on her wedding day, until the wedding rings are exchanged.

A lengthy celebration begins with dancing and feasting that continues into the wee hours of the morning.  For the traditional Italian custom of ‘buste’, the bride will carry a satin bag (la borsa) in which guests place envelopes containing monitary gifts.  She may even allow the male guests to put money in it in exchange for a dance with her.  Sometimes the bag is guarded by the bride’s grandmother during the festivities. 

The menu at an Italian reception is nearly as important as the wedding itself.  Guests may be served as many as 14 different courses.  The meal begins with antipasto salad (meaning “before the pasta”) and includes bow-ties, or wanda (small pieces of twisted, sugared dough). Italian wines are served, along with soup, many kinds of pasta, pickled peppers, fried squid and olives and vegetables.  The meat is usually a chicken, a roast lamb or a roast pig. 

Sweet liquor and strong drinks are served to the guests, by the best man, before the dinner begins. This gives guests a chance to toast the happy couple with “Per cent’anni” which means, for a hundred years. One popular custom is a toast, “Evviva gli sposi” (hurray for the newlyweds) usually made by a male guest after a few glasses of wine.  This toast is shouted whenever there is a lull in the celebration, renewing the spirit and enthusiasm of party. “Kiss for the bride” is another popular Italian toast and calls for the bride and groom to stand and show their affections for all the guests to view.

 After dinner, the customary multi-layered Italian wedding cake is served with espresso and coffee.

Before the reception is over, the bride and groom usually break a glass. The number of pieces of shattered glass symbolize the years the happy couple will share together. At some weddings, a pair of white doves is released into the air, symbolizing the couple’s love and happiness. Incorporating Italian wedding customs into your own marriage is another sure-fire way to ensure that love and happiness today and always.

Filipinos are known to have some of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies in the world.  Because their culture so strongly believes in the sanctity of marriage, they make sure the wedding is an unforgettable event.

This sacred bond between the bride and groom begins with the “pamamanhikan,” or “the meeting of the two families.”  Traditionally the groom and his family pay a visit to the bride’s family to “collectively” ask for her hand in marriage.  Pamamanhikan is the event where two sets of parents come together to make plans for the future.  Guest list, budget, and food choices are just some of the topics that will be discussed at this meeting.

 Many years ago, the traditional ceremony would last for three days.  Although this custom has changed drastically over the centuries others remain the same.  These days there are special guests asked to act as witnesses to the marriage.  People like godparents, aunts, and uncles or even a parent might be amongst those asked to honor this request.  Sometimes there are even secondary sponsors, who handle a specific task.  A veil sponsor is someone who places a veil over the bride’s head and the groom’s shoulder.  This act is done to “clothe” them as one.  Another sponsor will light the candles that the couple uses to light one single candle to symbolize their union. A final custom, needing the assistance of a sponsor, is the draping of the cord or “yugal.”  In this tradition, a decorative silk cord is draped over the shoulders of the couple.  It is tied into a figure eight shape, which is believed to yield eternal fidelity.  One particular tradition specific to the couple is driven by the groom. He gives his bride thirteen coins blessed by the priest.  These coins symbolize the groom’s dedication to his bride and their future children.  This sign of respect is to let her know that he will provide for her and their children.

 Now, what to wear…  Well, Western culture has once again influenced fashion and white gowns are a very popular choice amongst most Filipino brides.  Historically brides wore dresses with festive designs or one reflective of a certain season.  For the groom, the traditional formal wear is called a Barong Tagalog.  This is worn, un-tucked, with a white shirt underneath and a pair of black pants.

The absolute best part of the entire affair is the feast afterwards.  This elaborate event consists of soups, a variety of meats, vegetables, fruits and desserts.  Make sure you bring your appetite because you certainly won’t go home hungry.     

Filipino Cord and Veil Ceremony

As the bride-to-be, your fairytale wedding is finally coming true.  You should look and feel like a princess on your special day.  You’ve got your elegant dress, matching satin, strappy shoes and exquisite jewelry.  There’s only one thing missing and no princess ensemble is ever complete without it, the tiara.

The most preferred bridal tiara is the regular crown-shaped one however there are many varieties to choose from.  Some are very simple in gold or silver while others are extremely ornate, made with beads and semi-precious stones.   They come in many shapes and sizes.  There are even some styles so simple that they look like a hair band.  Make sure to really look around and find the one that best suits your personal style as well as your wedding ensemble.

Today is your day to shine. You’ll be in the spotlight for everyone to gawk over. You’ll want to make sure you’re stunning because whether you like it or not, all eyes are on you! What can you do to help ensure a successful “15 minutes of fame”?

 One sure fire idea is to have a wedding veil that compliments both your style and your personality. Whether you have simple elegant tastes or a fairy tale style wedding, the right veil can make you look and feel like Queen for a day! Wedding veils come in a variety of styles from short, plain veils to long elegant floor length veils. Look around to find the veil that’s just right for you!