Mexican Tradition

A traditional couple getting married are sponsored, financially, by their Godparents, to act as padrinos, sponsors of the wedding. They are mentors to the bride and groom throughout their engagement, and even after they are married. Needless to say, the bride and groom honor them with a place in the wedding program. The padrinos may present the couple with a rosary and a Bible during their wedding ceremony. During the marriage vows, a white ribbon or rosary, called a "lasso", is wrapped around the necks of the couple, which represents their joining. It is customary for a groom to give his wife a wedding present of thirteen gold coins, which are then blessed by the priest during the marriage ceremony, representing the groom's commitment to support his new wife. As the newlyweds leave the church, red beads may be tossed at them, to bring good luck. At the wedding reception, all the guests will join hands and form a heart shape around the newly married couple as they have their first dance. At a traditional reception, it is customary for the guests to form a heart around the newlyweds, as they begin their first dance as husband and wife. A paper maché container known as a piñata is suspended from the ceiling at wedding receptions. It will be shaped like a heart or an animal. Filled with candy, it is hung by a string and swatted at by children. When it breaks, the candy falls out and is shared among the guests. The wedding cake is, usually, a fruit cake that has been soaked in rum.

source: World Wedding Traditions

A beautiful formal wedding takes a minimum of six months to arrange. Here is a timetable to use when planning your wedding.

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SIX MONTHS BEFORE: Buy a wedding planner and memory album. Discuss wedding budget with your parents; if you'll share expenses, include fiancé and his parents. Together decide on the wedding style -- everything from flowers to food. Decide on wedding and reception sites. Determine the number of guests you can accommodate at both sites. Plan color scheme for wedding and reception. See clergy member or judge with fiancé. Plan reception, make reservations. Choose and order your dress, accessories. Select and register china, silver, etc. Begin guest list, have fiancé do his. Choose attendants. Plan new home, begin shopping for it. Send money for honeymoon brochure; consult a travel agent for ideas.   THREE MONTHS BEFORE: Complete your guest list. Order invitations and announcements (allow four weeks for printing). Start addressing them upon receipt. Shop for trousseau. Set date to order attendants' dresses; confirm delivery date for your dress. Select a portrait photographer. Make your honeymoon reservations. Plan ceremony, reception details with organist, caterer, etc. Consult with florist and order flowers that match wedding color scheme, season too.   ONE MONTH BEFORE: Buy groom's wedding gift. Mail your invitations. Have final dress and headpiece fitting. Have portrait taken. Choose gifts for your attendants. Order groom's ring. Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests. Plan your bridesmaids' luncheon. Make plans for the rehearsal dinner. Write thank-you notes for gifts. Arrange for announcement in newspaper.   TWO WEEKS BEFORE: Go with your fiancé for marriage license. Arrange to transport attendants to church. Send announcements to newspapers. Make an appointment with hairdresser. Buy luggage; check honeymoon reservations.   ONE WEEK BEFORE: Begin your honeymoon packing. Finish writing your announcements to mail on your wedding day. Give a final estimate of the number of reception guests to the caterer. Give and/or attend bridesmaids' luncheon. Arrange rehearsal, tell the wedding party. Check on final details with florist, photographer, musicians, etc. Arrange to move belongings to new home. Keep up with gift acknowledgements.