Brazilian Wedding Ceremony

The Brazilian wedding ceremony is perhaps the most serious aspect of the country's bridal traditions. It begins with the civil ceremony, during which the bride and groom make their marriage official with the court magistrate.  

Preparing for a Brazilian Wedding Ceremony

Then, the bride and groom part ways to prepare for their Brazilian wedding ceremony. From this point on, it's considered unlucky for the groom to see his bride in her wedding gown until she walks down the aisle of the church. Therefore, the groom prepares at his house or at the church, while the bride prepares at her family home. Customarily, the groom arrives at the church ahead of the bride. As the guests find their seats, the groom waits at the altar for the music to begin. Having been pampered by her family the entire day before the ceremony, the Brazilian bride floats through her wedding day in a sunny cloud of love and joy. Therefore, it is customary for her to arrive late (usually 10 minutes, sometimes 2 hours) to the church. Clearly, this adds a bit of tension to the proceedings, but also builds the anticipation for all who await her appearance. Experts suggest that foreign guests err on the side of modesty when attending a Brazilian wedding ceremony. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders, either with a sweater, scarf, or shawl, while in church. Also,  bring a hand fan and something discreet to occupy yourself in case the bride keeps you waiting.

The Bride's Arrival

A Brazilian bride arrives in style to the wedding venue. Her family will rent her a luxury car, an old collector's car, or a limousine which will convey her to the church in her gown. Finally, the music begins. The groom waits expectantly at the front of the church, while her guests turn toward the doors of the sanctuary. Ahead of her two flower girls swish down the aisle. One tosses flowers to herald the bride, while the other carefully carries the wedding rings to the groom. Finally, the strains of Ave Maria come over the sound system, as the bride makes her entrance. She glides down the aisle, smiling broadly, eyes fixed on her groom.  

A Brazilian Wedding Ceremony

The majority of Brazilians are Catholic by religious tradition. Therefore, most Brazilian wedding ceremonies follow Catholic wedding customs. After the bride and groom recite their vows, the clergyman blesses the rings and hands them to the bride and groom. The couple will now place the rings on their partner's left ring fingers, reflecting the transition from engaged to married. After all the prayers, blessings, and readings have concluded, the clergyman gives his assent for the bride and groom to seal their nuptials with a kiss. Following the kiss, it's time for the signing of the register. First the bride and groom sign. Then, their madrinhas and padrinhos sign as witnesses. Madrinhas and padrinhos are chosen ahead of time by the bride and groom. Typically, three older couples are chosen as attendants to the bride and groom. Witnessing the signing of the registry is among their most important duties during a Brazilian wedding ceremony. In addition, these couples often serve as godparents to the couple throughout their marriage. Once the register is signed, the newly married couple invite their guests to join them for the big party to follow!