Mexican Wedding Preparations

Mexican wedding preparations include ordering flowers. White roses remain the favored choice for Mexican brides. Photo by Nicole Corbin on Unsplash.   Mexican wedding preparations begin when the couple chooses their padrinos (sponsors). Together with the couple's sponsors, the father of the bride determines the budget and who will pay for different aspects of the wedding. Following this, the bride chooses her colors and theme, and the preparations begin.  

Los Padrinos

Godfathers and godmothers, called los padrinos in Mexico, represent support and mentorship throughout a young couple's engagement, wedding, and married life. Planning for a Mexican wedding begins with the selection of los padrinos. Bride and groom each choose a set of padrinos from among beloved relatives or friends. Each can choose more than one couple to provide them support throughout the planning process. The first and most important couple, their primary sponsor couple, provides support from the time of their engagement and throughout their marriage. Specifically, la madrina de velacion offers ongoing guidance throughout a bride's married life. Other duties performed by these sponsors include organizing and delegating the decorating teams. They might also pay for certain things, including wedding flowers, the bridal bouquet, photography, or food and beverages for the reception. During the ceremony, los padrinos sometimes walk behind the bride's and groom's parents as guests of honor. Other times, they serve as attendants for the ceremony. As attendants, they sign the marriage certificate as witnesses and perform sacred duties during the ceremony. In addition to the important roles they play during the ceremony, los padrinos remain closely connected to the newlyweds as they embark on married life together.  

Mexican Wedding Decorations

Of course, Mexican brides determine a color palette and sometimes a theme for their wedding decorations. Traditionally, Mexican brides choose white roses as their primary flower. While they may add blush pink flowers or even hot tropical specimens to their decorations, they often choose only white roses for their bouquets. The choice of white dress and white bouquet makes a tremendous impact when surrounded by all the usual colors associated with a Mexican fiesta. Flowers are used to adorn the church pews, as well as the tables and archways at the reception. In addition, elaborate flower displays adorn the altar and foyer of the church. Many brides offer flower arrangements to their attendants to place on their cars. Then, as they process through town together, either to the church or to the reception, it's obvious to passersby that a wedding is taking place. Of course, the bride's chosen colors and theme carry over to the reception decorations. Often a wedding arch decorated with balloons and flowers stands at the entry to the reception venue. Colorful paper flags, bunting, and more balloons accompany banners of celebration. Flower centerpieces grace every table, and wedding favors in the bride's colors garnish every place setting. Certainly, the head table matches the rest, only it includes more of everything. More balloons, more flowers, more ribbons and bows, and a banner, as well. Mexican weddings are vibrant and joyous occasions, often involving an entire neighborhood or village in the preparations. ~Angela Magnotti Andrews