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Top 10 Spanish Wedding Traditions That Will Make Your Big Day Unforgettable

Weddings in Spain are not just events. They are celebrations of life, love, and culture—deeply rooted in history, joyfully loud, and full of meaningful rituals that make every moment feel authentic and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Spain, why not embrace some of the traditions that make Spanish weddings truly special?

Here are 10 Spanish wedding traditions that can turn your big day into a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of passion, personality, and unforgettable moments.

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
This is where Spain4Weddings comes in…
We help you weave tradition into your love story—seamlessly and beautifully.

1. The Serenade (La Serenata)

In some regions of Spain, the groom serenades the bride before the wedding—literally singing under her window, sometimes accompanied by a small band or friends.

Modern twist? Have live Spanish guitar or flamenco outside your venue before the ceremony starts. It creates an atmosphere of romance and anticipation that guests will never forget.

2. Las Arras – The 13 Coins Ceremony

A meaningful and symbolic moment during the ceremony. The groom gives the bride 13 gold coins (called arras) to represent prosperity and trust. She accepts them as a symbol of shared responsibility and abundance in marriage.

It’s elegant, intimate, and rich in meaning—perfect for couples who want their ceremony to carry real emotional weight.

3. Walking Down the Aisle Together

Traditionally, in Spanish weddings, the bride doesn’t walk alone.
The couple walks down the aisle together as a sign of unity and equality.

It’s a simple but powerful gesture that changes the energy of the ceremony completely. If you want to set a modern, connected tone—this is it.

4. Flamenco Touches

Live flamenco guitar, clapping rhythms (palmas), dancers, or even just background music during the cocktail hour—flamenco is part of Spain’s soul.

Including it adds intensity, elegance, and that unmistakable Spanish fire to your wedding.

Imagine your guests watching a live flamenco show under the stars, cava in hand.
Unforgettable? Absolutely.

5. Fiesta Until Sunrise

Spanish weddings don’t end after cake.
They go all night long.

Expect dancing, music, laughter, and more dancing. Often with a resopón—a late-night snack like churros with chocolate or mini bocadillos served around 2 or 3 a.m.

If you want your wedding to be legendary, go full Spanish and keep the party alive until the sun comes up.

6. Traditional Spanish Wedding Dress & Mantilla

While many brides choose a white dress, some opt for a traditional mantilla—a lace veil worn over a high comb (peineta) for a classic Spanish bridal look.

It’s timeless, dramatic, and full of cultural elegance.
Even if you wear a modern dress, adding a mantilla for photos or the ceremony adds a powerful sense of place and history.

7. “¡Viva los novios!” – Spanish Wedding Cheers

At Spanish weddings, it’s common for guests to shout:

“¡Vivan los novios!” (Long live the newlyweds!)
or
“¡Que se besen!” (Let them kiss!)

These spontaneous, passionate cheers keep the energy high and make guests feel like part of the celebration—not just observers.

Encourage your guests to join in, or have your MC or planner spark the fun.

8. Passing the Bride’s Bouquet

A heartwarming twist: Instead of tossing the bouquet, some Spanish brides pass it directly to someone special—a best friend, a sister, or someone close who’s next in line for love.

It’s intimate, meaningful, and turns a cliché into a beautiful shared moment.

9. Giant Wedding Cakes with Fireworks

Spanish wedding cakes often come in grand style—multi-tiered, decadent, and sometimes accompanied by sparklers or mini fireworks.

If you want a wow moment, go for it. Pair it with a cava toast and music, and you’ve got a showstopper.

10. Rice Showers and Petal Tossing

Instead of confetti, rice or flower petals are still used in many Spanish weddings to bless the couple with fertility and prosperity.

Want a dreamy visual for your photos? Organize a flower petal toss in slow motion as you exit the ceremony. Pure magic.

Mix Traditions to Make It Yours

The beauty of planning a destination wedding in Spain is that you don’t have to follow every tradition—you can choose the ones that resonate with you, and create something uniquely yours.

Blend Spanish elements with your own culture. Create rituals that reflect your love story. And let the passion of Spain infuse every moment.

Why It Matters

These traditions aren’t just beautiful—they create connection.
They give your guests something real, something different from every other wedding they’ve been to.

And that’s how you go from “nice wedding” to “unforgettable experience.”

Not sure how to integrate these traditions into your day?
Spain4Weddings has local experts who can guide you—flamenco artists, stylists for traditional accessories, bilingual officiants who explain the arras in both languages, and more.

We help you bring the magic to life.

Spanish wedding traditions aren’t just about culture—they’re about emotion.
They make your wedding richer, deeper, and filled with unforgettable details that reflect the heart of Spain.

So if you’re dreaming of a wedding that goes beyond pretty pictures…
A wedding that feels alive, soulful, and timeless…

Let’s bring Spanish tradition to your big day.

Contact Spain4Weddings today, and let’s create an authentic wedding celebration full of meaning, joy, and unforgettable moments.