Inside Mexican Wedding Fiestas: 10 Traditions You Need to Hear About
4 min

Inside Mexican Wedding Fiestas: 10 Traditions You Need to Hear About

Mexican wedding traditions

Hola, amigos and amigas! If you’ve ever attended a Mexican wedding, you know it’s not just any old celebration; it’s a full-blown fiesta, baby! Okay. We know what you’re thinking. There are heartwarming ceremonies, lavish parades, and tacos galore…so what else is possibly left?! Spoiler alert: puuh-lenty. They take their entertainment quite seriously. And we’re about to break it all down for ya. FYI, you’ll be saying “¡Qué chistoso!” by the end of it. Cross our hearts and hope to salsa.

01

The Hilarious Cake Smash

Forget the gentle cake cutting – Mexican weddings often feature a friendly cake-smashing contest. Whoever dares to get the most frosting on their partner’s face wins. Easy Peasy. I mean, do we wanna smother other people in rich, tasty cream? Heck yea! Where do we sign up?

02

Piñata Pummeling

Here’s the thing – piñatas are not just for birthdays. At Mexican weddings, a wedding-themed piñata gets smashed open, basically drowning everyone in sweet treats, good luck, and abundance. *Stares at the treats while drooling.* Don’t forget to watch out for flying candy! Oh, and piñatas aren’t just for smashing; they often inspire colorful, fun decor. Giant paper mache piñata hearts, anyone?

03

The “Lasso” Laugh Fest

Step 1: Acquire a lasso. Step 2: Place it around the bride and groom’s shoulder in the shape of an “8” to symbolize infinity. Step 3: ~gasp in guacamole~. Did we mention it’s also an excellent opportunity for guests to pretend they’re cowboys and cowgirls?

04

The Shoe-Stealing Shenanigans

Let us set the scene: The bride and groom are dancing. You, the world’s best wedding guest (obviously), enter the scene and sneakily steal their shoes. The next thing you know, the couple has to pay an oh-so-handsome ransom of drinks or cash to get them back. Because you deserve it. Shoe-napping, anyone?

05

The Sombrero Serenade

Raise your glasses! If there’s one thing every wedding needs, it’s a good toast. Instead of a traditional toast, guests often serenade the couple with a song while wearing a massive sombrero. Tequila shots might be involved, and we’re, uh, not mad about it. I mean, talk about adding some extra spice, with a jalapeño on top, amiright?

06

The Ring Dance-Off

Sooooo, there’s this dance-off to see who can get closest to the bride and groom without knocking them over. It’s kinda like a real-life game of “Ring Around the Rosie,” but with a happy ending. Our two cents? A definite crowd-pleaser. Count. us. in.

07

The Flower Peddler Parade

We’re suckers for flower girls, but at a Mexican wedding, it’s not uncommon to have flower peddlers throwing petals like confetti. We get a flower! You get a flower! Everyone gets a flower! *cries in tres-leches flavored churro*

08

The Dance of the Money

To help the newlyweds financially, guests groove with the bride or groom and pin money to their attire. It’s kinda like a high-stakes tango with dollar bills. *Plays Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena*. It keeps getting better, we know. Keep scrolling.

09

The “Jumping the Broom” Race

Is it just us or is the symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new just simply a must at weddings? Mexicans agree. The bride and groom jump over a broom together, but sometimes, it turns into a hilarious long jump competition. This activity is ridiculously adorable, too, which is just *chef’s kiss* for a good wedding romance moment. 

10

The Mascota Mischief

Just imagine a super-ulta mischievous character called a “mascota” who just strolls around, teasing and entertaining guests throughout the ceremony. Think of them as the wedding jester you never knew you needed. Guest-ertainment at its finest– just sayin’.

11

The “La Vibora de la Mar” Snake Dance

This is a fun one. Oh, who are we kidding? They all are. Guests form a human tunnel and the newlyweds have to slither through like snakes bc why not? Think about doing it in a wedding dress. No biggie, right?

12

The Tug-of-Love Tradition

Okay, many weddings definitely have a bouquet toss for our single gals, but do they have a fab activity involving rope with attached ribbons? Didn’t think so. Annnnd cue a good ol’ game of tug-of-war! *Sings* All the single ladies, all the single ladies, now take a ribbon and put your hands up! The one with a ring attached at the end is said to be next in line for marriage. 

13

Cracking Celebrations With Cascarones

Confetti-filled eggs that are quite literally cracked over the bride and groom’s heads for good luck? Ummmm…yes, please! Let’s be real. There’s just sooo much to love about this.  

14

The Mariachi Musical Chairs

Are we the only ones who think adding a classic game of musical chairs to a wedding day is a fab idea? A mariachi band often plays at Mexican weddings, and musical chairs are just simply a must! When the music stops, guests scramble to find a chair, while the mariachi serenades the lucky “winner.” Quite a necessary addition to the big day’s events if we do say so ourselves. 

15

The Grand Exit

Here’s the deal: As the newlyweds leave the reception, guests shower them with rice or birdseed. Warning: Accidents (like say… someone accidentally throwing a whole bag of rice) might happen. Oops. 

Riots of color? Check. World-class entertainment? Check. A whole lotta love & laughter in the air? Major check. Well, Mexico, you’ve done it again. The next time you find yourself at a Mexican wedding, get ready to jump, dance, and laugh your way through these hilarious and heartwarming customs. ¡Viva el amor y la fiesta! 🎉💃🕺

Meet Your Wedding Wingman!

Vanessa Mir is the lead photographer and founder of Heirloomsnaps. She loves her job—like really, really loves her job—especially capturing timeless moments with people who are in love. Her enthusiasm for the wedding industry sparked her to found Wed Mayhem, and she looks forward to being an essential planning resource for couples.

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10 min

Explore the Beauty of Vietnamese Wedding Traditions

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions

A feast for the senses, Vietnamese weddings are a blend of customs, symbolism, and ancient traditions. Both the happy couple and their respective families are prominently featured in these opulent festivities. Don’t worry. We won’t leave ya hangin’. Ahead, 10 super fascinating Vietnamese wedding traditions you definitely don’t wanna miss.

01

Auspicious Wedding Date: Selecting the Perfect Time

Auspicious Wedding Date

First things first: Picking a suitable wedding date. To pick the ideal time and date, the parents of the bride and groom accompany them to a nearby temple. Choosing the correct wedding date is especially important and needs to have meaning that relates to success. Many factors are considered, such as:

  • Chinese zodiac signs and elements
  • Birthdays
  • Time of births

02

Engagement Photos: Seeing Your Betrothed’s Wedding Look Before the Big Day

Wedding First Look
Wedding First Look

Imagine the surprise of seeing the love of your life in their wedding outfit before the actual wedding…But believe your eyes! Vietnamese couples see one another in their wedding attire at the engagement photo shoot rather than getting the first glimpse when the bride walks down the aisle. In many instances, the groom even goes dress shopping to help the bride pick her wedding dress. Yep, it’s true. NBD.

03

The Engagement Ceremony: Making it Official

mam qua, Vietnamese Wedding Traditions
Engagement Ceremony: Mam Qua

Almost step-by-step a mirror of the wedding, the engagement ceremony marks the official announcement of the couple’s intention to marry. The groom’s family will fill up mam qua, gorge red tins draped with red cloths filled with i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e gifts symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and luck such as areca nuts, fruits, cakes, and a roasted pig. The groom has to, ofc, offer these presents before seeing his bride. A fair trade to see his love, amiright?

04

The Arrival of the Bride: Gatecrashing Fun

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions
The Arrival of the Bride

Okay, here’s the down-low: On the wedding day, the groom, accompanied by his groomsmen, makes his way to the bride’s house to bring her to the ceremony, right? Buuuuuut, there’s a twist. The bride’s family will challenge the groom to take part in a series of playful challenges set by the bridesmaids. The best part? These challenges add a lighthearted and joyous atmosphere to the day and include puzzles, riddles, or physical tasks such as push-ups or jumping jacks. Holy moly. This is to show that he has the strength to take care of his future wife because why not? Don’t worry, he’s got your back, bb.

05

The Five Bows: Unity and Respect

Vietnamese wedding traditions
The Five Bows: Ngu Qua

Two words: vows and vibrance. During the wedding ceremony, the couple performs the Ngu Qua, the Five Bows ritual. They bow before their parents, grandparents, and other elder relatives to show gratitude, seek their blessings, and honor their wisdom. Each bow represents a significant milestone in life-birth, teething, marriage, and finally, death. Plus, this ritual symbolizes unity, respect for elders, and the continuation of family values. Let’s be real: It’s a heartwarmingly beautiful moment that emphasizes the importance of family and filial piety.

06

The Tea & Candle Ceremony: Honoring Ancestors and Seeking Blessings

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions, The Tea & Candle Ceremony
The Tea & Candle Ceremony: Honoring Ancestors and Seeking Blessings

Calling all tea and candle lovers! The to-be-wed couple bows and offers their parents tea while expressing their love and appreciation. The elders accept the couple’s marriage by sipping the tea and providing guidance for a long-lasting, happy union. The groom is then introduced to the family’s ancestors by offering incense to them. Finally, the couple lights a dragon and phoenix candle to commemorate the bonding of their union. In contrast to the phoenix, which stands for luck, love, happiness, and social standing, the dragon is a symbol of life and expansion.

And JSYK, the bride’s family will also offer gifts to the couple afterwards. Traditionally, they are red envelopes of money, other congratulatory gifts, and words of wisdom such as a large gold-plated sign called Song Hy, or “double-joy” bestowed on two people and two families. In our honest opinion, this is one of the most compelling and emotional components of a Vietnamese wedding.

07

The Wedding Attire: Colors and Elegance

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions, Ao Dai, Khan Dong
The Wedding Attire: Ao Dai and Khan Dong

All we gotta say is that one of the most eye-catching aspects of the Vietnamese wedding is the Ao Dai wedding outfit. The bride typically wears an elaborate and vibrant red Ao Dai, often adorned with intricate embroidery and patterns. The groom complements her elegance with a matching blue silk Ao Dai or a modern suit inspired by traditional designs. The vibrant colors of red, gold, and pink are favored, symbolizing luck, happiness, and prosperity. To top off the already perfect outfit is the Khan Dong, a circular headdress. Just ridiculously beautiful in a dozen different ways. Agreed?

08

Welcome Photos and Table Visits: The Role of the Bride & Groom on the Big Day

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions
Welcome Photos and Table Visits

The bride and groom stand near the reception entrance and take “step and repeat” photos with each of their guests as they enter. The bride and groom visit each table to welcome, thank, and pay respect to their wedding guests, who present them with envelopes prepared with cash. (this is quite common in many Asian weddings). The celebration officially starts after the bride and groom have finished their rounds! The rest of the wedding reception often follows a similar format to a Western reception, including:

  • A first dance
  • Parent dances
  • Toasts
  • Cake-cutting
  • Dancing

09

The Reception: Celebrating with Feasting and Fun

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions
Wedding Toasts and Dinner Feast

FYI: It’s raining food at Vietnamese weddings with the dinner feast being an average of 8 courses of Chinese food, served family-style and available throughout the night. Oh, heck yes. This delectable Vietnamese cuisine often consists of crunchy spring rolls, banh mi, pho, sticky rice, boiled chicken, and braised meat. To top this off (uh, yea, there’s more), guests also raise their glasses in toasts to the newlyweds’ happiness with the bottle of Remy Martin cognac often found at each table. Younger guests may even play drinking games. Make sure you come with an empty belly. Just sayin’. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.

Also worth noting: at Vietnamese weddings, good is imbued with symbolic meaning. For example, weddings often feature phu the or su se cakes, which are made of flour with a green bean, sugar, and lotus seed filling. Always sold in pairs, these tender square cakes are encased in green dong leaves that represent eternal love and tied with scarlet ribbons, a symbol which represents the binding force that unites a man and woman. Oh– and did we mention that when the first slice of cake is cut, they feed each other some bites of cake to express their commitment to each other (awww!!)? 

10

Lion Dancers: Premium Entertainment

Vietnamese Wedding Traditions, lion dancers
Vietnamese wedding Showcase Lion Dancers

Fact: Lion dancers coupled with traditional music ensures a joyful and festive atmosphere. Many Vietnamese wedding receptions will showcase lion dancers, and trust us, they’re ah-maaaazing. These dancers wear gigantic lion costumes similar to the dragon costumes you see during the Chinese New Year. The lion dancer performance blesses the newly married couple, wishing them a long and joyful marriage. *Lets out an audible ‘ooooo!’*

Lively and full of color, Vietnamese weddings are a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and love, creating a breathtaking experience for everything involved. Vibrant decorations, heartfelt ceremonies, AND oh-so mouthwatering food? What’s not to love? So, if you’re ever invited to a Vietnamese wedding, brace yourselves and be ready to immerse yourself in a world of rich customs and traditions that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Wins all around, we tell ya. Go ahead and get to attending one—ya know you want to.

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