Mexican wedding traditions

Mexican weddings almost universally happen within a Catholic Mass or nuptial ceremony. See the Catholic wedding guide for the ceremony structure. Mexican-specific elements are woven in.

• El lazo — 10 min. A decorative rope, cord, or oversized rosary is looped around the couple's shoulders in a figure-eight during the ceremony, symbolizing their binding as one. Traditionally placed by padrinos.
• Las arras — 10 min. The groom presents the bride with thirteen coins in a decorative box or on a tray, representing his commitment to provide. The priest blesses the coins. Many modern couples reframe the exchange as mutual, passing the coins both ways.
• Padrinos. Godparent-figures who sponsor specific parts of the wedding — the lazo, the arras, the flowers, the cake, sometimes portions of the reception. Padrinos are honored throughout the ceremony.

• Money dance (dollar dance)— 45 min. Guests pin dollar bills to the couple's clothing while dancing with them. Common in the second half of the reception. There is no separate guide page. The dance is covered here and in the questions below.
• La víbora de la mar (the sea serpent). A conga-line dance where guests weave through the reception in a snake formation, often carrying the bride and groom.
• Mariachi band. Live mariachi often plays at some point — the ceremony recessional, the reception entrance, or a scheduled set.
• Traditional music. Beyond mariachi: banda, cumbia, and salsa, depending on regional origin.

Mexican is a large cultural umbrella. Traditions vary significantly by region:

• Northern Mexico (Norteño). Distinct music (Norteño, banda) and specific dance styles.
• Central Mexico (Mexico City, Puebla). A rich Catholic tradition, with elaborate arras and lazo.
• Southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Yucatán). Indigenous influences, specific regional foods and dances, and sometimes traditional dress.
• Mexican-American, by generation. Depending on how long the family has been in the United States, practices may combine Mexican and American traditions differently.

Ask the family which specifics matter.

For the lazo

• Detail of the specific lazo. Rope, cord, or rosary — the material matters.
• The padrinos placing it — hands and faces.
• The couple bound together.
• The removal at the end of the ceremony.

For las arras

• Detail of the coins themselves.
• The exchange — the groom's hands, the bride receiving.
• The priest's blessing.

For padrinos

Photograph every padrino and madrina in their moment. Coordinate with the family in advance about who does what.

For the money dance

• Guests pinning bills.
• The building "money dress" of pinned bills.
• The couple's reactions.