Getting married is big business in Spain, not only is it the world's second largest exporter of Bridal wear but it is also a renowned trend-setter in wedding fashion.
The Spanish people place a high value on marriage and family; Wedding customs vary tremendously across mainland Spain. In some towns bouquets are offered to the Virgin. In others to a best friend while some areas the bride throws the bouquet to the crowd. A common tradition throughout the country is to throw rice over the bride and groom instead of confetti.
Spanish Wedding Customs
At a Spanish weddings there isn't a best-man grooms but instead they have a best woman – the groom's mother, but worry not, she doesn't have to give a speech. In the south of Spain summer weddings usually take place around seven or eight in the evening, as the oppressive heat of the day begins to pall a little.
After the rather speedy wedding ceremony the guests retire to the local restaurant for a set meal where plenty of wine flows until the early hours or dawn but generally until there are no guests are left.
Having an official wedding photographer is the norm, but also each guest has their own camera and video which becomes a free for all session of noise and chaos.
The host of famous designers combined with the glorious weather in Spain, has influenced many foreigners to take their vows in Spain. These days there are many professional wedding companies that offer a little help to the full package for couples wanting to get married in Spain.
Every year Spanish bridal gowns of all descriptions are displayed in dozens of wedding fairs throughout Spain. The Novia Espana event held every summer in Barcelona is the best-known and largest show which covers three days and includes catwalk shows that display thousands of shimmering wedding gowns, shoes and accessories to more crowds of more than 12,000 attendees.
Famous Spanish Wedding Dress Designers
- Pronovia – they also feature bridal miniskirts and trouser dresses.
- Rosa Clara – 1930s-inspired with fitted bodies and floaty skirts.
- Jesus Peiro – oriental inspirations made from silk, satin and lace.
- Lorenz Caprile – designed the wedding gown for the daughter of King Juan Carlos, and favours crepe and organza.
- Hannibal Laguna – likes asymmetrical lines, favoured by Victoria Beckham.
- Javier Larrainzer – likes plunging necklines, spaghetti straps and strapless designs.
If your desire is to get married in Spain then it makes why not buy your wedding dress there too, as many gowns in local shops may very well have come from Spain.
Read about Getting Married on a Cruise Ship
Rachel L. Webb - Rachel L Webb lives in and writes mainly about Andalucia. She enjoys exploring the region and shares her explorations through her website ...
