Alma Novia - Ruth Alarcon
tradition which is still very popular today is the making of the grooms embroidered shirt, handmade by his future wife. Ceremony: Traditionally, the ceremony is held in the evening and there is no best man, groomsmen, ushers, bridesmaids, flower girls, etc. As a part of the ceremony (although it can also be carried out at the reception instead) is ‘el lazo’, The couple are wrapped with a cord into the shape of a rosary which symbolises that marriage is for life. Wedding Rings: As with most cultures, the wedding rings are a significant part of the ceremony as well as a symbol of the union between the bride and groom. Although some people may be accustomed to wearing wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand, Spanish wedding traditions are different. The bride and groom wear wedding rings on the right hand. Festivities: A Spanish wedding reception is filled with festivities and dancing is very much expected. The Sequidillas Manchegas is the traditional dance performed during the reception. Unusually there are no speeches at all at the reception.
Food: The use of a groom’s cake may be gaining popularity, but there are older traditions used during the wedding reception. Wedding cookies flavoured with almond and different spices are a favourite delicacy. A meal of seafood and/or the native dish paella is not uncommon to see at a Spanish wedding reception. Local wines and sangria are also popular. The wedding cake is usually filled with a variety of local fruits and almonds. Party Favours: The bride and groom usually give their guests a variety of different party favours. Men attending the festivities can expect celebratory cigars during the event. The bride, on the other hand, not only tosses her bouquet but will give small pins to be worn upside down by unmarried ladies during the festivities. The Spanish tradition believes if the pin is lost during the reception; the lady who loses it will be the next in line to marry. A Spanish wedding is a festive event filled with traditions and culture and although modern times are generating newer customs for the generations that follow, today’s couples still find comfort in the wedding traditions of years gone by. n
mos a d n e om les rec mmend o We rec CAKES Costa Baking. Caleta de Velez. Tlf: 645 22 39 33
VENUES Braca Beach, Torre del Mar. Tlf: 952 54 34 85 El Avalon, Nerja. Tlf: 952 52 06 98 La Restinga, Nerja. Tlf: 952 52 86 60 Baviera Golf Club, Caleta de Velez. Tlf: 952 55 50 15
PHOTOGRAPHY New York Photo Studio Torre del Mar. Tlf: 952 54 36 94
WEDDING DRESSES Ruth Alarcon, Torre del Mar. Tlf: 952 96 78 00
HAIR DESIGN Nora Gerritzen, Nerja. Tlf: 952 52 27 62 OCIO magazine
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