Etiquette and Spanish Brides

Traditional Spanish brides wear black dresses and lace mantillas.  Originally, worn for Catholic church services, mantillas are ornate veils worn for wedding ceremonies. Many times, these are passed down from one generation to the next.

There are no bridesmaids at a Spanish wedding, but instead a “madrina” (literally “godmother”) is present with the witnesses. There is no bride cake, but there is a reception and very often a feast after the ceremony. Before the wedding takes place, the bride’s new home is made ready for her reception, for the honeymooners do not start on their travels until the day after their marriage.

Before their departure they pay a polite visit to their respective parents. On their return, dainty sweetmeats in pretty boxes are sent round to their friends. No visits are paid until little cards have been sent, “offering their house.” – Amador Ledger, 1903

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia