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Traditional Brazilian wedding with bride, groom, padrinhos, and festive decorations

Brazilian Wedding Traditions

Curious about the vibrant and unique Brazilian wedding traditions that make these celebrations truly unforgettable? If you’re planning or fascinated by these celebrations, you’re not alone — many wonder how to honor culture and create a meaningful ceremony.

As your trusted guide, We’ll walk you through the essential customs of Brazilian weddings, from choosing padrinhos and madrinhas to lively receptions filled with music and dance.

In this article, you’ll discover:

  • Traditional rituals and symbolic ceremonies
  • Festive reception highlights
  • Unique customs that bring joy and luck

Keep reading to unlock the secrets of a joyful wedding — and imagine your perfect celebration coming to life!

18 Brazilian Wedding Traditions

1. Choosing the Padrinhos and Madrinhas for the Bridal Party

Bride and groom standing with their chosen padrinhos and madrinhas at a wedding ceremony in Brazil
Photo by Juliana Navajas Robb

In a Brazilian wedding, choosing the padrinhos and madrinhas is very important. These are intimate friends or relatives who stand with the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. They help with the wedding party and support the couple on their special day.

The padrinhos and madrinhas often wear the same dress or suit to match the couple. They join the dance floor, with the two getting married, adding joy to the wedding banquet.

This is one of the unique wedding traditions in Brazil. It shows the strong bond between close friends and family and the newly married couple.

See Also Brazilian Fashion

2. Wearing Engagement Rings on the Right Hand

Close-up of a Brazilian bride’s hand wearing an engagement ring on the right hand
Photo by Anna Baranova

In Brazilian culture, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand. This tradition is common in weddings in Brazil and reflects the promise of marriage before the wedding ceremony.

After the wedding day, the ring may move to the left hand — a symbolic gesture deeply rooted in Brazilian wedding traditions.

3. Pre-Wedding Blessing or Mass in a Catholic Church

Couple receiving a blessing during a pre-wedding Catholic mass in a Brazilian church
Photo by Pexels

Before the big day, many couples attend a pre-wedding blessing or mass, especially in a Catholic church. This special event brings relatives and close friends together to pray for both the bride and groom.

The blessing is an important part of wedding traditions. It helps the marrying couple get ready for their wedding day and shows the close link between weddings and faith.

4. Groom’s Entrance on the Wedding Day

Groom walking down the aisle accompanied by his mother before the ceremony begins
Photo by EMILIE RHAUPP

The marrying man often arrives first with his mother. This tradition honors the loved ones and marks the start of the groom’s arrival. It shows respect and his strong connection to family before he joins the bride, and is a meaningful part of Brazilian wedding traditions.

5. Bride Walks Down the Aisle with Her Father

Bride walking arm-in-arm with her father toward the altar in a Brazilian wedding
Photo by Lilen Diaz

The bride walks down the aisle with her father or a close female relative. This tradition shows the father giving his daughter away. It is a special moment during the ceremony that shows love and support from the household.

The Brazilian bride’s entrance is often emotional and highlights the role of family in Brazilian wedding traditions.

6. Coordinated Outfits for Padrinhos and Madrinhas

Bridesmaids and groomsmen wearing matching outfits at a Brazilian wedding ceremony
Photo by Virginia State Parks

Padrinhos and madrinhas wear matching outfits to show support for the newlywed. This wedding tradition helps the party look elegant and festive. Coordinated clothes add color and style to the marriage celebration and reception, making it a visually striking part of Brazilian wedding traditions.

See Also Christian Wedding Traditions

7. Catholic or Symbolic Wedding Ceremony

Bride and groom standing before a priest during a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony in Brazil
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Many ceremonies in Brazil include a Catholic or symbolic matrimony. In a Catholic church, the bride and groom exchange rings and vows while the priest blesses their life partnership. Relatives attend the ceremony to support the engaged couple.

Some Brazilian couples choose a symbolic ceremony instead. This focuses on love and commitment without religious elements. Both ceremonies are important parts of Brazilian wedding traditions and celebrate the new union.

8. Personalized Vows and Ring Exchange

Bride and groom exchanging rings while reciting heartfelt vows during a Brazilian wedding
Photo by Jeff Photos

During the ceremony, the loving pair shares personal vows to show their love and promises. Then, they exchange wedding rings, which symbolize their commitment and unity.

The rings are usually worn on the left side after the ceremony. This important tradition is a key part of Brazilian wedding traditions and makes the day very special for both the couple who have just gotten married.

9. Candlelit or Evening Ceremonies

Romantic candlelit setup during an evening wedding ceremony in Brazil
Photo by Pickpik

Candlelit or evening ceremonies are popular in Brazil. They create a warm, romantic atmosphere for the engaged couple. The soft light adds beauty to the wedding and makes the event special and memorable for all the invitees — a beloved feature of Brazilian wedding traditions.

10. Buffet-Style Dinner with Brazilian Dishes

Guests serving themselves from a buffet of classic Brazilian dishes at a wedding reception
Photo by user:takoradee

A buffet-style dinner is a popular choice at many Brazilian marriage receptions. It features traditional Brazilian dishes that show the rich culture of the country. Household members and guests enjoy many different flavors and foods.

Traditional Brazilian weddings often serve feijoada, churrasco, moqueca, arroz com bacalhau, coxinhas, brigadeiros, beijinhos, and bem-casados, offering guests a flavorful mix of hearty stews, grilled meats, savory bites, and beloved sweets that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.

11. Wedding Cake with Personalized Figurines

Wedding cake topped with custom figurines resembling the bride and groom in Brazil
Photo by Nikolay Kondev

The wedding cake often has personalized figurines that show the groom and bride or special moments from their life. These small decorations make the cake a beautiful centerpiece at the celebrations.

It adds a unique and personal touch to the celebration and is a charming example of Brazilian wedding traditions.

12. Dessert Table with Brigadeiros and Regional Sweets

Close-up of chocolate brigadeiros decorated with sprinkles at a wedding dessert table
Brigadeiros- Photo by Dianakc

A popular feature at Brazilian wedding receptions is the dessert table. It often includes brigadeiros, a sweet chocolate treat loved by many. Along with brigadeiros, regional sweets from different parts of Brazil are served.

This dessert table adds a colorful and delicious touch to the wedding feast and offers guests a chance to enjoy traditional flavors, a delightful element of Brazilian wedding traditions.

See Also Native American Wedding Traditions

13. Bem-Casados as Guest Favors

Wrapped bem-casados stacked on a tray as guest favors at a Brazilian wedding
Photo by Wolfhardt

Bem-casados are a traditional wedding favor in Brazil. These sweet treats symbolize newlyweds’ good luck and happiness for the wedded pair. Wrapped in delicate paper, they are given to all the guests as small gifts to say thank you — a sweet gesture that beautifully reflects Brazilian wedding traditions.

14. Tossing Saint Anthony Figurines

 Bride tossing small Saint Anthony figurines to single women at a Brazilian wedding
Photo by Rawpixel

In some Brazilian wedding traditions, flower girls walk down the aisle before the bride. They often wear flower crowns and spread flower petals. Later, instead of tossing a bouquet, the bride may throw a small statue of Saint Anthony.

This is a fun way to wish single friends good luck in love. It’s a playful tradition that many people enjoy.

15. The Money Dance

Wedding guests pinning money on the bride’s dress & groom's tie during the money dance in Brazil
Photo by Jayrowden

The money dance is a lively tradition in weddings. During the party, guests pin money on the bride’s dress or the groom’s tie. This custom helps the newly married couple start their new life with good luck and financial support.

As a joyful and interactive moment, it stands out as a memorable part of Brazilian wedding traditions.

16. Live Music and DJ Entertainment for the First Dance and Beyond

Bride and groom sharing their first dance with live band and DJ lighting in the background
Photo by Danik Prihodko

Live music playing and DJ entertainment are key parts of a wedding Celebration in Brazil. Music keeps the party floor lively and fun for all celebrants. The bride, groom, and bridal entourage enjoy dancing together, celebrating the day with energy and joy.

Traditional Brazilian songs and popular hits are played, mixing culture and modern beats. This combination makes the party a memorable and festive event.

17. Carnival-Style Performances

Dancers in colorful carnival costumes performing at a lively Brazilian wedding celebration
Photo by John Foxx

Carnival-style performances are a vibrant part of Brazilian celebrations. These lively shows bring energy and excitement to the wedding reception. Dancers and musicians perform colorful routines that reflect the culture of Brazil.

This special wedding tradition adds fun and joy for all guests. It makes the celebration unforgettable and showcases the rich heritage of Brazilian wedding traditions.

18. Reception Lasts Until Sunrise

Guests dancing and celebrating late into the night at a Brazilian wedding traditions
Photo by Donatas Dabravolskas

In many Brazilian weddings, the gathering lasts until sunrise. The celebration goes on all night with music, dancing, and laughter. Wedding guests, the bride, and her husband enjoy this long party together.

Traditionally, guests may also participate in throwing rice to wish the newlyweds good luck and to ward off bad luck. This tradition shows the joy and excitement of wedding traditions and creates lasting memories.

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Weddings in Brazil are a vibrant blend of meaningful rituals and joyful celebrations. From carefully choosing padrinhos and madrinhas who stand by the couple, to exchanging personalized vows and rings, each tradition highlights love and commitment.

Religious ceremonies or symbolic rituals deepen the spiritual connection, while lively receptions with buffet-style dinners, live music, and even carnival-style performances keep guests entertained until sunrise.

Unique customs like the money dance and tossing Saint Anthony figurines add fun and cultural richness. These traditions create a festive atmosphere that honors family members, faith, and the beginning of a shared life, making Brazilian weddings truly unforgettable.

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