Colombian weddings are a lively combination of culture, tradition, and celebration, filled with unforgettable customs that capture the heart of romance and community.
As a bride or groom preparing for this monumental day, you might wonder how to infuse your wedding with meaningful rituals that reflect your heritage and bring joy to your guests.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 memorable Colombian wedding traditions that will not only enrich your ceremony but also ensure your big day is filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Here’s a light of the enchanting customs you’ll discover:
- El Serenata: The romantic serenade by the groom
- Unity Candle Ceremony: A symbolic unification of two lives
- Shoe Under Bride’s Dress: A fun, lucky tradition for bachelors
By following these unique customs, you can create a wedding experience that resonates with joy and cultural significance, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Keep reading to learn how these traditions can make your celebration truly special!
1. El Serenata: The Groom’s Romantic Serenade
One of the most loved traditions in Colombian weddings is la serenata. This is a special song performed by the groom for his bride-to-be. It usually happens the night before the wedding. The groom sings or plays a romantic song, often with a live band or musicians.
The serenata takes place with family and friends around, making it a very personal yet public way for the groom to show his love. It sets a romantic mood for the wedding.
After the serenata, the event often turns into a fun party before the big day. It mixes music, love, and community, making it a special tradition.
For many couples, the serenata is a way to show love and also gather loved ones to celebrate before the wedding.
2. Wedding Dress Code
In Colombian weddings, the dress code is influenced by the culture and the hot, tropical weather. Men usually wear a light white shirt called a guayabera with khaki pants or linen suits. This outfit is both traditional and comfortable.
Women, including brides and guests, often wear long dresses, cocktail dresses, or skirts and tops. The bride’s dress mixes modern and traditional styles, showing off Colombia’s beautiful textiles.
The hot climate is important when choosing wedding clothes. People wear light, breathable fabrics to stay cool, especially in places like Cartagena. The dress code is semi-formal, so it’s elegant but comfortable for everyone.
Colombian wedding fashion mixes tradition, culture, and comfort to create a lovely atmosphere for the celebration.
3. Unity Candle Ceremony
In Colombian weddings, the unity candle ceremony is a cherished tradition symbolizing the union of two lives. This touching ritual begins after the exchange of rings, with three candles representing the bride, groom, and their marriage.
The couple lights their individual candles and together light a central unity candle. Extinguishing their individual flames signifies leaving their separate lives behind to welcome their new bond as one.
This ceremony is rich in symbolism and intimacy. The united flame represents their shared path and dedication, highlighting the passion and connection of their union.
Often, families or significant individuals may also participate by lighting the initial candles, adding a deeper sense of community to the celebration. This beautiful tradition beautifully blends love, unity, and the merging of lives.
4. El Baile Del Billete
El Baile Del Billete, or the Money Dance, is a lively and meaningful tradition often seen at Hispanic wedding receptions. During this event, guests pin money onto the bride’s or groom’s attire for the chance to share a dance with them.
Male guests typically dance with the bride, while female guests dance with the groom. The ritual serves as both a festive celebration and a practical way to support the newlyweds as they begin their life together.
This tradition can vary slightly, with some weddings determining the number of songs danced based on the amount of money contributed.
Whether as a gesture of goodwill or a wish for prosperity, El Baile Del Billete adds a fun, interactive, and culturally rich moment to the wedding festivities, strengthening bonds between the couple and their loved ones.
5. La Desaparición
La Desaparición, or “The Disappearing Act,” is a fun tradition at Colombian weddings. After the wedding party, the newlyweds quietly leave before anyone notices.
The idea is to slip away without being seen, which is thought to bring the couple good luck in their marriage. The first person to notice they are gone is also believed to get good luck.
Although this tradition isn’t as common today, it is still an important part of Colombian weddings and is also seen in other countries like Venezuela.
La Desaparición adds excitement and surprise to the celebration and marks the start of the couple’s new life together.
6. Coin in the Shoe
In Colombian weddings, the “Coin in the Shoe” tradition is a charming custom where the bride places a gold coin in her shoe before the ceremony. The coin represents financial security and prosperity throughout her marriage.
While it might seem like an uncomfortable practice, it is believed to bring luck and protect the couple’s financial future.
This tradition has its roots in old superstitions and is often seen in various cultures worldwide, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The practice is reminiscent of the Scottish custom of placing a silver coin in the groom’s shoe for luck.
In modern weddings, the coin may be a personalized keepsake, often worn in the bride’s left shoe, to enhance the hope for a secure and lasting marriage.
7. Flowers galore
Flowers play a central role in Colombian wedding traditions, contributing to the beauty and atmosphere of the celebration. Colombia is renowned for its rich diversity of flowers, particularly roses, carnations, and orchids. These flowers help create a picturesque, garden-like atmosphere at weddings.
Roses are especially popular, with 30 different colors found on a single farm. The color of roses carries significant meaning in Colombian culture, such as red for lovers, white for brides, and yellow for those remembering dead loved ones.
Carnations are also prominent in Colombian weddings, known for their exceptional quality, beauty, and longevity. These flowers are considered some of the best in the world, making them a perfect choice for wedding arrangements.
Orchids, another local treasure, add to the elegance and charm of the occasion. Together, these flowers reflect the importance of nature and beauty in Colombian wedding customs, making them a vital part of the celebration.
8. Shoe Under Bride’s Dress
In Colombian weddings, there is a fun and unique tradition known as “Shoe Under Bride’s Dress.” Male guests, particularly bachelors, place their shoes under the bride’s dress during the celebration.
This tradition is similar to the bouquet toss, but instead of the bride tossing flowers, she closes her eyes and picks one pair of shoes. The lucky individual whose shoes are chosen is believed to be the next in line to get married.
This custom adds an element of excitement to the wedding and is a fun way to involve the unmarried men in the celebration. It also serves as a symbol of good luck, as the bride’s dress is considered a good omen for those who participate.
The tradition highlights the celebration atmosphere of Colombian weddings, blending fun with cultural significance.
See Also Traditional Colombian Wedding Dress: 6 Key Insights
Key takings about Colombian Wedding Traditions
1. Serenade: The serenata adds a heartfelt and intimate touch, with the groom serenading his bride to be, setting the stage for the wedding celebrations.
2. Stylish Wedding Dress Code: The unique blend of cultural heritage and tropical climate influences the clothing, ensuring comfort without sacrificing elegance.
3. Unity Candle Ceremony: A beautiful and symbolic ritual where the couple lights a central candle, representing their united future.
4. The Money Dance: El Baile Del Billete is a lively, interactive tradition where guests pin money onto the couple, offering blessings and support.
5. Disappearing Act: La Desaparición adds a fun twist, with the newlyweds sneaking away for good luck in their married life.
6. in the Shoe: A charming custom where the bride places a coin in her shoe to bring financial prosperity and luck to the couple.
7. Flowers galore: Flowers, especially roses, carnations, and orchids, play a significant role, adding natural beauty and symbolism to the wedding.
8. Under Bride’s Dress: A fun tradition where male guests’ shoes are placed under the bride’s dress, symbolizing good luck and the next marriage.
