A driver goes to pick up both the groom in the bride in a car that has been decorated on the outside with flowers. The couple has their picture taken while a video cameraman follows them around from this point on. The couple has their photos taken by professionals--sometimes they have it at a studio and sometimes they go out into a garden. The location(s) of the photos depends on the couple's preferences.
Most people are Roman Catholic in Mexico but Mexico will not recognize a religious wedding so the couple must have a civil ceremony. This civil ceremony can take place before or after the religious one. Most couples have the civil and religious ceremonies on the same day but this is also depends on the wishes of the couple.
With the civil ceremony a judge talks about marriage and then the couple and the judge will sign a document that proclaims the couple husband and wife. They need four witnesses to sign the document as well and these witnesses are usually close family and friends. Not many people need to or ususally do attend this ceremony.
For the religious ceremony that is common in Mexico, the groom arrives first at the church and he awaits the bride at the altar. The bride enters with a wedding march and with her father walking her down the church aisle. When the bride reaches the groom the couple walks to the priest together and he says a blessing. The couple says their vows and the priest asks a series of questions to which the bride and the groom respond "I do". The couple then exchange rings. The groom gives thirteen "arras" to the bride. These are gold coins that symbolize hard work and good administration skills over their income. Then large rosary beads are placed around their shoulders symbolizing love and unity. Rosary beads are usually used in prayer and religious practices of Catholics. They have a certain number of beads and a cross with Jesus on the end of the necklace. The bride then puts a bouquet of her choosing at feet of Virgin of Guadalupe to thank her and to pray to her for their marriage. After this the guests are welcome to cheer and congratulate the couple. The bride sometimes carries two bouquets.
Picture 5,
Five Wedding Traditions for Cultural Ideas Post, OneWed Blog, 28 Nov 2011. Accessed on 29 April 2014. http://www.onewed.com/cultural/blog/5-more-wedding-traditions-from-around-the-world
Following this ceremony is usually a reception. Usually, the newly wed couple enters the reception party after the guests have all arrived. They dance to a song that is considered their song, they dance with their parents, and then they dance among guests. Food is served at the reception. The food can vary depending on the couple but there is usually a soup made by cream and vegetables with the main dish being meat, vegetables, and mash potatoes. The dessert varies and depends on the decisions of the bride and groom or their family. In small towns, the meal is usually a pork, chicken, or beef casserole with rice and refried beans. The wedding cake is served towards the end of the ceremony.
The couple play a variety of games at their ceremony. The games vary but they are usually to the benefit of the couple. The bride does usually throw her bouquet for single ladies to catch and the groom tosses the garter he got from the bride to single men.
At the very end of the reception, Mariachis play traditional Mexican music. This is usually an hour long.
After the reception is an after party at the bride's parent's house. This location can vary but it is usually at this person's house. This party is only for family. The family has a good time interacting with each other by talking, laughing, and singing. At the end of this party the couple says goodbye to their family and they head out on their honeymoon.
A honeymoon is a trip (the location depends on the couple) where the couple are alone together and allowed to bond together.
There can be other elements added to the Mexican wedding depending on different regions acorss Mexico.
Mexican Wedding Traditions
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/10/wedding-traditions_n_1955223.html
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