DR wedding traditions

[MexicoBeachBride2010]

I love the sand ceremony and I am doing that in my wedding. Google sand ceremony and there is a site that gives an extensive explaination and even possible wording for you to use in your ceremony.

[khomac]

My FI is Dominican. He said that there isn't really any traditions (broom jumping, smashing glass). I mentioned the coin thing and he said that it's a catholic thing. I asked about the sand ceremony, he said that is normal.

 

He also asked me something about the Godparents. He said that they normally only have 1 groomsman, and 1 MOH, plus the flower girl and ring boy.

 

Looking at that website that was provided earlier Dominican Republic Marriage, Funeral, New Years and Last Names Traditions it sounds like this is exactly what he was talking about.

[lesandlynda]

Unity sand is quite a popular tradition practiced in many countries, so not exclusive to any one.

There are Dominican Republic wedding traditions which are unique to our country.

 

 

Bridesmaids and large wedding parties are not the norm here. Having a cute little ring

bearer and flower girl is. Many times they dress the same as the bride and groom, in smaller scale.

 

Having "padrinos and madrinas" (godparents of the wedding) is very traditional. The

godparents are usually the mother of the groom and the father of the bride and their role is to serve as witnesses. Along with the couple, the godparents also sign the marriage certificate.

 

Another tradition is to have a child (usually a boy) carry the "arras" or coins on a silver

tray. The boy would have 13 coins (they are usually 10 peso coins) that at some point

during the ceremony will be passed to the priest. The priest will pass them to the groom and he in turn will pass them to the bride. This exchange signifies that the couple pledges to provide for each other and that material goods are to be shared equally. The whole thing is very symbolic and is quite romantic.

 

Another Dominican tradition is to have what is called a "ceremonia cantada" meaning that every piece of music was actually sung, instead of being just instrumental.

 

Hope this helps with your decision making process.....let me know if I can help any further........all the best!

[shoyum]

Great info! I'll have to check out that link! Thanks.