Rather than having a maid of honor and best man, the bride's father and the groom's mother typically escort the couple in and stand with them during the religious ceremony.
This is after they've handled the legal part, or civil ceremony, first. The church wedding is usually held the same day but not always.
While the tradition of having "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" is found here also, the something blue is usually a blue petticoat under the dress. Don't know that I've ever seen a blue petticoat in the U.S. Forget a wedding reception that lasts just a couple of hours...Argentines like to party all night long! The typical reception begins at 10 p.m. and goes until 6 a.m., ending with a continental style breakfast.
And you won't find little finger foods either. People who party all night need fortification! Food is plentiful and substantial.
Today most receptions are held in a salón de eventos. It's not exactly a restaurant - you rent the place and the catering, service, DJ, everything is included. They organize the timing of the party - serving several different courses between times to dance (appetizer, dancing, first course, dancing, so on). Dancing begins with a waltz by the bride and groom, then the bride and her father, and then other people join in. Once the waltz is over, modern and/or "oldies" from the bride and groom's teenage years are played. It's becoming more and more popular to have carnaval carioca with Brazilian music at the end.A different take on a common tradition, the bride wears multiple garters and gives them away to the single women in the party. In some cases, the new husband has to take off the garters - one by one - and put them on the legs of single women. Awkward!
Another tradition is to have lots of ribbons on top of the cake. Before cutting it, each of the single women take one of the ribbons and pull. The ribbons have trinkets tied to the ends. One is a ring and the whoever pulls it is supposed to be the next to get married (similar to catching the bouquet).
And because Argentina is a country of immigrants just like the U.S., you'll have odd little traditions popping up that represent the couple's heritage...be it French, Italian, German, whatever.
This is what I've uncovered after just an hour or so of research. Anyone have anything to add? I hoped to find information about wedding traditions of the indigenous Indians in the north but haven't been successful yet.
My homework assignment doesn't stop with this research. In coming days I'll have to interview those who provide different services, develop a calendar/schedule complete with a budget, and track down all the items that would be needed for a full-fledged wedding.
I'd hate for all this work to go to waste. You remember that we have to get married here, right? Argentina doesn't recognize our marriage license from the U.S. so... Couldn't get my hubby to renew his vows on our 25th, but our 30th is coming up! ☺
9 comments:
From Roz : Sounds like a fun project. I just got done making mints for a friend who is getting married the end of May. I will have to tell her about some of the things you found. Rachel is going to be the flower girl.
Very interesting. I think the part of the parents standing with the couple is a nice idea. On the other hand - the garters? Not so much!
when I was in Romania last year, I found that Saturday is wedding day. All these wedding parties parade down to the city hall and have a civil service. Once one group is done the next goes in....and it is a long parade with musicians,etc. Then they go to the church to be married, then the drive through the city honking (saturdays are very loud) and then have a big party!
Will you party all night at your next wedding?
you've got a big assignment...old and new ideas, the blue petticoat is beautiful!
they are a fun loving people, aren't they. i would not be able to party all night, how do the hosting parents handle it? oh, they've got great coffee there too! maybe that's why they love strong coffee :)
you'll have to post pics from your upcoming wedding!! let un know when so we can help celebrate your "legalization"
Weddings are fun and a lot of work...sounds like more work in Argentina than any where.
It reminds me of the large/long weddings in Jesus' time!
The all-nighter might be a problem for you...maybe spread it out over a weekend :) And if you need attendants, now that Mike isn't working, maybe we could come down and help out.
Just jokin', better yet, save all your ideas for Tina in some future time.
Ya'll still aren't married?!
WOW! they don't recognize your wedding, that's weird!!!!!
Cool facts about the traditions, don't know if i could stay up and party all night long. I'd be the one sleeping over in the corner!
Blessings
Robin
Wow, very interesting. I really like the part about the ribbons in the cake. Very clever. I love learning about other cultural traditions and how they differ from ours here in the U.S.
Thanks for popping over to my blog too. Your new yarn collection will grow, I'm sure of it. At least you didn't have to feel guilty about your purchase since you didn't have any. Even if you had given it all away. I'm sure your daughter will enjoy it.
Teresa
Post a Comment