Spanish Word for Wedding

The Spanish word "boda" means wedding in English.

Weddings are big affairs in Spain. It is typical to find the entire extended family and the whole village turn out to celebrate. Traditional Spanish weddings can have 200 guests or more.

A traditional wedding custom consisted of the groom presenting the bride with 13 coins which were known as arras (unity coins). This represented his commitment to support her. However, times have changes and coins are exchanged today as a symbol of the wealth and finances they will eventually share.

The wedding ring is worn on the ring finger on the right hand in Spain.

Spanish weddings do not include bridesmaids or groomsmen. The couple stands together at the altar with no one else in attendance. There is no Best Man or Maid of Honor. It is also traditional for the groom's mother to accompany him down the aisle.

At the reception, the top table is traditionally set for 6; the bride, the groom, and their parents. There are also no speeches given at Spanish weddings.

They can be extremely noisy events with plenty of loud firecrackers going off once the happy couple emerge from the church. Rice is still traditionally thrown, along with flower petals.