1 La Mantilla: Delicate lace veil rooted in history
A mantilla is a lace or silk veil that is rooted in Spanish and Latin wedding traditions.
Defined by its laced-edges and the circular shape, this airy wedding veil is worn flat at the top of the head, unlike gathered veils that drape right at the crown. The veil flows down around the shoulders in a curved line, and the lace softly frame the bride’s face in a halo-like way.
While undeniably stylish, the mantilla goes beyond being a mere fashion statement. It is often passed down through generations and is a cherished wedding gift from mother to daughter.
Deeply inspired by tradition, adding a mantilla veil adds a touch of old-world elegance and refinement to any bridal look. A quiet nod to heritage and history.
Where does the mantilla originate?
The roots of the mantilla can be found in the Catholic history of Spain. For centuries, lace veils were worn by women to church where it was considered proper to cover the head and shoulders when attending mass. If you are planning a Catholic wedding in Spain, the church might even today require you to cover your shoulders, be it with sleeves or a mantilla. Traditionally, the color of the veil indicated your marriage status: black veils for married women, while white was reserved for unmarried women.
But the mantilla is not exclusively worn by brides. Women to this day wear the veil for church celebrations, like the lavishly celebrated Semana Santa. And a revival of traditional tastes ensures that the mantilla establishes itself in modern-day fashion houses.
What is the meaning behind the mantilla?
The direct meaning of the word mantilla is fittingly “little cloak”. Originally a symbol of piety, devotion, and femininity, this graceful veil is still holds traditional meaning for couples speaking their vows in church ceremonies.
However, the symbolism and use of the mantilla has evolved over time. Brides choose to include the lace veil into their bridal attire, regardless of whether they marry in a church and regardless of their faith.
The mantilla today for many is primarily a symbol of fashion, and a nod to Spain’s tradition.
Did you know? There was a time when women in Nicaragua and Costa Rica who wore mantillas with a design different from what’s mandated by the Bishop were excommunicated from the Church!
How to incorporate a mantilla veil into your Spanish wedding
Whether you have Spanish heritage, or if you are a bride getting married in Spain who simply fell in love with the look - including a mantilla for your wedding in Spain is a beautiful way to honor the tradition.
There are two main variations of the mantilla for weddings.
- Wearing the mantilla - Today, you can choose from different mantilla styles - either black or white, shoulder or elbow length, or cathedral length that extends several feet behind you. Different types of lace and fabrics give each veil a unique feeling and look.
- Mantilla Ceremony - After the exchange of the rings, the bride and groom kneel side by side before the altar as their mothers approach them, each holding a corner of the mantilla (usually a larger, rectangular version) in their hands. The mother of the bride places the veil over her daughters head and shoulders while the mother of the groom places it on the shoulders of her son. Together they drape the couple under the veil, signifying unity and protection for the newlyweds.
Where to buy a mantilla veil and how much does it cost?
You can buy a mantilla veil all around the world and in a variety of price ranges. We do recommend to make sure you choose a well crafted veil, especially if you would like to begin a tradition of passing it down. If you have the chance to visit Spain before your wedding day, or if you arrive with a little time to spare before, consider buying your mantilla from a local Spanish Atelier.
To help you start your research, here are a few places at different price ranges where you can buy your mantilla.
- The Mantilla Company - lace veils finely handcrafted in Spain. They offer both bridal mantilla veils, as well as ceremonial mantilla veils. Prices range between €250 - €900
- L’Arca - an exclusive bridal atelier in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona with a focus on vintage-inspired fabrics and custom tailoring. Prices range between €360 - €2,800.
- Calily - good quality mantilla veils at a price brides can feel good about. Prices range between €200 - €300.
2 Black wedding dress
“Til death do us part” is the symbolism for a black wedding dress that Spanish women used to wear back in the 17th century. This was their way of showing how committed they were to their husband-to-be.
How did it start?
At a time when traditions strongly shaped women’s roles, wearing a black dress on her wedding day made perfect sense. This tradition dates as far back as the 17th century, when Spanish brides of the Catholic faith donned a black lace gown on their big day, showing their unceasing love to their grooms.
What does it mean?
While the original symbolism of brides wearing black on their wedding day was commitment, and love until death, modern brides wear this intriguing color for the opposite reason.
In modern times, a black wedding dress evokes power, independence, and uniqueness. In the 21st century, where the wedding industry is dominated by everything white, some daring brides surprised the world and opted for black wedding dresses on their big day.
Wearing a black dress on your wedding day
Go wild. Be yourself. These are the principles we’d like to leave you with when choosing a black dress for your small wedding in Spain. It could be as short or as long as you want; as formal or as casual as you wish; and as loud or as subtle as you see fit. Dress to express when incorporating a black lace gown for a touch of something Spanish on your wedding day.
Katherine & Steve's summer wedding in Spain
Katherine & Steve got married in Spain on a bright summer day. Katherine's gorgeous black wedding dress contrasted marvelously with her colorful bouquet. View Katherine & Steve's wedding
3 Azahar: Orange blossoms
Wearing orange blossoms in Spanish weddings traces back to the Moorish influence in Spain, when orange trees were introduced during the period of Al-Andalus. Because the trees flourished in regions like Seville, Andalusia, and Valencia and produced fragrant blossoms alongside fruit, they became symbols of prosperity. Over time, brides began incorporating the blossoms into their wedding attire.
How did it start?
The popularity of orange blossoms in weddings grew after Queen Victoria wore a wreath of them when she married Prince Albert in 1840 instead of a jeweled crown. The delicate white flowers came to symbolize purity, love, and a fruitful marriage. Today, brides often incorporate orange blossoms in their hair, veil, or bouquet as a subtle nod to this elegant tradition.
What does it mean?
Orange blossoms symbolize purity, fertility, and lasting love. Their white petals represent innocence, while the fruit-bearing tree signifies abundance and the hope for a fruitful marriage. Because of these meanings, the blossoms became closely associated with love, happiness, and the hope for a prosperous married life.
Orange blossoms for your wedding in Spain
The mere mention of orange blossoms already stirs excitement in brides who love something refreshing and bright for their big day. Here are various ways to incorporate orange blossoms on your big day in Spain.
Floral wreath - fresh blossoms or silk flowers
In the early 20th century, brides entwined waxed orange blossoms into opulent tiaras and hair wreaths. In your modern Spanish-inspired wedding, you can honor this tradition by wearing an orange blossom wreath or incorporating the flowers into your hairstyle or veil, much like Queen Victoria did.
In addition to your wedding bouquet or decor
Orange blossoms can also appear in bouquets, ceremony décor, or table arrangements. These subtle details bring historical elegance and symbolism to a contemporary celebration.
Orange blossom scent
The age-old custom of choosing a special perfume for the wedding day is highlighted in an article published in Vanity Fair, The Bride: Wore Orange Blosssom: A History of Wedding Day Scents. It describes how brides traditionally select a fragrance to mark the significance of the occasion, and your destination wedding in Spain deserves a unique fragrance.
Curious which scents you can choose from? Here are a few to start with:
- Diptyque - Eau de Sens
- L'Artisan - Histoire d'Orangers
- Floraiku - First Dream of The Year
4 El lanzamiento del arroz: Rice throwing tradition
This Spanish wedding tradition has deep historical roots that trace back to ancient agricultural societies. In many cultures, rice was considered a valuable staple and a powerful symbol of life. As the newlyweds walk on the aisle to exit the wedding ceremony, their guests would throw rice grains on them, wishing them good harvests and newborns.
How did it start?
Some would argue that the rice-throwing tradition did not begin in Spain at all, because the tradition was said to predate Christianity. It’s thought to have originated from the ancient Romans, since rice was an easily accessible commodity at that time. It was also one of the most important food staples, making it a fitting symbol of prosperity for the newlyweds.
What does it mean?
What’s sure is that the Spanish took this tradition to heart. Many Catholic couples getting married in the church would not miss this ceremony for the world, because it symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and abundance for their future.
The grains represent the hope that the marriage will be blessed with happiness. As the rice falls around the newlyweds, it serves as a gesture of goodwill from family and friends. It is both celebratory and symbolic of a thriving life together.
Creative alternatives to the traditional rice toss
For your wedding in Spain, you don’t really need to stick with tradition. Give your rice toss a wedding twist by asking your guests to throw something else, like some of the following.
Fragrant floral alternatives
Rose petals or mixed blooms create a romantic, fragrant shower and are eco-friendly. Lavender or other aromatic herbs are great choices since they symbolize fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.
Colorful party confetti
Paper or biodegradable confetti adds a burst of color and works well in photos. Choose from pastel, funky, or metallic shades, which can also be shiny alternatives to the more expensive sparklers.
5 Las Arras: the golden coins
In the arras matrimoniales tradition, the groom hands 13 silver or gold coins to the bride, and she gives them back to him. As they do this, they promise that whatever belongs to one will belong to the other. It’s a simple but meaningful way to show trust, sharing, and teamwork in marriage. This little ritual highlights how marriage is really about building a life together.
How did it start?
This symbolic tradition represents the promise of the groom to be the provider of the family - a principle that Spain follows as a culturally Roman Catholic country. The bride’s acceptance, on the other hand, symbolizes her entrusting of the family’s financial future to her husband-to-be.
What does it mean?
The word arras is Spanish for “earnest money” or “bride coins,” and the tradition of using coins in weddings goes way back to places like Spain and even ancient Rome. Some say it started with gold coins in Visigothic law, while others trace it to Frankish marriage customs. In ancient Rome, couples would break gold or silver into two pieces to show their promise to marry.
While the practice has diminished over time, the heart of the tradition stays the same for couples who choose to do it: it’s all about sending the newlyweds off with love, blessings, and wishes for a happy, prosperous life together.
Traditional approach versus modern twists to the gold coin tradition
Keep the gold coin tradition alive by doing it the traditional way - exchanging 13 arras to symbolize trust and shared life. Your wedding planner in Spain can advice on where you can best buy the coins you like. For a modern twist, personalize the coins with your initials, special dates, or meaningful charms. You can even choose sparkling keepsakes or unique metals to match your wedding style. Whatever you pick, make it a memorable, hands-on moment that celebrates your partnership.
6 The authentic Spanish wedding feast: Jamón, tapas, and Paella
Now, we’re getting to the deliciously exciting part - the wedding fiesta! A Spanish feast is all about bold flavors, shared plates, and festive vibes. For your wedding in Spain, it could be slices of various savory food, but never ever miss the melt-in-your-mouth jamón, colorful tapas bursting with flavor, and a steaming pan of paella!
How did it start?
Let’s take a look at the origins of our top three Spanish wedding feast elements
Spanish jamon has been around for centuries, dating back to the Celts and Romans, who discovered that salting and drying pork preserved it. Today, Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérica - from white and Iberian pigs - are popular in regions like Andalusia and Extremadura. It’s a delicious staple that’s as much history as it is flavor.
Spanish tapas originated in Andalusia, where bars would serve small snacks alongside drinks to keep guests from getting too tipsy. The word tapa actually means “cover,” because the snacks were often placed on top of the glass. Over time, tapas became a beloved way to share food, flavors, and conversation.
Spanish paella comes from Valencia, where it started as a simple farmers’ and laborers’ dish cooked over an open fire. Traditionally made with rice, vegetables, and local meats or seafood, it was a hearty meal to share. Over time, paella became a festive centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations, like weddings!
Enjoying the feast like the locals
In Spain, food is the heart of every celebration. From savory jamón and colorful tapas to sizzling paella, meals are meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed with friends and family. Every dish tells a story, blending local flavors, tradition, and joy. Celebrations here aren’t just about eating. they’re about gathering, laughing, and making memories around the table. Make your wedding feast a celebration that’s as much about food as it is about fun, laughter, and gathering around the table with loved ones.
7 Sequidillas Manchegas: A Spanish wedding folk dance to cap your big day
End your wedding on a lively note with the Sequidillas Manchegas, a traditional Spanish folk dance full of energy and charm. Here’s how it’s done: Your guests dance as partners, spinning and clapping to the cheerful rhythms. For the most exciting part, the partners separate, two lines are formed, and a dance match begins! Above is a video showing how the traditional wedding dance is performed, and why we recommend it as a fun, unforgettable way to cap your micro wedding in Spain.
How did it start?
The Sequidillas Manchegas comes from the La Mancha region of Spain, famous for its windmills and vibrant folk traditions. Originally a dance performed at local festivals and community gatherings, it eventually became a festive staple for weddings and celebrations, bringing everyone together in rhythm and cheer.
How to incorporate Spanish dance into your wedding day
Incorporating culture is one of our couple, Sabrina and Aditya’s, non-negotiables. After their Hindu ceremony in one of our top wedding venues in Spain, the couple performed a traditional dance with local instructors, ensuring that they add a Spanish flair to their celebration in Cádiz.
Spain's wedding traditions are as rich and varied as the country itself — and the beauty is, there are no rules. Take the ones that speak to you, leave the ones that don't, and make your celebration entirely your own. Don’t hesitate to ask our wedding planner in Spain for help as you weave these touches into a day that feels genuinely, beautifully yours.
Planning your Spanish destination wedding
Weave in Spanish culture when you plan your destination wedding in Spain. Our all-inclusive wedding packages help you make planning your wedding from abroad stress-free and let you focus on all the fun decisions of wedding planning.