Your guide for the wedding of
Guest guide
What to wear to a wedding in Spain, and everything else to know
When things happen, what to pack for the month, the traditions you will see and the gift question. Written by a wedding filmmaker who spends every summer at Spanish weddings.
The day
A Spanish wedding runs late
- Midday or early evening
The ceremony
Many ceremonies start around midday or, in summer, from about six or seven in the evening, when the heat drops. Arrive a little early: the couple will not wait long.
- Straight after
Rice, petals and a long drinks reception
Guests throw rice or petals as the couple walks out. Then comes the cóctel: drinks and plenty of small dishes, often for an hour or more. It is not the meal yet, so pace yourself.
- Late
Dinner
Dinner usually starts later than guests from the UK, Ireland or the US expect, and it runs long, with several courses and speeches along the way.
- Well past midnight
The party
After the first dance the open bar starts and the dance floor fills. Spanish parties run late, and a late-night snack, the recena, often appears in the small hours.
What to wear
Dressing for the month
May and June
Warm days and cooler nights, especially by the sea. Light suits, midi or long dresses and a wrap or jacket for after dark.
July and August
Hot, especially inland and in Andalusia; evenings on the coast are milder. Linen and light cotton, breathable fabrics, sunglasses and a fan for the ceremony.
September and October
Still warm, with softer light and earlier sunsets. A light layer for the evening is worth packing.
Winter weddings
Mild on the coast and in the islands, cold inland at night. Dress as for a smart evening at home, with a proper coat.
- Leave white and ivory to the bride.
- Evening weddings in Spain lean formal: long dresses are common, and men usually wear a suit and tie.
- Daytime weddings allow shorter dresses; headpieces and hats are a classic for morning ceremonies.
- Estates and gardens mean grass and gravel. Block heels or wedges will carry you through the night.
- In a church it is respectful to cover your shoulders during the ceremony.
Traditions
What you will see
Las arras
Thirteen coins blessed and passed between the couple during the ceremony, a promise to share what they have.
¡Vivan los novios!
Somebody shouts "long live the couple" and everyone answers "¡Vivan!". Join in; it will happen more than once.
¡Que se besen!
At dinner, guests chant and bang the table until the couple kisses.
Small gifts for guests
The couple often hands out detalles, little gifts to thank their guests, sometimes during dinner.
The bouquet
Rather than throwing it, many brides give the bouquet to someone special, with a few words.
The groom’s tie
In some places friends cut the groom’s tie into pieces and sell them to guests, and the money goes to the couple.
Practical
Before you fly
Gifts
In Spain guests usually give money rather than presents, by bank transfer or in an envelope. At an international wedding, follow what the couple asks on their invitation.
Heat and sun
Sunscreen, water and shade before an outdoor ceremony. Hats for daytime, a fan for everyone.
Getting there and back
Estates are often outside town. Check whether the couple has arranged a coach, and book a taxi home in advance if not.
Pace yourself
From the ceremony to the last song can be ten hours or more. Eat at the drinks reception and keep some energy for the party.
A few words of Spanish
¡Enhorabuena! (congratulations), ¡Salud! (cheers), ¡Vivan los novios! (long live the couple). They go a long way.
For couples
Make this guide yours
Add your names, your date and your venue, and I will email you a personal link to this guide with your details at the top. Forward it to your guests or put it on your wedding website.
Guest questions
What should men wear to a wedding in Spain?
A suit and tie for most weddings, in lighter fabrics such as linen or light wool in summer. Daytime and beach weddings can be more relaxed, but follow the dress code on the invitation.
What should women wear to a wedding in Spain?
Long dresses are common for evening weddings; shorter dresses work well during the day. Avoid white and ivory, and choose shoes that cope with grass and gravel.
How long does a Spanish wedding last?
Often ten hours or more from the ceremony to the last song. Dinner starts late and the party usually goes well past midnight.
What time does a Spanish wedding start?
Many start around midday or in the early evening, especially in summer. The time on the invitation is the time to be seated.
Do guests give money at a Spanish wedding?
Yes, money is the usual gift in Spain, by transfer or in an envelope. At an international wedding, follow what the couple suggests.
Can I wear white to a wedding in Spain?
No. As at home, white and ivory are for the bride.