When: In the evening around 9 p.m.
Attire: The bride might don a brightly colored, Flamenco-style dress with ruffles at the hem. But the groom gets off easy: Rather than sweating to death in a tux, he’ll most likely wear a guayabera. This light, short-sleeved shirt is not only perfect for tropical temperatures; it’s a Latin symbol of masculine elegance. Some guys take this to the nth degree by dressing like a matador, with a bolero and those cute, snug-fitting pants.
Activities: During the ceremony, the groom offers his bride 13 gold coins, called arras, which stand for Christ and his apostles (or you could just say they represent a groom’s promise to keep you knee-deep in furs and all sorts of other finery). Following the vows, the priest wraps a lasso, a large rosary, or a band of flowers in a figure eight around the couple to symbolize their eternal unity.
The Food: Spicy rice, beans, and tortillas. Save room for the wedding cake, which is made with nuts and dried fruit - and soaked in enough rum to get everyone slurring during their toasts.
The Music: As the bride and groom dance, guests gather around in the shape of a heart. Then things can get a little saucy: The couple forms an arch with their upheld arms, and single women dancing la vibora (the snake dance) pass through until the couple captures one of them. Then the single guys dance until one gets caught and lays claim to the bride’s garter belt. You know what happens from there.
Added Perk: Bridal servants called madrinas (godmothers) are at your beck and call, making the plans and arranging bouquets -- so you don’t need to lift a finger.