The Bridal Wear

The traditional, Old World Spanish bridal gown was black. The bridal gown was usually made of silk, and if the brides family could not afford silk they used black, crepe fabric material instead. The brides cathedral length or chapel length veil, was usually made of black meshing that was then covered in hand-sewn, traditional Spanish lace. These long flowing, and dramatically detailed veils are still a time honored tradition. In some remote areas of Spain, brides still wear black bridal wear. However, most modern Spanish maidens prefer to wear antique white, blush or white colored bridal gowns.

The Veil

Mantilla veils are beautiful masterpieces of art. Seamstresses cut the hand-crafted veil on a bias. This creates a sweeping over-the-shoulders look, while it drapes softly against the brides face. A hair comb is then sewn at the top of the veil, to safeguard the desire look and keep the veil in place. If you like this style, but would prefer a shorter veil; Mantilla veils can be purchased or made in the length that is best suited for you.

I highly suggest you try one on for size. Most Mantilla style veils are really quite stunning, and they look great on any size face.

The Bridesmaid Dress

Traditionally Spanish weddings are a festive affair.  The usually begin in the late afternoon hours, and last well on into the night.  They are a delightful, fun-loving, robust affair. Featuring traditional fiesta music;  which can be heard by the live accompaniment of the Flamenco guitar music, being paraded in the air.   Most Spanish brides have on average, five or more bridesmaid standing beside them when they say, "I do." The Spanish tradition of bridesmaid selection is famous the world over, especially in the USA.  A Spanish bridesmaid is usually a fair maiden, who also happens to be a close family member of either the groom or bride's family.

Traditions

Traditionally Spanish weddings are a large gathering of friends and family members, who have come to celebrate the coming together of two souls, in high fashion. Men suit up in their best Sunday suit, and ladies in their best cocktail dress. If you wear a strapless dress to the wedding, custom also calls for you to cover your shoulders up with a shawl.  This way, you have just avoided any disrespectful wrong doing, in front of the Catholic clergymen.  

In certain areas of Spain like Catalonia for example, follow a basic script of ceremony traditions that are deeply rooted in their culture, and religion.  The wedding celebrations usually begin at the groom's home, or the home of his Godmother.   It is here, where the grooms family members will gather first.  Usually his attendants are present with him also.  The bridegroom's family will host a small meal for the groom and his attendants, to snack on before arriving at the church. When they're all ready to leave for the church, family members gather outside to shoot off fireworks and rockets to announce their departure from family's home.  The groom's Godmother then accompanies the groom to the home of his future bride.  The bride is then escorted by her Godfather, to meet him outside.  The two will greet each other, and get ready to head off to the church in style.  Before the party starts to leave for the church, the groom presents his bride with a gift of thirteen gold Spanish coins.  These coins are then carried down the aisle, where they are blessed by the Priest for prosperity.  The groom always leave first for the church,  with his Godmother in tow.  With another tradition filled, the groom is then walked down the bridal aisle by his mother.

Formal Catholic Church weddings can last up to a hour or more. The are usually performed during the ritual full mass ceremony. The bride and grooms also exchange rings during the ceremony. However, unlike most Spanish couples exchange rings, and place them on the right hand of the bride, and the right hand of the groom. When decorating the church or reception area with flowers, lots of Orange Blossoms are used arrangements and spread through out the festival. Orange blossoms have been a longstanding Spanish bridal favorite, because the represent fulfillment, wealth, and happiness, since they bloom and bear fruit at the same time. When you leave the church ceremony, don't be surprised or alarmed. Just prepare yourself for rice throwing, in conjunction with large firecracker blasts, and firework rockets booming in the evening air.

At the reception, Spanish fans flapping back and forth, cooling off young ladies happily flirting with friends- can be seen everywhere. Amongst the crowd of happy-go-lucky guest, live music fills the room. Spanish wedding receptions are notoriously fiesta, lavish gatherings. It usually takes the bride and groom awhile before getting to the reception to sit down and eat, so guest are served a variety of different appetizers. Such as Tapas, or an Artichoke Flower stuffed with Iberico Ham in a clam sauce. Seafood is usually the best choice as the main course. Dishes made with great care, are served as soon as the newlyweds are announced, and seated. The cake is served as dessert. Staying true to the folklore, Spanish wedding cakes are cut by the newlyweds with a sword. Another fun activity is when all the unwed, single maidens are giving a corsage pin to wear upside down. If the pin falls out of her attire, sometime during the night, she is believed to be the next one to be married. After dessert is served, the bride could also toss her bouquet. After the ritual dances between the bride and groom, and parents- the band will begin to livin' up the party with the traditional "seguidillas manchegas", and present the newlyweds with a monetary gift.

After the bride and groom has stayed to see their very last guest off, they are sent to a remote quiet place to rest. Many Spanish couples stay right there in Spain during their honeymoon. Celebrating their new lives together somewhere off the Canary Islands, Barcelona, or somewhere else remotely located.

Honeymoon

"Spain is a country of romance and great natural beauty as well as variety. From beautiful island resorts such as Mallorca to hip cities such as of Barcelona, the variety of options is staggering. Wine country, beaches, museums and shopping all can be woven into a marvelous honeymoon to Spain. The towns and villages that have developed over the centuries on the volcanic archipelago are as diverse as its geography. Large towns like Las Palmas on Gran Canaria are full of architectural and historical treasures. Maspalomas on the same island is a vibrant beach resort blessed with golden sands. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a huge urban sprawl, throbs with life and can boast the second most energetic Carnival after that of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. A short distance away is Laguna, a university town that retains many of the old colonial buildings. Remote seaside villages like Puerta de Nieves on Gran Canarias northern coast gather around tiny harbours. Agricultural centres like Icod de los Vinas on Tenerife sit quietly amongst fertile vineyards"—www.worldweddingtraditions.com for your free honeymoon inquiry.

Artichoke Flower Stuffed with Ibérico Ham in Clam Sauce Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 oz wafer thin slices of Ibérico ham

2 lb artichokes

Olive oil for frying

Clam sauce:

1 lb clams

1 onion

1/2 cup olive oil

Parsley, broad leafed

The tip of a bay leaf

1/2 tsp sweet pimentón de la Vera (paprika)

1/2 tsp hot pimentón de la Vera (paprika)

1/2 cup white wine

1 level tbsp flour

1 cup water

Salt

Preparation:

Clam sauce: Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the chopped onion and parsley. When the onion is beginning to turn brown, add the flour and stir without letting it darken. Remove from the heat, add the pimentón and bay leaf. Sprinkle with the wine and water, season and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Wash and drain the clams, add to the sauce, cover the pan and leave over the heat for the clams to open. Check the seasoning.

Artichokes: Wash the artichokes, remove the hard outside leaves and cut off the tips. Deep fry in oil that is not too hot so that they cook inside and open up into a flower shape. Fill the inside with the wafers of iberico ham and serve with the clams and the sauce.

Recipe courtesy of Spain GourmeTour magazine.