Mexican Traditions

Mexican Tradition
A traditional couple getting married are sponsored, financially, by their Godparents, to act as padrinos, sponsors of the wedding. They are mentors to the bride and groom throughout their engagement, and even after they are married so they are honored with a place in the wedding program. The padrinos may present the couple with a rosary and a Bible during their wedding ceremony.

During the marriage vows, a white ribbon or rosary, called a "lasso", is wrapped around the necks of the couple, which represents their joining. It is customary for a groom to give his wife a wedding present of thirteen gold coins, which are then blessed by the priest during the marriage ceremony, representing the groom's commitment to support his new wife.

As the newlyweds leave the church, red beads may be tossed at them, to bring good luck.

At the wedding reception, all the guests will join hands and form a heart shape around the newly married couple as they have their first dance. At a traditional reception, it is customary for the guests to form a heart around the newlyweds, as they begin their first dance as husband and wife.

A paper maché container known as a piñata is suspended from the ceiling at wedding receptions. It will be shaped like a heart or an animal. Filled with candy, it is hung by a string and swatted at by children. When it breaks, the candy falls out and is shared among the guests.

The wedding cake is, usually, a fruit cake that has been soaked in rum.

source: World Wedding Traditions