The Wedding Day

What to expect on the big day

The happy couple are not too sure either. As they live between two languages and cultures: English and Spanish, and among three countries: England, South Africa and Spain – what will come out of that mishmash, may only make sense with a lot of wine. 

What is for sure, is that they want you have an amazing time. Below is the timings for the wedding, so far, and some of the differences between an English and Spanish wedding.

The Spanish wedding and some of its traditions.

  • The groom is not required to ask the bride-to-be’s parents for their blessing. Dylan only learned this after a very confusing translation session with Almudena’s parents – it ended well though.
  • Once engaged, the happy couple don’t call each other “fiancé”/ “fiancée”. Almudena does call Dylan “buttface” which is Spanish for “fiancé” – or so I am told.
  • The bride and groom call the groom’s mother, “la madrina” (the godmother) and the bride’s father is “el padrino” (the godfather). They not only walk their child down the aisle, but they stand next to them throughout the ceremony.
  • The bride and groom are accompanied by kids who carry the rings and 13 coins, “arras”. These coins symbolise everything they are going to share.
  • The Spanish wedding does not have bridesmaids or groomsmen and they don’t have speeches by the groomsmen – or anyone for that matter. A welcomed tradition as there may therefore be a lack of embarrassing stories shared.
  • Get ready to stuff your face and dance like you’ve never danced before! Weddings finish late, and as this is a morning/afternoon wedding we will be done at 01.00 am, but you can always go on to party in the town.
  • The band will probably show off some “flamenco” choreography as no wedding in Andalucía would be complete without some Spanish dance moves.
  • In Spain, gifts are given in the form of money that is usually the equivalent of covering the cost of the meal at the wedding – which nobody knows and everyone just guesses – fun, eh?! Having said this, please don’t feel like you have to do this, the important thing for us is your presence.
  • The guests’ outfits in Spain are very important. Spaniards really go all out for weddings. There are different guidelines for morning/afternoon weddings and evening wedding attire. For morning weddings such as the one on the 19th October 2019, women often will wear a fascinator. A long or maxi dresses should not be worn in morning unless you’re the bride or “la madrina”. Guys, it’s just a suit.

Thank you for being a big part of our lives and we cannot wait to celebrate with you.