Puerto Rican wedding traditions are a unique combination of customs, values, and ceremonies rooted in ancient times and combined with modern trends. If you are an international couple and want to know how a Puerto Rican wedding is organized, you will definitely need to learn a few insights about the ceremony and reception. What is a Puerto Rican tradition? From a wedding reception to roasted pork during dinner — check out all the particularities of the combination of Latin cultures in Puerto Rican weddings.
What People Do Before a Puerto Rican Traditional Wedding
One of the sweetest Puerto Rican traditions is to publish a wedding announcement in the local paper or post it at the church’s newsstand before the wedding ceremony. This way, the whole community knows what’s coming. Once the wedding ceremony planning starts, the bride’s parents usually cover most of the costs since they are the ones initiating the celebration.
The groom’s side often steps in for the rehearsal dinner — that one’s on them. And just before saying “I do,” the couple meets up with the priest or church representative to walk through how the Puerto Rican wedding ceremony will go. It helps sort out all the final details and keeps everyone on the same page. Simple, warm, and full of meaningful moments — even before the Puerto Rican wedding capias, these days are full of memorable moments for a couple’s parents and all the family members.
Traditional Puerto Rican Wedding Dress and Suit
Before learning wedding traditions in Puerto Rico, you will need to find out everything about the bride’s dress. You can’t help but admire the mix of vibrant culture and cultural elements in a traditional Puerto Rican wedding look. What to wear to a wedding in Puerto Rico?
- For a bride
One of the Puerto Rican wedding customs is to dress the beautiful bride so that everyone will be left in awe. And, yes, Puerto Rican brides look chic on their special days. A local bride usually wears a classic white gown, dressed up with lace and soft embroidery. Long sleeves, a fitted top, and a big, flowing skirt often steal the show. It is a style that brings in Spanish roots while still feeling light and perfect for the warm island atmosphere. Some dresses may include colorful attire, which is popular at Puerto Rican weddings.
- For a groom
When it comes to a groom, he keeps things cool but posh, just like any macho man from Latin America. Sometimes you will see a full suit, but more often, he throws on a guayabera, that light, airy shirt made from linen or cotton. It comes straight from the unique wedding traditions of the Caribbean Islands and combines well with smart trousers and dress shoes, typical modern trends. Never do grooms look overdressed during a wedding date, but they always pull off a clean, polished look that fits the tropical setting just perfectly.
Puerto Rican Marriage Traditions: Ceremony
All potential Latina wives are waiting for this day, the ceremony. Wedding favors, wedding coins, and vows are just some unique elements of a Puerto Rican wedding ceremony. Typically, it takes place in the church or one of the historical sites. Nevertheless, some couples get even more creative and organize Puerto Rican weddings on the roofs of buildings and in courtyards. The location may be different. There are even boat ceremonies!
Some of the most touching Puerto Rican wedding traditions are right during the ceremony. Couples exchange rings and receive blessings, share gold coins (las arras), say a rosary prayer, give a special offering to the Virgin Mary, and receive a final blessing before they leave as husband and wife.
But before all that, the processional sets the tone. The groom usually arrives first. He greets the guests, walking in with his parents and groomsmen. Then it’s time for the bridesmaids and the flower girl to make their entrance. And finally, the bride walks in, arm-in-arm with her father, who is about to give her away to the man she has chosen to marry. Another great tradition at the ceremony is a wedding lasso, a decorative cord or rosary looped in a figure-eight shape. It usually symbolizes the spiritual protection for the couple.
The couple says the vows to each other, takes rings from the ring bearer, and kisses. This is a magical time for everyone. The groom’s and the bride’s family congratulate them on their special day and give the priest blessings. After that, the traditional Puerto Rican wedding proceeds to the reception. The groom’s family, the bride’s parents, and all the guests proceed with the couple.
Puerto Rico Wedding Traditions: Wedding Reception
The wedding celebration party in Puerto Rico is usually vivid and dynamic, with their natural passion and affection. Money dance, wedding party, eating a cake topper, listening to Ave Maria — these are just some parts of Puerto Rican culture during the reception.
- Father-daughter dance. The first dance is a touching moment that starts the evening and gets everyone in their feelings. Usually, it is Danza Criolla.
- Main reception table. Often reserved for the newlyweds and close family. It’s where the spotlight quietly stays. The groom’s parents start the table first.
- Puerto Rican waltz. At some point, couples hit the floor with this graceful dance that brings the room together. Guests also adore this one of the most dynamic Puerto Rican wedding customs.
- Bride’s bouquet. Female guests adore many Puerto Rican wedding customs, but this is their favorite one. Ladies gather for a fun moment, hoping to be next. This is the most awaited wedding tradition.
- Crazy hour (La Hora Loca). Things get wild here. Masks, glow sticks, and upbeat music take over — pure energy and lively music! The dance floor is booming.
- Wedding cake. It is one of the sweetest and most symbolic Puerto Rican wedding traditions. The top layers are usually saved for the first anniversary.
- Guest gifts table. Everyone leaves with a little thank-you, often something handmade or tied to the couple’s story.
After the reception, the groom presents something special to his significant other. It may be a wedding gown or some accessory for the first night. This is one of those Puerto Rican wedding traditions that brides wait for most of all after the wedding ceremony and reception.
Puerto Rican Wedding Food: What Does It Symbolize?
You can definitely count on some mouthwatering Puerto Rican dishes at the wedding since the delicious food is a part of Puerto Rican marriage culture. The food is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Guests usually start off with beef-filled alcapurrias, and crispy fritters made with green plantains. Then comes the main feast: roasted pork with rice and beans, served with plantains cooked in various ways. Late into the night, after hours of dancing and drinks, rice with pigeon peas and a bowl of chicken soup often appears — something warm to bring everyone back to life.
Puerto Rican wedding favors big tables and sweet drinks. And let’s not forget the drinks. Rum always steals the show. You will see mojitos in tropical flavors like passionfruit, coconut, watermelon, rum piña coladas, cafe con leche (coffee with milk), and fruity schnapps cocktails. If the wedding falls in winter, there is a good chance you will spot coquito — a sweet mix of rum, milk, and egg. It might be piraguas — shaved ice cones soaked in rum in summer. And to wrap things up, guests often sip café con leche with a slice of wedding cake. Simple, sweet, and straight from the heart.
Final Word About Puerto Rico Dating and Marriage
Puerto Rican weddings are full of little touches that make the day feel personal and meaningful. At the head table, you might spot handcrafted cups passed down as an heirloom — a sweet nod to family tradition. Guests often receive small gifts, like keepsakes or treats wrapped in a doll’s skirt, as a thank-you for being present on the special day.
The menu usually brings out the best of the island, with arroz con gandules and plenty of green plantains cooked just right. It is common for the groom and his family to help organize the food or share a special dish from their side.
These traditions might feel simple, but many brides and grooms pour their hearts and souls into the celebration of their wedding day. This is the start of their married life, and they want everything to be smooth and chic.
