What to say to the couple
At the party
If it's your own wedding
A few lines in Spanish in your speech will be the moment your new family talks about for years. Keep it short, and practice it slowly.
More help with the speech: how to give a toast in Spanish.
Traditions you'll see
- Padrinos and madrinas: sponsors who often pay for or give part of the wedding: the rings, the cake, the music. You'll hear them thanked by name.
- El lazo (Mexico): a large rosary or cord placed around the couple's shoulders in a figure eight, a symbol of their union.
- Las arras: thirteen coins the groom gives the bride, a promise to provide for the home.
- La víbora de la mar (Mexico): a fast, chaotic line dance where guests run under the couple's joined arms. Join in, hold on tight.
- The money dance: guests pin money on the couple or pay to dance with them. Bring small bills.
- La hora loca (Colombia): the "crazy hour" late in the night, with costumes, masks, and loud music.
- Capias (Puerto Rico): small ribbon keepsakes with the couple's names, pinned on guests.
Wedding coming up?
Get the 10 rescue phrases and a checklist counting down to the big day.
- All 10 rescue phrases as a PDF, with pronunciation
- A week-by-week checklist for your date
Want these phrases built around their family?
Familia Ready turns their real names, their food, and your story into a short Spanish countdown timed to the day you see them. 10–15 minutes a day, made for beginners.
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What do you say to the bride and groom in Spanish?
¡Muchas felicidades! (congratulations) and Les deseo toda la felicidad del mundo (I wish you all the happiness in the world).
What does ¡Vivan los novios! mean?
Long live the newlyweds! It's shouted during toasts, and everyone answers ¡Vivan!
What are padrinos at a Mexican wedding?
Sponsors, usually close family or friends, who pay for or give part of the wedding, like the rings, the lasso, or the cake.
What is la víbora de la mar?
A fast line dance at Mexican weddings where guests run under the couple's joined arms, trying not to get knocked over.