Costa Rican Wedding 

Perfect Wedding Plan - The Costa Rican Stlye

Everywhere across the world, people adore weddings, irrespective of the cultural, racial, and religious differences. Weddings tend to bring people together and is an occasion that symbolizes love and affection between couples. The unification of two people in holy matrimony is celebrated differently from place to place, making each event special. The diversity of weddings begins right from the planning of the event to the execution of the organizer's dreams during the wedding day. You need to put into consideration every little detail of the wedding plans for a successful event that will be memorable, not only to the bride and groom but to the wedding guests as well.

The complexities of weddings are what make them so unique. One of the most intricately planned and exciting weddings that you should check out if you are planning for one is the Costa Rican wedding. The Central American country's proximity close to the equator makes the weather hot throughout the year, one of the most significant contributors to every aspect of the Costa Rican wedding. The wedding set up in Costa Rica has a lot of similarities to those held in the United States, especially matters relating to the religious and cultural customs. The splendid Costa Rican beaches and lush jungles are some of the designated wedding venues in the country, although some weddings take place in churches.

Costa Rican Wedding Traditions

The similarities of wedding traditions between the United States and Costa Rica are is exemplified in the wedding preparation for the execution of the plans during the wedding day. Many of the weddings in the country have a linkage to the Christian faith; a tradition passed down the ages.

One of the most notable traditional customs of the Costa Rican people just before the wedding is arguably the highlight of the pre-wedding preparations. During this unique tradition, the groom, accompanied by a group of friends and a band in tow, visits the bride's home to present a sweet serenade. In many instances, the groom will give the wife-to-be a sweet-smelling rose, a romantic gesture on its own.

Another notable custom during the wedding nuptials occurs during the reception. The Costa Rican wedding reception is usually a bevy of activity, with loud, traditional music blasting in the background and revelers singing and dancing to the tunes. The most common dancing style is one that is locally known as the Money Dance, which involves the wedding pinning money on their garments, which symbolizes payment for the chance to dance with the bride and groom. The displayed money is then collected and gifted to the newlyweds to start them off on their marriage journey. The Money Dance traditions find its origin in Italy.

The Wedding Attire

Just like in the United States wedding processions, the bride in the Costa Rican weddings comes adorned in classic white gowns. The white dress usually symbolizes the purity of the bride. In many instances, the bride's face is covered with a veil to shelter her from people's stares.

The groom taking part in the Costa Rican wedding wears a classic and stylish tuxedo and matching shoes. The guests at the wedding come wearing outstanding, colorful outfits befitting the special occasion.

The Wedding Procession

The Costa Rican wedding is usually set in a pre-selected venue that is precisely arranged and organized for the special event. Family and friends are welcome to join in on the wedding proceeds. The wedding can either be set at an indoor or outdoor space, with common outdoor spaces, including the prime Costa Rican beaches next to the Pacific Ocean. Other people prefer the serenity presented by church weddings.

Family and friends gather to witness the exchange of vows of the bride and groom, which in most cases, are presided by a priest or church official. After the unification, the bride will throw her bouquet to the single female guests while the groom will shoot his garter to the unmarried male guests. The lucky singles who manages to catch the bouquet or the garter are destined to be next in line for a wedding, as custom dictates.

As the newlyweds leave the wedding venue, rice is thrown over their heads, which symbolizes good luck as they begin their new lives as married couples.

The Wedding Reception

The Costa Rican wedding reception is full of merrymaking, with music, dance, and feasting marking the highlights of the event. The bride and groom have a chance to mingle with friends and family and have unlimited fun. The wedding reception can also feature a wedding cake which the couple cut and shares with everyone present. Live music is usually performed at weddings after-party, with family and friends mingling together in the merrymaking. The live music in the receptions coms composed of guitarists, in-house DJs to mix up local songs, or a live band on the stage. The live band is always willing to sing to any pre-selected songs picked by the guests to make the occasion even more entertaining and unique.

The typical meal at the wedding reception is known locally as Casados, which translates to "marriages'. The Casados include foods like plantains, plenty of meat in different forms and preparation, the mouthwatering Gallo Pinto, and salad. Seafood is also a standard menu on many Costa Rican wedding receptions. Drinks are also available aplenty during the receptions that include wine, beer, and vodka, among many other local favorites. The merrymaking, partying, and drinking usually extends deep into the night, with some taking place until dawn, marking a memorable occasion.

The Costa Rican wedding is full of fun, and merrymaking, a combination of ancient traditions, cultures, and religion with a touch of modernization. If you are looking for a unique wedding that will get everyone talking, then the Costa Rican wedding is the definite choice. Every aspect of the Costa Rican wedding is unique and special in every little way. You can elaborately incorporate the Costa Rican wedding style into your wedding plans to come up with an event that will live on in people’s minds for days to come.