Spanish for Weddings & Events

Proposals, ceremonies, receptions, toasts. Celebrate love in Spanish.

Wedding vocabulary

SpanishEnglishSpanishEnglish
la bodaweddingel/la novio/agroom/bride
el anilloringla alianzawedding band
el padrinobest man / godfatherla madrinamaid of honor / godmother
los invitadosguestsla invitacióninvitation
el banquetereception dinnerla luna de mielhoneymoon
el ramobouquetel valsfirst dance
la ceremonia civil / religiosacivil / religious ceremonyel brindistoast

The proposal

Popping the question

¿Quieres casarte conmigo? (Will you marry me?)
¡Sí, quiero! (Yes, I do! — the famous response)
Nos hemos comprometido. (We've gotten engaged.)
Le pidió la mano. (He asked for her hand.)
el anillo de compromiso = engagement ring

During the ceremony

Key ceremonial phrases

¿Aceptas a [nombre] como tu esposo/a? (Do you take [name] as your husband/wife?)
Sí, acepto. / Sí, quiero. (I do.)
Los declaro marido y mujer. (I pronounce you husband and wife.)
Puede besar a la novia. (You may kiss the bride.)
los votos matrimoniales = wedding vows

Toasts and wishes

What to say at the reception

¡Por los novios! (To the bride and groom!)
¡Que sean muy felices! (May you be very happy!)
¡Salud, amor y dinero! (Health, love, and money!)
¡Enhorabuena! (Congratulations!)
¡Que viva el amor! (Long live love!)
¡Beso, beso! (Kiss, kiss! — guests chant for newlyweds to kiss)

Wedding traditions

Spanish-speaking wedding customs

Las arras = 13 gold coins the groom gives the bride (sharing of wealth)
El lazo = a cord or rosary placed around the couple (unity)
Lanzar el ramo = throwing the bouquet
La hora loca = "crazy hour" at midnight with props and dancing (Latin America)
Cortar la corbata = cutting the groom's tie and selling pieces (some regions)

Quick quiz

1. Will you marry me? = ¿Quieres _____ conmigo?

2. I do! (at wedding) = Sí, _____.

3. Honeymoon = luna de _____.

4. To the bride and groom! = ¡Por los _____!

5. Engagement ring = anillo de _____.

6. Best man / godfather = _____.

7. Bouquet = _____.

8. Las arras are _____ gold coins.

9. You may kiss the bride = Puede _____ a la novia.

10. Long live love! = ¡Que _____ el amor!

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