Each country has its own wedding traditions. In ancient times, the Portuguese used to simply marry to start a family. Many ancient customs have been revived and are now included in modern wedding ceremonies. Many of the customs that were practiced in this European country have evolved over time to symbolize the mutual love of the couple.

More than 99 percent of the Portuguese are Roman Catholic. Therefore, most wedding ceremonies are based on the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. More and more couples are choosing the romanticism of the oldest wedding traditions handed down from generation to generation. Wedding celebrations in Portugal generally include a Catholic mass in which the priest asks the bride and groom to exchange rings, or ties the couple’s hands with their stole. When the couple leaves the church, family and friends throw flowers and candy. In most European countries, the bride and groom’s relatives traditionally throw rice on the newly married couple.

In Portugal, it is customary for neighbors and friends to help with the celebration and with the wedding itself. Held in a restaurant or private home, the ceremony is usually small and limited to close family members. Many couples choose to prepare their own food for the wedding party rather than using the services of a caterer. Family and friends come together to exchange stories about the newlywed couple and enjoy traditional songs and dances. They also raise money for the bride and groom. Usually the money is collected in the bride’s shoe.

As soon as the ceremony is over, the bride and groom parade through the streets where family, friends and even strangers wish them happiness. On the north coast of Portugal, brides wear black dresses as a show of fidelity to their future husbands. Her appearance is completed by the famous Portuguese Queen’s earrings (Rainha brincos) and a host of gold jewelery. This is the dress that will be buried when they die.

In the past, the bride wore a white Chinese robe adorned with colored jewels. The groom wore a dark top hat, a white shirt, and a dark suit. At the end of the ceremony, they were placing their wedding rings on each other’s hands. The tradition of passing the check of the bride to all the guests to receive money that will help the newly married couple to build their own home is still practiced today. The bride and groom must also choose a padrinho (godfather) and a madrinha (maid of honor).