Puerto Rican Wedding Traditions

At the Church on the Wedding Day

While a Priest is performing a traditional Puerto Rican wedding ceremony, he blesses a plate of coins and gives them to the groom. After the wedding vows have been exchanged, the groom gives the plate of coins to his bride, which she keeps as a wedding present from her husband. The gift of coins represent good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

Wedding Reception in Puerto Rico

At the traditional Puerto Rican reception it is customary for a doll, dressed similar to the bride, to be placed at the head of the main table.

This "bride doll" is covered with little charms, and are given to the guests as gifts. "Copias" are also passed out as presents to guests. These reception favors are ornately decorated cards with the newlyweds names and the date of the marriage.