A Wedding in Colombia

We recently had opportunity to attend a wedding here in Medellin.  Because some have asked what cultural differences there might be in the ceremony, I thought that would be a good topic to blog!

I will preface by saying these are my observations, based on the 10-12 weddings we have attended, all of which have been Christian weddings.  I have no knowledge of what takes place in a non-Christian ceremony.

The bride prepares herself at home, rather than on location, and eventually arrives by taxi.

The wedding typically starts one or one and one-half hours late.  It's usually blamed on the bride, who arrived late due to heavy traffic!  The wedding we recently attended started just 55 minutes late, with the officiating minister arriving just 40 minutes late.

Speaking of the minister, he is not recognized in a legal capacity to unite individuals in marriage.  The "legal" ceremony typically takes place the week before in front of a justice of the peace.  The minister then performs the exchanges of vows and commitment before God and witnesses.

The ceremony may be held in the local church, or an auditorium or meeting hall may be rented.  It is common that the location/room for the wedding will also be the location/room for the reception, and will therefore be arranged such that the guests sit at tables to watch the wedding.

It is also typical to have only two-three attendants with the bride and groomsmen with the groom, each of whom wear whatever attire they have chosen, based on a color theme.  The recent wedding was the first wedding we've attended that had more continuity.  All NINE of the ladies wore a black dress and black shoes they'd individually chosen, and the bride provided a dark red sash to wear around the waist.  The nine men wore black suits.  However, it still wasn't how we are accustomed, where the bride and groom choose the attire, the pattern, the tuxes, etc.

When the ceremony begins...

It's common to have an MC, who introduces that the ceremony is to begin and thanks everyone for coming.  The bridesmaids are ushered in by the groomsmen and typically line the center aisle.  The groom is accompanied by his parents to the front of the auditorium, then turn and face the back.  When the bride is ready to make her entrance, the groom and his parents return to the back of the room (about two-thirds back).  The bride is ushered in by her parents, and they stop in front of the groom and his parents. 

The minister asks who gives the bride to the groom, to which we are accustomed, and the bride's parents respond.  Then the parents present the bride to the groom; the two sets of parents greet one another; the bride and groom go to the front of the auditorium, and they sit down, facing the minister.  The flower girl and ring bearer sit beside the bride and groom, respectively.  The couple stays seated throughout the ceremony, until time for the vows and exchange of rings.  The attendants sit with the rest of the congregation, rather than staying with the couple.

The ceremony is similar to one in the US -- a brief message by the minister, followed by the vows and exchange of rings.

Music plays a large part in the ceremony, usually with the entire church worship band and singers -- keyboard, drums, guitars, possibly other instruments, and several vocalists. 

After the minister pronounces the couple as husband and wife, it is common practice that one of them sings a song to the other, or the couple sings a duet.  It doesn't seem to matter what the level of talent is... It's the thought that counts!

At the conclusion of the wedding, the MC once again thanks everyone for coming and gives instructions regarding greeting the couple, reception, etc.  If the auditorium was arranged in a typical "church" setting, with chairs in rows, immediately upon termination of the ceremony, the chairs are moved to the outside walls to make the space more inviting for the reception.

Whether the reception is simple or elaborate (hors d'oeuvres, cake, or dinner), it usually starts with all being served what appears to be champagne (but contains no alcohol) so that all can give a toast to the new couple.

We have never stayed to the very end of the wedding event, so I can't give you any information on how the couple leaves.  Usually, because the ceremony starts late and we're tired, we excuse ourselves after we've had opportunity to congratulate the couple and the parents!

This was long, but I hope it was interesting and entertaining, to see how the wedding ceremony is similar and how it is different.  Whatever the culture, it is a special time and we enjoy being a part of the celebration, as two people commit themselves and their future to God and to each other!