How to Celebrate a Destination Wedding in a Latino Country, Respectfully

I've been fortunate enough to witness a diverse range of weddings—from a lively Cuban-Puerto Rican celebration to a beautiful Puerto Rican-Syrian fusion and of course, a classic Puerto Rican affair, each of which was a unique showcase of rich customs and rituals. Celebrating a destination wedding in a Latino country is a chance to learn about the community's vibrant culture and traditions but most importantly, give your guests an immersive, unforgettable experience they'll be talking about for years.

Latino weddings are known for their warmth, festivity, and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you're celebrating in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia or another Latino country, it's crucial to understand and honor the specific customs of that region. When it comes to planning a destination wedding in a Latino country, the details matter—especially when it comes to food, music, and local customs. Each country has its unique set of traditions (including the US with its own set of Latin American wedding traditions), and it's essential to respect and honor them. For instance, a Puerto Rican wedding differs significantly from a Mexican wedding, and knowing these nuances can make all the difference.

One of the most exciting aspects of a Latino wedding is the food. But here's the thing—each country has its own culinary identity, and it's crucial not to mix them up, especially if you are planning the wedding on your own. If you're having a Puerto Rican wedding, for instance, you wouldn't be serving chips and guac but rather beef alcapurrias (fritters made from green plantains) or bacalaitos (codfish fritters) as appetizers, and follow with a main dish of arroz mamposteao (a savory mix of rice and beans), lechón a la vara (spit-roasted pork), and guineos en escabeche (pickled green bananas) on your menu.

"The key to a memorable destination wedding in a Latino country is embracing and respecting local customs. It's not just about the location but about integrating the culture into every aspect of the celebration," says wedding and special events manager Gabriela Chan from JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa. "In the south of Mexico, formal dinners could serve dishes with a local fish called tikin xic or chicken with mushroom sauce. If you opt for a more casual approach, tacos al pastor is the way to go."

I'll be honest: A Latino wedding doesn't just include one big meal, but rather, a complete food experience with appetizers, the main course, various dessert options, plenty of alcohol and a late snack to keep the party going. One of my favorite wedding spreads featured a long table filled with dishes I had never heard of before. The presentation was stunning, with each dish accompanied by a small sign explaining its name and ingredients. This thoughtful touch allowed guests to explore a new cuisine at their own pace, without stepping too far out of their comfort zones.

For dessert, Puerto Rico is known for its traditional wedding cake "bien mojadito," which is rich and soaked in sweet syrup, while in Mexico, a marquesita station is the norm in the south. These are crepes, rolled and filled with cajeta (condensed milk, jam, chocolate or edam cheese). "Many of our foreign couples incorporate this into the catering, or they opt to hire local street vendors like an esquite (Mexican street corn salad) or churro cart," Chan says. "For the recalentado (the next day's meal in Mexico), couples tend to hire local businesses to serve tacos, but it can also be pozole (a traditional meat stew) or mole (a sauce made of hot chili, chocolate and tomatillos)."

On a recent trip to Eje Cafetero, Colombia's coffee region, I learned that in a Colombian wedding, coffee isn't just a beverage—it's a cultural experience. It's common to see a coffee station offering fresh brews throughout the night, keeping the energy high as guests dance the night away. In Puerto Rican weddings, it's customary to serve asopao de pollo (chicken soup) as a comforting late-night treat, perfect for refueling after hours of drinking and dancing.

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Music also plays a pivotal role in Latino weddings. According to Chan, "In Latino culture, music isn't just background noise; it's the heartbeat of the celebration. Banda, salsa or reggaetón, depending on the country, brings the energy that's essential to the festivities." Say you're planning a wedding in Mexico: Hiring a mariachi band is almost non-negotiable. On the other hand, a wedding in Puerto Rico should have vejigantes (colorful, masked figures that dance to the rhythm of batucada drums) as part of the entertainment. The Puerto Rican-Syrian wedding I attended was a perfect blend of both cultures. The bride danced surrounded by the lively beats of the batucada, while the groom led a traditional Syrian dance, dabke, with guests linking shoulders in a circle, celebrating together.

What Guests Should Expect for a Destination Wedding in a Latino Country

When it comes to what to wear, take note: Latino weddings are often formal affairs, and guests are expected to dress the part. Even for outdoor events, there's a high level of formality, so leave the casual outfits at home. And whatever you do, avoid wearing white or red in Mexico, especially. White is reserved for the bride, and red can be seen as a statement that might steal attention away from the couple—or even hint at something scandalous. Modesty is also key, especially during religious ceremonies.

A traditional Puerto Rican wedding begins at a Catholic church, where the couple is wed by the priest. (In other words, there is no reception party until receiving God's blessing!) In a typical Mexican Catholic wedding, besides your bridal bouquet, you should get a separate one for "La Virgen de Guadalupe," which is left at her altar after the religious ceremony as an offering.

In various Latino countries, the tradition of "arras matrimoniales," a set of 13 coins that the groom gives the bride at the ceremony, still remains. The coins are a symbol that you are going to share everything you have with your partner, they should be made of gold or silver. It's a touching moment that I've seen at several weddings, and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

What Couples Should Consider When Throwing a Destination Wedding in a Latino Country

For couples: Incorporating these traditions adds a meaningful layer to the celebration. It also helps bridge the gap between your guests and the local culture. But keep in mind: your friends, neighbors and colleagues may not understand the significance. Providing attendees with a copy of the wedding program, including an itinerary of the events and a description of each, may help guests understand and appreciate the cultural significance of the local country's tradition.

Latino weddings often come with unique customs, like gifting the table arrangements to guests at the end of the night. This is something you can easily incorporate into your wedding (just as long as these decorations aren't rentals). I remember at the Cuban-Puerto Rican wedding I attended, the bride practically begged us to take the floral arrangements home—she didn't want anything going to waste.

For your wedding favors or gifting, buying local is always the way to go, especially in Latin America as it provides an opportunity to support local businesses. Look for handmade items that reflect the craftsmanship and culture of the country. You can start on Instagram and online.

To make your life easier throughout the process, I recommend hiring a local wedding planner. They understand the language, cultural nuances and can help you incorporate local traditions respectfully. As Chan notes, "A local planner not only assists with logistics like negotiating with local vendors but it also ensures that the cultural elements are seamlessly woven into the celebration."

When it comes to decor, authenticity (and cultural accuracy) is key. Don't fall into the trap of using generic Tex-Mex decor like sombreros. If you opt to use traditional decorations, ask your local wedding planner who can offer a more authentic alternative. Each Latino country has its distinct style, so work with your planner to create a setting that truly reflects the local culture. And on that note, be careful not to lump all Latino customs under the umbrella of "Spanish" when talking to local vendors, it's important to use the correct terms—whether that's Dominican, Venezuelan, Brazilian —so that you're correctly representing the traditions of the country you're celebrating in and remaining respectful to the locals you meet along the way.

Planning a destination wedding in a Latino country is a wonderful way to celebrate your love while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience. By embracing local customs, respecting traditions, and working with local experts, you can create a celebration that's both meaningful and memorable for you and your guests. As I've learned from my own experiences, it's the thoughtful integration of these elements that makes a destination wedding truly extraordinary.

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