Although wedding traditions are usually different in each country. They have a special meaning that couples, along with their families, friends and guests in general, enjoy an event where the symbolic is taken as a reality that allows greater enjoyment of the ceremony. 

Wedding traditions in Dominican Republic, they are not the exception, in this beautiful country they have many and here you will know 5 traditions below:

1. The Arras

This tradition in the Dominican Republic is one of the most consolidated and important, because Dominican weddings combine aspects of Spanish and African culture. In this case, the arras ceremony, originated in Spain, and since then it is applied in weddings celebrated in the country.

Now, this consists of a child or young person carrying thirteen gold coins on a silver platter, and giving them to the assigned priest or minister. Who in turn will pass them on to the groom, and he to the bride. This symbolizes the commitment to share all your possessions, and to provide for each other's material needs.

2. Ecclesiastical Weddings

Religion is part of the lives of many people, there are couples who want to have an ecclesiastical wedding, and in the Dominican Republic as in other countries, this also has a particular way of celebrating it.

Starting with the entrance to the altar, the groom enters arm in arm with his mother, while his father goes with the mother of the bride, and finally the bride enters accompanied by her father.

It should be noted that unlike other cultures, when guests leave, they do not wait for the couple in front of the church. In the Dominican Republic, the bride and groom are expected at the reception after the ceremony. In other words, there is no possibility of throwing petals, rice, or confetti at the bride and groom when they leave the church.

3. To dance Merengue

The Merengue is the musical genre and the official dance of the Dominican Republic, which is why within the wedding traditions in Dominican Republic, this one in particular cannot be missing.

The crazy hour will be full of merengue, fun, along with this tradition is linked to the celebration of Dominican weddings.

4. The Food

In general, the catering at Dominican weddings is made up of champagne, cake, and appetizers. However, they also include their typical meals that are especially influenced by Spanish cuisine, along with a Caribbean touch. You can see dishes such as the Dominican pernil and the Moro, the last one made up of rice and beans.

5. The guests keep your gifts

Gifts as in any celebration if they are present within the Dominican culture and traditions. A registry or list of gifts is made, as they can also be delivered directly to the couple.

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Other common traditions

Photo Session

A photo session is carried out before the wedding in the beautiful locations chosen for the event.

Midnight Show

Have a midnight show with events of a cultural nature or according to what the bride and groom prefer to do.

Drinks 

Taste local drinks like coconuts, rum and beer.

Welcome Dinner

Having a welcome dinner for your guests is also customary for weddings in the Dominican Republic.

Gifts for Guests

Have gifts for the guests and a guide of things to do for your stay.

What is considered bad luck in a Dominican wedding?

There are many beliefs regarding what could bring bad luck to a wedding. In the Dominican Republic, the following situations are considered bad luck:

• See your fiancé on the day of the wedding, before the ceremony.

• Get married on a Tuesday or Friday 13th.

• Give suitcases.

• The bride buys the groom shoes for the wedding day.

• Let the groom cut the cake alone.

• Wear pearls.