Brazil is booming with folklore that is very important to the population. Such beliefs such as the different phases of the moon will bring different events are put into play when having a Brazilian marriage. There will be many steps for Brazilian brides to take to ensure a proper Brazilian wedding.
Before a wedding ceremony even can take place Brazilian brides must be given the proper and traditional engagement ring. Very different than in the United States and other countries, not only will the future Brazilian brides be wearing a ring, their future husband must wear an engagement ring as well. It is crucial that the ring is worn on the right hand; this is done for a reason. During the wedding ceremony, the rings will be taken off and put on the left hands; thus signaling the change over from engagement to marriage. During the change over, it is considered to be dangerously unlucky if someone were to drop one of the rings: this is said to doom the marriage. Great care must be taken when removing the rings and placing them on opposite hands.
It is crucially important that Brazilian brides arrive to the wedding location after the groom arrives. It is consider very bad luck if Brazilian brides arrive first and it is considered to be very unacceptable for a woman to wait for the man to arrive. Brazilian brides must not be very late; of course, the basic rule is to arrive ten to fifteen minutes after it is confirmed the groom has arrived.
Brazilian brides need to worry about obtaining a marriage license before they are married, as the signing of this license is incorporated into the wedding ceremony. Before the wedding takes place, the parents of Brazilian grooms will give a small gift to the couple and the couple will give a gift back in return.
As with most brides, Brazilian brides must be choosy when picking out their wedding dress. Unlike traditional white of many countries, in Brazil any formal wear may be worn. Brazilian brides often rent a gown for the wedding, and grooms will rent their tux. The Brazilian brides must show great care in making sure the groom never sees her dress before the wedding. He may not even see it hanging in a closet; it must be a complete surprise when he sees her walking up the aisle.
When it comes to the wedding party, the bridesmaids are not chosen specially by the Brazilian brides and the groom’s men are not chosen singularly by the grooms. They are chosen as couples, whether they are married or not. Most Brazilian weddings will have six couples, three on each side. The groomsmen will have small Brazilian flags pinned onto their suits or tuxes.
When the wedding ceremony is over, it is time for the reception. Tables will not be numbered; instead they will have the names of Brazilian cities on them. Dance and music will play an important role, as Samba dancing will be done and Samba music will fill the air.
Food is, of course, essential and Brazilian cookies are a favorite treat. The reception will not stop until all guests are exhausted and full. There is never a pre-determined time for the celebration to finish. When all is said and done, the happy couple will go on a honeymoon. The groom must carry his bride up to the door of their accommodations and make sure to use his right foot first when stepping inside. When following these traditions, couples are sure to have a wonderful and exciting wedding.