By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, Richmond, Va.  With the promise of a memorable evening, Spain is becoming the 
go-to spot for brides seeking a celebration like no other. “Spanish weddings are very relaxed and festive. However, there is a strong, underlying sense of tradition and family,” says Jennifer McCloy, owner of the Málaga-based wedding planning company, Spanish Wedding Planner, and Founder of the Association of European Wedding Professionals. Wedding attire—from black to whiteWhile the white wedding gown has begun to replace the more traditional black silk gowns of the past, most brides still wear a long, lace mantilla fastened by combs on the top of their heads. White flowers are often favored, although orange blossoms, which represent happiness and fulfillment, are prevalent as well.Staying apart before a lifetime togetherLike other cultures, the bride and groom do not see each other prior to the ceremony and are brought separately to the church by their father and mother, respectively. In the Catalan culture, the best man usually brings the bride a gift prior to the ceremony, or reads a poem or letter from the groom. “It really is a lovely moment and usually guarantees a few tears,” says Southern Spain-based photographer Jeremy Standley of Jeremy Standley Photography.Rituals keep ceremonies memorableCeremonies commonly begin in the evening and, instead of an extensive wedding party, the padrinos, or godfathers, stand in as witnesses. Unique to the country and embraced in church ceremonies and blessings is that of las arras, in which 13 gold coins are presented to the bride from the groom, symbolizing his willingness to support his wife and their family, as well as her trust in him to do so. Rings are also exchanged, although they are worn on the bride’s and groom’s right hands. After the vows, the couple may be wrapped with a cord, known as a wedding lasso. This cord, in the shape of a rosary, symbolizes that their union is eternal. The officiant may handle this portion of the ceremony, although a family member or friend might. As the ceremony comes to a close and the couple exits the church, they are often greeted with celebratory firecrackers or guests who throw rice.The catering can make or break an eventFor receptions, extended cocktail hours are popular and necessary, as formal photos with the family can last for hours. Guests, in the meantime, enjoy Jamonera, a Spanish-cured ham, sliced throughout the evening; the selection and presentation of which, should not be taken lightly. “The quality of the overall wedding may be decided on how well or thin the jamón is sliced,” explains McCloy.It should be no surprise, then, that the menu takes center stage at the wedding reception and, while the time-honored fare of paella is still widespread, couples are beginning to embrace a more contemporary approach beyond the five-course dinner. “A new one for more modern couples is the serving of dinner in a tapas style, as it makes for a very sociable wedding concept,” says Standley.Receptions—hospitality, festivity, dancing into the nightDuring the event, speeches are minimal and the newlyweds spend quite a bit of their evening dedicated to visiting each table and handing guests their wedding favors. The women are typically presented with flowers, while the gentlemen receive a cigar or small bottle of alcohol. The unmarried women pin the flower upside down on their clothing and, if the pin is lost that evening, custom dictates that they may be the next to marry. No Spanish wedding reception would be complete without the seguidillas manchegas, when guests dance with the bride and present her with money, a symbolic gesture to ensure the prosperity and financial security of the couple. Spanish weddings also involve a lengthy night of celebration and dancing, as festivities tend to start later and last well into the evening.Spain becoming a destination wedding hotspotDestination brides are increasingly embracing Spanish culture and traditions—from handing out Spanish fans (abanicos) to the ladies at church, to showcasing traditional Spanish love songs during cocktail hour and a flamenco show following dinner. Dinners reflect an atmosphere of relaxation, with plentiful wine. “In our particular case, as destination wedding planners, we are seeing couples marrying in Spain for good weather and optimal outdoor conditions,” says McCloy.  “The wedding groups tend to consist of very close friends and family, all on holiday for a few days to celebrate the couple. As you can imagine, this makes for a fantastic atmosphere!”From touching moments steeped in tradition to festivities filled with first-rate food and loved ones, Spain will no doubt continue to set the bar high in the world of weddings for years to come.