Who pays for the wedding in Cuban culture?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

In Cuban culture, the responsibility of paying for the wedding traditionally falls on the bride’s family. It is seen as their duty to host and finance the wedding celebrations. This cultural practice dates back many years and is deeply rooted in Cuban traditions and customs.

The wedding celebration in Cuban culture is a grand affair, and it is customary for the festivities to include a large number of guests. Typically, the wedding celebrations involve everyone that the families know, which can range from fifty to one hundred people or even more. This is because Cuban weddings are seen as a community event, where friends, relatives, and acquaintances come together to celebrate the couple’s union.

When it comes to the actual wedding preparations, the bride’s family takes on the responsibility of covering the costs. This includes expenses such as venue rental, decorations, food and beverages, music, and other related expenses. The bride’s family often spends a significant amount of time and effort in planning and organizing the wedding to ensure that it is a memorable and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

Traditionally, the bride is expected to wear a white wedding dress, but this is only if she is a virgin. This cultural practice reflects the importance placed on purity and virginity in Cuban society. However, it is worth noting that these traditions are not followed rigidly in modern times, and many couples choose to have more personalized and contemporary weddings that may deviate from these traditional customs.

In my personal experience attending Cuban weddings, I have witnessed the immense joy and enthusiasm that surrounds these celebrations. The families go to great lengths to ensure that the wedding is a lavish and memorable event, often sparing no expense. From the moment you enter the wedding venue, you are greeted with vibrant decorations, lively music, and an abundance of delicious food. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches, creating a truly joyous and festive ambiance.

To summarize, in Cuban culture, it is customary for the bride’s family to pay for the wedding. The celebrations involve a large number of people, and the expenses incurred include venue rental, decorations, food, and other related costs. While traditional customs such as the bride wearing a white dress if she is a virgin are still observed to some extent, modern couples often choose to personalize their weddings to reflect their own preferences and values.