Brazilian Wedding Checklist

Schedule Civil Ceremony at Cartorio

Book the cartorio and gather the legal documents it requires. The habilitacao should begin at least 30–60 days before the wedding.

Book Church or Ceremony Venue

Reserve the church and confirm the date with the parish priest. Many parishes require pre-marriage counseling, so ask about it when you call.

Choose and Invite Padrinhos

Choose 3 to 6 couples to be your wedding godparents, and invite them with formal invitations.

Order Bem Casados

Order them from a confeitaria that specializes in bem casados. Plan for one per guest, plus a few extras.

Hire Band or DJ

Book a live samba band, a forro group, or a DJ who knows Brazilian wedding music.

Communicate Bridal Party Expectations

In the traditional Brazilian style, the madrinhas choose their own dresses. Let them know early so they can plan.

Complete Pre-Marriage Course

If you are marrying in the Catholic Church, you will need to attend the required pre-marriage counseling sessions.

Order Wedding Gown

Order your gown, and ask a seamstress to be available on the wedding morning so the names-in-hem tradition can be done that day.

Choose Marital Property Regime

Talk through your options together and choose a regime de bens before the civil ceremony.

Confirm Bem Casados Delivery

Confirm the delivery date and the count with your confeitaria.

Prepare Garter, Toss Bouquet, and Groom's Tie

Have the garter, the bouquet for tossing and the groom's tie ready for the reception traditions.

Confirm Band/DJ Setlist

Go over the setlist with your band or DJ, including any songs you want played.

Prepare Rice, Petals, and Sparklers

Gather the rice, petals and sparklers for the exit from the church and the send-off.

Confirm Late-Night Snack Menu

Finalize the menu for the madrugada snack with your caterer.

Prepare Guest Entry System

Some couples use invitation tickets to manage entry at the door, if that would help you.

Confirm Hair and Makeup Team Arrival

Check that the hair and makeup team arrives on time for the bride's preparation.

Sew Names into Hem

Ask the seamstress to sew the names of your single friends into the hem of the wedding dress.

Have Wedding Rings Ready

Check that the aliancas are with the best man, ready for the exchange of rings from right to left.

Set Up Bem Casados Display

Arrange the bem casados on the display table at the reception.

Set Up Docinhos Table

Arrange the brigadeiros, beijinhos and other confections on the docinhos table.

Confirm Bridal Car

Check that the decorated car is ready for the bride's arrival at the church.