Mexican Wedding Checklist

Select and Invite Padrinos

Choose your padrinos for each role, and invite them formally.

Book Church and Begin Platicas

Reserve the church and begin the required marriage preparation (platicas). Most dioceses require about six months of preparation.

Schedule Civil Ceremony

Book the civil judge at the Registro Civil and gather the required documents, which include birth certificates, blood tests, and four witnesses with valid ID.

Purchase Wedding Lazo

Order the wedding lazo. Options include rosary-style, floral, crystal and silk. Some families pass down a lazo as an heirloom.

Purchase Arras (13 Coins)

Buy or commission the thirteen coins and the decorative chest.

Book Mariachi Band

Hire a mariachi band for the serenade and for the reception. Book early during popular wedding seasons.

Arrange Catering

Book a caterer with experience in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Arrange Mantilla Veil (If Using)

If you plan to wear a mantilla veil, find one, whether it is a family heirloom or a new purchase.

Plan Reception Traditions

Plan the timing of the reception traditions with your DJ or band. These can include La Vibora de la Mar, the money dance, the hora loca and the tornaboda, if you want them.

Confirm Lazo is Ready

Check that the lazo is with the padrinos de lazo and in perfect condition.

Confirm Arras are Ready

Check that the thirteen coins are with the padrinos de arras and that they have been counted.

Confirm Rings

Check that the wedding rings are with the padrinos de anillos.

Confirm Mariachi Band

Check that the mariachi band knows the venue, their arrival time and your song requests.

Brief All Padrinos

Make sure all the padrinos know their roles and when they are needed.

Designate Chair Holders for Vibora

Choose strong people to support the couple during La Vibora de la Mar.

Distribute Ceremony Programs

Have ceremony programs ready that explain the traditions to guests who are not Mexican.