Portuguese Wedding Checklist

Complete Civil Registration (Conservatoria)

Register the marriage at the Conservatoria do Registo Civil. Gather the required documents, which include birth certificates, identity cards and proof of address. Or check that the parish priest is authorized to do the civil registration at the same time as the church ceremony.

Book Catholic Church and Arrange Pre-Marital Counseling

Reserve the parish church and schedule the Curso de Preparacao para o Matrimonio (pre-marital counseling) with the priest. Church dates fill quickly, so book as early as you can.

Choose Four Wedding Godparents (Padrinhos)

Choose the padrinhos de casamento. Traditionally this is a married couple from each family, who act as witnesses and spiritual sponsors. Invite them formally and early, because it is a significant honor.

Book Reception Venue (Quinta or Salon)

Reserve the reception venue. Check that it has an all-night operating license, a kitchen that can serve two full meals (dinner and ceia), indoor and outdoor space for folk dancing, and room for 150 to 300 guests.

Order Sugared Almonds (Amendoas)

Order sugared almonds and decorative containers for the wedding favors. Count five almonds per guest, plus extras. The almonds stand for health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Hire Live Band

Book a live band that knows traditional Portuguese folk music (vira, corridinho, fandango, pimba) as well as modern dance music. The band needs to keep going all night, from dinner until dawn.

Prepare Lenco dos Namorados (if desired)

If you would like one, find or commission a traditional embroidered sweetheart handkerchief from the Minho region, or look for a family heirloom. Leave time for the embroidery if you are commissioning one.

Arrange Church Decorations

Arrange the flowers and decorations for the church, with the priest's approval. Confirm the delivery time with the florist.

Prepare Cake Ribbon Charms (if applicable)

For the fitas do bolo tradition, prepare satin ribbons with silver or gold charms attached. Thread the ribbons beneath the bottom tier of the cake before the reception.

Church Rehearsal with Priest and Padrinhos

Go to the rehearsal at the church with the priest, the padrinhos and the wedding party. Walk through the processional, the exchange of vows, and any optional elements such as the arras or a unity candle.

Arrange Translator (if needed)

If the ceremony will be in Portuguese and key guests do not speak the language, arrange a bilingual order-of-service booklet or someone to interpret quietly in the pew.

Finalize Multi-Course Dinner Menu

Confirm the full dinner menu with the caterer: a fish course (bacalhau or seafood), a meat course (roast lamb, suckling pig or beef), sides, bread and wine. Confirm the dietary accommodations for your guests.

Assemble Sugared Almond Favors

Put five sugared almonds per guest into decorative containers, and get them ready to place at each seat.

Prepare Money Dance Supplies (if applicable)

If you are having the danca dos noivos, prepare safety pins, a decorative bag or an apron for collecting contributions. Agree the timing and the music with the band.

Confirm Midnight Supper (Ceia) Menu and Timing

Confirm the menu for the ceia da meia-noite with the caterer: caldo verde, grilled chourico, bread rolls and sandwiches. Check that the kitchen can manage a second full service at midnight.

Coordinate Surprise Entertainment

If any surprise entertainment is planned, such as fireworks, a choreographed dance or a special performance, check with the wedding party or organizers that it is ready and that the venue knows what is needed.