When looking for Cuban Wedding Traditions, they are actually still the same. The Cuban culture is mainly catholic, and a church wedding is a must. The church mass and ceremony has a number of steps: the rope ( or veil to cover the couple during the prayer step in the mass), the prayer and the unity candle (where both light the candle together in sign of long life together as one). Sometimes an immediate family member will recite a passage from the bible and speak a few words about and for the couple.
The party ceremony can be a little different some still do the money dance where the guest pin money in the brides dress and the groom, sort of like a sign to help them out in their new life. The bride dances with her father and groom with his mother and vice verso, just like in Anglo weddings. The groom removes the good-luck elastic band from the brides leg then throws it to the single groomsmen and men guest , just like the bride throws her bouquet to the single ladies guest, meaning that who ever catches it will be next to wed. The music is Cuban, like: Cha Cha, Boleros, Salsa, Meringue and some pop music as well.
When leaving the ceremony to star their new life, the guest throws rice on them in signs of prosperity and wealth. Afterward, the car the couple will use to leave the party ceremony beer cans have been attached to the fender, so it rattle as it drives away. This is a sign of happiness and a long lively life together. And, of course, “JUST MARRIED” is written all over the car windows.
