Portuguese wedding ceremonies usually consist of a Roman Catholic mass, where traditionally the priest would bind the couple's hands with his stole, or call for the Bride and Groom to exchange rings, and then cover the couple with his stole, to unite and protect them. As the newlyweds exit the church, friends and relatives customarily throw bonbons and flowers, in lieu of tossing rice.
In Portugal, many weddings used to be small and restricted to direct family, while others would be larger affairs where friends and relatives would all lend a hand in planning and organizing all the details of the wedding festivities.
In Canada, Portuguese communities have been influence by other cultures and old customs are beginning to change.
A new tradition involves serving the infamous "Seafood Plates" or "Seafood Buffets". Portuguese people interviewed, such as Mr. Albino Silva, Chef at Chiado Fine Dining, and Ms. Maria do Carmo Nogueira from the Portuguese Trade and Tourism Commission, tend to disagree with this new extravagant custom. In Portugal, weddings have always been fashioned after European traditions, where food is abundant but not extravagant.
Portugal is renowned for its wine, and the Romans used to associate the country with Bacchus, their God of Wine and Feasts. Popular wines include Vinho Verde, Vinho Alvarinho, Vinho do Douro, and Vinho da Bairrada, as well as sweet Port and Madeira wine, and wedding guests indulge in frequent toasts to the happy couple.
Wedding receptions typically do not have a firm schedule: parties can last long into the night, and it is not unusual for breakfast to be served. Meal structure allows for free time between courses, giving guests a chance to dance and build up an appetite!Click here for more information richmond hill wedding photographer
