Natalie and Daniel chose to celebrate their love their way. Their festive Dia de los Muertos-inspired wedding took place last fall, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you on the blog. Instead of a large formal affair, they got ready together at the hotel and booked an intimate venue through Peerspace to exchange vows and celebrate with loved ones. I loved everything about this unconventional wedding, from the vibrant DIY decorations to the altar covered in traditional marigolds, photos, and candles to honor loved ones who have passed. Natalie even had her nails painted with cute, colorful skulls. After tying the knot, they shared an evening with lively dancing and delicious food.
Their Dia de los Muertos-inspired wedding was filled with unforgettable fun from beginning to end! In this one-of-a-kind wedding, couples pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. The bridging of worlds between the living and those who have passed allows couples to honor their loved ones while celebrating their own union.
Choosing a Dia de los Muertos Color Palette
When planning a Dia de los Muertos-inspired wedding, one of the most important elements is the color palette. This tradition is especially vibrant. The colors you choose will set the tone for the entire celebration and capture the spirit of Dia de los Muertos.
Traditionally, Dia de los Muertos is associated with vibrant, bold colors that symbolize life, death, and celebration. Bright oranges, deep purples, vibrant yellows, and rich reds create a visually stunning and festive atmosphere. These colors are reminiscent of the cempasúchil, or marigold flowers, which are integral to Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Natalie and Daniel choose vibrant orange table linens and pair them with colorful decor and flower arrangements. They also tied the colors and motifs into their wedding invitations and her bridal bouquet.
For attire, the bride can opt for a traditional white wedding dress with intricate skull motifs embroidered onto the fabric. She can also accessorize with a vibrant flower crown made of marigolds. The groom can wear a traditional Mexican guayabera shirt, a suit with skull cufflinks, or a skull print tie.
Decorations & Centerpieces that Capture the Spirit of Dia de los Muertos
When planning a Dia de los Muertos-inspired wedding, the decorations and centerpieces create a visually stunning and authentic atmosphere. One of the most iconic symbols of Dia de los Muertos is the calavera, or sugar skull. These intricately decorated skulls are made of sugar or clay and used to honor loved ones who have passed away. Incorporating sugar skulls into your wedding decor can be done in various ways. You can use them as table centerpieces, place them on the dessert table, or give them as wedding favors to your guests.
Another essential element in Dia de los Muertos celebrations is the marigold flower, or cempasúchil. These vibrant orange flowers are believed to guide the spirits of the deceased back to their loved ones. Incorporate marigolds into your flower arrangements, drape them along the aisle, or use them as a backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
In addition to sugar skulls and marigolds, other elements that capture the spirit of Dia de los Muertos include papel picado, papel mache skeletons, and candles. Papel picado, or perforated paper, is often used to create intricate and colorful banners to hang across the venue. Papel mache skeletons, known as calacas, are another popular decoration that adds a touch of whimsy to the celebration. And, of course, candles that guide the spirits back to their loved ones are also a must.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine for the Wedding Reception
When planning a Dia de los Muertos-inspired wedding, the food is always one of the biggest hits! Authentic Mexican cuisine can add an extra layer of authenticity to your celebration and create a memorable dining experience for your guests.
Traditional Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it a perfect fit for a Dia de los Muertos wedding. From tamales and enchiladas to mole and chile rellenos, the options are endless (and delicious!) for your wedding menu. You can never go wrong with traditional Mexican street food, such as tacos or elote.
Pair the food with traditional Mexican beverages such as horchata, agua fresca, and margaritas. If it’s chilly outside, Mexican hot chocolate flavored with spices like cinnamon and chili is a cozy option, too.
Serving authentic Mexican cuisine at your wedding will create a feast of flavors that pays homage to Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.
Dia de los Muertos Wedding Favors
One popular option for Dia de los Muertos wedding favors is mini sugar skulls. These intricately decorated skulls can be personalized and served as a beautiful keepsake from your special day. Or, consider consider gifting marigold seeds for guests to grow in their gardens as symbols of new beginnings and growth. Small bottles of Mexican hot chocolate mix, personalized papel picado banners, or handmade Mexican ceramics make cute mementos from the day.
Cultural Weddings Los Angeles
Incorporating festive traditions into your wedding day is a fun way to honor your cultural heritage. Plus, they add meaning and significance to your photos. If cultural traditions are a big part of your wedding day, please let me know so I can document all the unique and special details.
