Brazilian Wedding

I`m getting married to my Brazilian partner in Brazil later this year. He told me on a number of occasions that what I was planning (the tradional English way) wasn`t how they did it in Brazil and that my basic wedding is considered a `lavish` wedding. Anyway,

I`ve continued to plan it the traditional English way incorporating bits from both customs - my partners also says its the bridesmaid that holds the rings, here in the UK it`s the bestman (who incidently is also my partners father). So what`s the role of the bestman in Brazil I ask??

I`ve heard (not sure if it applies to us), but some churches think off-the-shoulder wedding dresses as inappropriate and can refuse to marry you. Not sure about bridesmaid dresses, but I`m planning to dress my partners sister the traditional way.

My partner also says that it is considered rude to be the last to leave the reception - here in England the guests see off the wedding couple as they head off on their honeymoon.... Brazilians are known to be party animals and can dance till the next day - not sure I can keep awake that long!!!

Hopeful your friend will let you wear what you want - providing it complements the wedding.

Hope you sorted it....

Hi. I am brazilian and I never heard the whole thing about the off-shoulder dress not being appropriate. Sometimes you hear silly old folklore that does nolonger applies and that your brazilian partner never heard of. In brazil bride and groom do not pick brides maids and best man,etc separately.. Couples are picked instead ( the couple would be the "godfather and godmother" of the wedding, in brazilian "padrinhos"). Why dont you try a prayer in portuguese during the ceremony? I might do that for my wedding. I have heard of people using brazilian flags and such at the ceremony but I think that`s tasteless (you are celebrating 2 people`s union, not a country, right?).
Also, is custom for the bride to be a little late, like 10 minutes, to build expectation amongst the guests and groom.
Please email me if anyone else knows of any other traditions, it might help me for my own wedding.