What’s the Arras ceremony?

In this post, you will learn all you need to know about the arras ceremony, a Latin wedding tradition.

Meaning of the Arras or Wedding Coins

The word “Arra,” which comes from the Latin “arrae,” means to promise. The ritual itself is a mutual promise that relates to moral and financial support.

When does this ritual happens? The wedding arras ritual happens after the exchanging of wedding vows and the blessing of the rings.

In the traditional arras giving and meaning, the groom gives the bride 13 coins as a promise that he will provide for the family and share all his treasure with her.  The bride accepts the coins stating that she will be a careful administrator of their wealth. Today, since both partners are ordinarily bread winners, this beautiful custom continues to reflect the religious & spiritual intent of a united couple managing finances, sharing their abundance and caring for each other through prayer.

Check out our complete Wedding Arras Ceremony Guide. We have included several versions of the officiant wording in Spanish and English as well as the responses from the couple, accepting the wedding coins or arras.

Why 13 coins?

Twelve of the coins represent the 12 months of the year.  The 13th, which is representative of Jesus, is added as a reminder to the couple to always share with others who are in need.

Photo credit: Laura Quintero Photography

The arras are customarily engraved with various designs – from religious images to family crests or the last names of the bride and groom.  Arras usually come in small treasure chests, pouches, or trays.   These are used during the wedding ceremony and to store the arras afterwards.

Godparents, confirmation sponsors, a close relative or a best friend can be designated to buy the arras for the couple.   If your parents or grandparents followed this tradition, you could use their coins, which is a perfect way to make a family heirloom a central part of your own wedding.  Down the road, the coins can be passed to your own children so that the tradition can continue for generations to come.

Remember to download our Wedding Arras Ceremony Guide, so you can easily incorporate this beautiful wedding tradition.

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