Latin Wedding Traditions and the Music Behind Them
Houston is one of the most Latin cities in the country, and a Latin wedding here usually has two soundtracks: the traditions that grandparents expect and the dance floor everyone else is waiting for. The best receptions give both their moment.
This guide walks through the traditions couples ask about most, what music goes with each, and the Avalon acts whose song lists cover cumbia, salsa, merengue, bachata and Tejano.
Ceremony: El Lazo and Las Arras
In many Catholic Mexican and Latin ceremonies, the padrinos place a lazo (a rope or rosary in a figure eight) around the couple, and the groom presents the bride with arras, thirteen gold coins. Both are quiet, meaningful moments that usually get soft instrumental music or a sung Ave Maria.
- Ave Maria
The classic choice for the lazo. Hear an Avalon Music chamber recording below.
Ave Maria recording page
Mariachi: Cocktail Hour, the Entrance or a Serenata
Mariachi can greet guests at cocktail hour, lead the couple into the reception, or surprise the bride with a serenata. Our mariachi guide covers the traditions and songs in detail.
Mariachi for weddings
Traditions, songs and booking tips for mariachi at the ceremony and reception.
Caribbean and mariachi acts
The mariachi ensembles and Caribbean bands Avalon Music books.
El Baile del Billete: The Money Dance
Guests pin bills to the couple, or drop them in a bag or basket, for a turn dancing with the bride or groom. It is a way of wishing the newlyweds a prosperous start, and it can run 10 to 20 minutes with a big family.
Tell the band how long you expect it to last. An upbeat cumbia or a medley keeps the line moving, and the band can stretch or wrap it up by watching the line.
La Víbora de la Mar
The couple stands on chairs, facing each other and holding hands to form a bridge, while guests link hands in a line and snake underneath, faster and faster, trying to knock them off balance. It is loud, it is silly, and it is usually the most photographed moment of the night.
The traditional song is "La Víbora de la Mar." It is short, so many bands follow it straight into a fast cumbia to keep the energy up.
La Hora Loca
The "crazy hour" is a burst of pure party, usually late in the reception: masks, hats, glow sticks, confetti, sometimes costumed dancers or a batucada, and nonstop high-tempo music. It is especially popular at Colombian and Venezuelan weddings and has spread to Latin weddings everywhere.
If you plan one, let the band know when it starts so the set list is ready. It works best as 20 to 30 minutes of back-to-back hits in merengue, reggaeton and salsa.
Songs Latin Wedding Crowds Love
A mix of classics for the grandparents and dance-floor hits for everyone else.
- “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena
A Texas essential. Nobody sits this one out.
- “Baila Esta Cumbia” by Selena
The cumbia that opens dance floors across Houston.
- “Como la Flor” by Selena
Singalong heartbreak with a cumbia beat.
- “La Gota Fría” by Carlos Vives
Colombian vallenato that gets every generation moving.
- “Bachata Rosa” by Juan Luis Guerra
A romantic bachata for couples on the floor.
- “Tiburón” by Proyecto Uno
Merengue-house energy for the peak of the night.
- “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias
Modern, bilingual and instantly recognizable.
- “Somos Novios” by Armando Manzanero
A classic bolero, lovely for a slow dance with the grandparents.
- “Sabor a Mí” by Álvaro Carrillo
The bolero many parents danced to at their own weddings.
Avalon Acts for Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue and Tejano
These acts list cumbia, merengue, bachata, Tejano or La Víbora de la Mar in their song lists or descriptions. Open any of them to see the full list and hear samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one band play both English and Spanish music?
Yes. Several acts Avalon Music books blend English and Spanish music, from Top 40 to salsa, cumbia and Tejano. Our bilingual wedding entertainment guide explains how to plan a two-language reception.
Should we book mariachi and a band?
Many couples do: mariachi for the ceremony, cocktail hour or a serenata, then a Latin or variety band for the reception. You can mix and match different ensembles for each part of the day.
Can the band learn a song for a family tradition?
In most cases, yes. Avalon Music asks for requests 4 to 6 weeks before the event, and a custom arrangement may involve a small additional fee.