The Arras Money Ceremony

Part 5  – The Arras Money Ceremony

In this ‘Elements’ series, I take a look  at how my brides and grooms have incorporated additional elements into their ceremony, to really personalise  their wedding  and make it a  truly unique and memorable day.

The Arras Money or Coins Ceremony is a Latin tradition that goes back to Roman and Early Spanish days and is referred to as Las Arras Matrimoniales.

Sarah and Giles wanted to include elements in their wedding ceremony that reflected the rich cultural heritage they were both  bringing to their union and the new family they were creating.

They chose to include an Arras Coin Ceremony to acknowledge Giles’s mother’s side of the family. For, it is an important Filipino custom to present the bride and groom with 13 gold coins, the Arras money, during their wedding ceremony.

Traditionally, the thirteen coins represented the promise of the groom to support his wife, and the wife’s dedication to her husband and her responsibility to manage the home and the housekeeping.

Today, the coins symbolise the promise of sharing goods, giving mutual support and taking care of finances jointly.

Giles Pours the Coins into Sarah’s Hands

Giles held the coins and turned to Sarah, saying,

‘Sarah,
I give you these coins
as a promise of my dedication
to build with you a home
that is a place of
love, happiness, commitment and growth.’

Giles then dropped the coins into Sarah’s cupped hands.

As you can see, by incorporating an Arras Money Element in their wedding  ceremony, Sarah and Giles were able to acknowledge Giles’s Filipino heritage and also involve his mum in a beautiful and meaningful way, adding a deep and personal  touch to their ceremony. 

Adapting the Arras Money Ceremony

The Arras Coin ceremony can be easily adapted to suit any wedding and will delight and surprise your guests and ensure your special day is a truly memorable occasion.

It will also give you some spends for the honeymoon !!

Many Thanks

I’d like to thank Sarah and Giles  for letting me share with you a part of their incredibly special day.

I’d like to also thank the very talented, friendly  and generous Benjamin from Whoisbenjamin Photography, for the amazing pics. 

Look out for the sixth part of this series – A Unity Candle Ceremony !

For a look at Part Four of this Elements Series  – A Handfasting Ceremony – Click here !!

For a look at Part Three of this Elements Series  – A Unity Sand Ceremony – Click here !!

For a look at Part Two of this Elements Series – A  Parchment Signing Ceremony –  Click here !!

For a look at Part One of this Elements Series – A Beautiful Ring Warming Ceremony – Click here !!