Quick Answer
What are las arras in a Mexican wedding?
Las arras are 13 coins presented by the groom to the bride during the wedding ceremony, symbolizing his commitment to provide for the household; the bride's acceptance signals her trust in that commitment. They are often carried on a small tray or pillow by a padrino de arras.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What are las arras in a Mexican wedding?
Also called: las arras matrimoniales, the 13 wedding coins, unity coins.
Right after the rings, most Mexican Catholic weddings have a second small exchange: 13 coins, called las arras, passed from the groom's hands into the bride's. It is a short moment in the ceremony, but the number and the gesture both carry real weight for families who follow the tradition.
What the 13 coins represent
- •The coins are usually presented in a small decorative box, tray, or pouch, often carried by a padrino de arras.
- •The priest blesses the coins, and the groom pours them into the bride's cupped hands (or a small container) as a pledge to provide for the household.
- •The number 13 is traditionally explained as representing Christ and the 12 apostles, though some couples treat it simply as a fixed symbolic count.
Planning notes
- •Arras sets (coins plus a decorative box) are inexpensive and widely sold specifically for weddings — order one instead of trying to assemble 13 matching coins yourself.
- •Decide early who your padrino de arras is, since they are often responsible for holding and presenting the coin box during the ceremony.
- •If your ceremony is not Catholic or is not rooted in Mexican tradition, check with your officiant whether arras fits the format before assuming it is included.
Keep ceremony roles and RSVPs in one place
Track who is confirmed as your padrino de arras, padrino de lazo, and other sponsor roles alongside your full guest RSVP list on Weddingkart.
See RSVP tracking →Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there exactly 13 coins in las arras?
The number is traditionally tied to Christ and the 12 apostles, symbolizing faith and abundance, though many modern couples simply keep the count as a fixed cultural convention.
Who holds the arras during the ceremony?
Typically a padrino de arras — a sponsor, often a family member — carries the coin box and hands it to the officiant or groom at the right moment in the ceremony.
Do the coins have to be real currency?
No — most couples use a decorative arras set made specifically for weddings, often gold-toned and sold as a keepsake rather than actual spendable coins.
Related
By Mayank JaiswalLast updated