I heart being Mexican, but when it comes to weddings, there’s some stuff you should know about us.

(Ok, ok this isn’t the case for every Mexican. Just those I’ve grown up around.)

¿RSVP? ¿Qué significa eso?

Don’t get mad when you send out the invitation and the only people who RSVP’d are your college buddies. It’s just not something we’re accustomed to doing. Also, don’t even bother sending Save the Dates. It can get confusing. *¿Qué? ¿Otra invitación?

Wedding registries

Don’t tell a Mexican mother what she can, or cannot, buy you. You’re going to get what she feels like getting you. Just smile and take it as a token of her love. **Ave María purísima. $45 por un sartén!? HA! Mejor voy a Ross, ahí están mas baratos. -- I really can’t argue with this logic. Except, I prefer Home Goods.

Centerpieces become party favors

You see … a lot of the times in Mexico, the bride’s family makes the centerpieces. They don’t belong to the party hall or some vendor, so they make the centerpieces as a keepsake of the special day (2 birds, 1 stone). By hiring a decorator or borrowing the hall’s decorations, you are robbing Mexicans of the best part about weddings. How will they even remember this wedding ever happened if they don’t have a giant floral arrangement in their dining room as a reminder?

Children.

Please. Whatever you do … do NOT tell your Mexican relatives they can’t bring their children. It’s rude, and they’re going to ignore your request anyway. So, avoid the frustration and just invite the children. Even Jesus invited the children, and his speeches were more important than your maid of honor's who may or may not have had one too many glasses of wine.

Welp, that's it for now. For my more American tradition friends, please don't get offended when your guests don't all comply by the rules. Instead, focus on the fact that you have enough people in your life that are willing, and able, to celebrate with you.