LocoStyle Guayabera Blog

There are many traditions in Mexico that are fun and fascinating from an outsider’s perspective as well as to those who participate in them.

Here are just a few of them:

1. Las Posadas – This Mexican Christmas tradition is the best known manifestation of the Christmas spirit held each night on the nine days between December 16th and Christmas eve. According to religious tradition, Las Posadas represents the period of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus.”Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at first, the observances soon became imbued with a spirit of fun and eventually left the church and began to be celebrated in people’s homes. The posadas have become a community affair with friends, relatives and neighbors getting together to share in the festivities, visiting a different house each evening. People carry candles, visit several houses and ask for “posada” (shelter). The adults are given a thick punch “Ponche Navideno” and at the end of the journey, the “piñata”, stuffed with candy and fruit, is broken. Christmas itself is usually celebrated on Christmas Eve in Mexico with a midnight mass and a late dinner.

2. Pastorelas - This Mexican Christmas tradition refers to events prior to the birth of Jesus with the splendor of the manger and the shepherds. The pastorelas, as a scenic and literary genre, had its roots in 16th century Spanish religious theatre. These were theatrical representations used by the missionaries to impart religious knowledge to the indigenous people of Mexico. Usually performed in the afternoon or early evenings of the last weeks of December, pastorelas are a Mexican version of Europe’s medieval miracle plays. They are most often presented outdoors in a public square, perhaps the courtyard of a church or an inn. The players may be local townsfolk, groups of schoolchildren, semi-professional traveling troupes of actors during the Christmas season. The performance might last from half an hour to several hours to all night. Pastorela means pastoral or a play that takes place in the countryside and concerns the activities of pastores, or shepherds. First introduced in Mexico by missionaries in the 1500’s, the pastorelas continued to grow in favor among the Mexican people and today are one of the most popular Christmastime entertainments. Mixing religious teachings with Indian Mexican folklore and comedy, the pastorelas all tell pretty much the same story…the eternal conflict between good and evil. The plot revolves around the pilgrimage of the shepherds to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ Child.

3. Dia de Reyes (Epiphany) - Each year, this Mexican Christmas tradition continues. The children gather at the Alameda Central Park in Mexico City to visit the Three Magi (The Three Kings) and hand-deliver letters with their wishes and gifts in the tradition of the Three Wise Men who came from the East, following the star of Bethlehem, and presenting the Christ Child with gold, incense and myrrh.

The traditional Epiphany supper of ring-shaped cake with hot chocolate originated in Spain and made its way to Mexico. The cake is decorated with sugar and dried fruit. A small figure, representing the Christ Child, is hidden inside the cake. The century old tradition states that whoever finds the “Child” is spiritually obliged to present the figure at the nearest church on February 2nd and offer a tamale-party in his honor.

4. Day of the Dead - November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day are marked throughout Mexico by a plethora of intriguing customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all, however, are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars and religious rites that are likely to include noisy fireworks.

In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.

From mid-October through the first week of November, markets and shops all over Mexico are replete with the special accouterments for the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). These include all manner of skeletons and other macabre toys; intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado; elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with paper or silk flowers; candles and votive lights; and fresh seasonal flowers, particularly cempazuchiles (marigolds) and barro de obispo (cockscomb). Among the edible goodies offered are skulls, coffins and the like made from sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds and special baked goods, notably sugary sweet rolls called pan de muerto that come in various sizes invariably topped with bits of dough shaped like bones and, in some regions, unadorned dark breads molded into humanoid figures called animas (souls). All of these goods are destined for the buyer’s ofrenda de muertos (offering to the dead).

The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast and adequate sustenance for the journey. Frequently a washbasin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.

In setting up the altar, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way.

5. Los Santos Inocentes - December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents, is a religious commemoration of King Herod’s ordering the slaughter of all male infants in his kingdom, intended to include the Christ Child. In Mexico it is celebrated as day akin to April Fool’s, an occasion for jokes and pranks. The usual tactic is to approach a friend and ask to borrow cash or some object of value. If fooled by the ploy, the victim may be given a candy or silly gift in return, along with much joking and name-calling. So beware or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

When we think of Cuba we imagine great cigars and men wearing Guyaberas. We also think of embargos. But what does Cuba and America have in common?

For historical sake, Cuba was important to the history of Florida and the Keys due to Florida being a Spanish possession until 1762 when Florida was traded to Britain. Even then, Spain insisted that the Keys were not a part of Florida. England contested this, but neither cared as long as one did not interfere with the other’s shipping. Cuba was Spain’s first real foothold in the New World and was Spain’s stepping-stone to the Americas. The Keys Indians traded with Havana for many years. Most of the Spanish shipwrecks were sailing from Havana to Spain when they wrecked on the Florida reefs.

On October 28, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba and christened it “Juana,” in honor of Prince Don Juan, son of Queen Isabella. Its Indian name was “Cubanacan.” Slowly the name Cuba was adopted by the Spanish. Cuba’s size and diversity of landscape no doubt convinced Columbus that he had indeed found Asia.

By the direction of King Ferdinand, Diego Columbus (son of Christopher) was the governor-general of Hispaniola. He commissioned Diego Velasquez to conquer and settle Cuba. When Christopher had visited Cuba on his second voyage, the Indians were hospitable. Velasquez anticipated little difficulty. However, in that short time the Indians of Hispaniola had been treated so terribly, that head chieftain Hatuey had to flee to Cuba. He had spread the word about the cruel white man to the Cuban natives.

In 1511, when Diego Velasquez and his 300 men landed for the conquest, they were greeted by a cloud of arrows.

Cuba’s first capital was Santiago de Cuba. Governor Diego de Mazariego took up residence in Havana in 1558. Havana was given the title of “City” in 1592 and was confirmed as the Capital in 1607. By 1602, Cuba’s Spanish population was about 20,000 of which 13,000 lived in or around Havana. As a time perspective, the Pilgrims had not yet arrived in North America.

Interesting, and little known, is the fact that the English or Spanish ownership of the Keys (Los Martires) was never really settled. The English Governor Ogilvie said the Keys were part of Florida. Spanish agent Elixio said that they were The Martires or Havana Norte and were a part of Cuba, not Florida; therefore not part of the treaty, which had not defined the boundaries of Florida. Both countries stood by their positions; however, neither contested -other than with words.

With Florida under English rule, many of the Spanish in Florida moved back to Cuba, as did the Spanish in Santo Domingo when it was ceded to France. Thousands more fled from French Haiti to Cuba when the blacks revolted and assumed power in Haiti. As a result Cuba’s population grew while Florida was under English control, and Cuban commerce with the U.S. increased.

Today, Cuba prides itself on being independent. Having a strong influence of the Spanish and African culture, when it comes to the dressing sense of the Cubans you will realize that it is pretty much in tune with the west. Moreover being the kings of practicality that they are they usually just dress according to the weather conditions. The general style is laid back and relaxed with the formal clothing reserved for the dinners and theatres. In this, the Cubans are similar to the people of the Americas, primarily Florida. Each love the Guayabera shirt as it is a rather cool open neck shirt that is traditionally made out of cotton. Typically it is not a shirt that is to be tucked into the pants rather it is to be worn outside the pants giving the wearer a casual yet sober look.

Yes Cuba and America has a shared history and apparently a shared taste in clothing that is relaxed, cool and comfortable.

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

For centuries individuals or societies have used clothes and other body adornment as a form of nonverbal communication to indicate occupation, rank, gender, sexual availability, locality, class, wealth and group affiliation. Fashion is a form of free speech. It not only embraces clothing, but also accessories. What we wear and how and when we wear it, provides others with a shorthand to subtly read the surface of a social situation.

How we perceive the beauty or ugliness of our bodies is dependant on cultural attitudes to physiognomy. In many cultures, those defining fashion are the cultural icons. This is why newspapers and magazines report on what celebrities and even politicians are wearing.

Examining who is wearing what through print media dates as far back as to even the 1700s. People pored over fashion magazines to see the latest styles. Women and dressmakers outside the French court relied on sketches to see what was going on. The famous French King Louis XIV said that fashion is a mirror. Louis himself was renowned for his style, which tended towards extravagant laces and velvets.

We are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas from music, videos, books, and television. Movies also have a big impact on what people wear.

Sociologists believe group affiliation is our prime concern with regard to fashion. As long as some group similarity is identified within the group, our personal fashion whether current or dated can belong to any tribe. It is the sense of belonging marked by how we fashion ourselves that gives us the tribal connection.

At the same time, we as human beings desire differentiation. People are often socially and economically labeled by their clothing or fashion. In history, the Edwardians were socially stratified into those who wore tailor made clothing down to those who wore other people’s cast offs. The poor simply looked poor, because their raiment betrayed them. The rich and nouveau riche displayed their wealth through an iconography of signs and symbols that enhanced their body image in the eyes of those that saw themselves as socially inferior.

Today, the purchase of fashionable clothes, fabrics, or accessories becomes a visual currency and can speak to one’s status. People are so aware of the fact that others make judgments about them through their clothes and accessories that many run up huge debts to appear to belong to a particular lifestyle. Only individuals with a strong sense of self-identity stick their necks out and admit to wearing items that others might consider dubious or passé.

In reality, there are many reasons we wear what we wear.

* Protection from cold, rain and snow: mountain climbers wear high-tech outerwear to avoid frostbite and over-exposure.
* Physical attraction: many styles are worn to inspire “chemistry.”
* Emotions: we dress “up” when we’re happy and “down” when we’re upset.
* Religious expression: Orthodox Jewish men wear long black suits and Islamic women cover every part of their body except their eyes.
* Identification and tradition: judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, brides wear long white dresses.

The fact is, fashion is big business. More people are involved in the buying, selling and production of clothing than any other business in the world. Everyday, millions of workers design, sew, glue, dye, and transport clothing to stores. Ads on buses, billboards and magazines give us ideas about what to wear, consciously, or subconsciously. Choosing what we wear may be more complex in nature to ourselves than we imagined, ask yourself – why determines your fashion?

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

Linen is one of the most comfortable fabrics you can buy. It also requires a little extra care to own, this is due to the fact it is made from the flax plant, which produces long fibers from its stalk. These natural “yarns” are what wick moisture away from the skin to help create the fabric’s light, airy feeling. The drawback, however, is that the “breathing” fibers are quite stiff. Once they bend, they stay bent, and the result is linen’s trademark wrinkles. Even more frustrating is that the more you sweat, the more the fabric wrinkles.

Before washing any clothing, it is important to look at the label to view the manufacturers care recommendations. Although linen may be laundered with great results, the garment label will take in account any special instructions that may be necessary for the particular item you want to wash. Some garments may include different fabric types used for their lining, or some may be a blend of linen with another type of fabric. If the label says it’s best to dry clean the garment, it would be wise to follow this advice.

Typically linen shirts and pants can be machine-washed in a gentle cycle in warm water. Of course it is preferable if you hand-wash your linen or have it dry-cleaned. Repeated hand or machine washings make linen soft, thereby eventually reducing wrinkling, while dry cleaning keeps it crisp and new looking.

To hand-wash a linen item, place it in a small tub with warm water and soap suds. Rub the linen in the mix and then pull it out of the tub. When it comes to stains, the treatment really depends on the source of the stain, but the general method is to rub immediately with cold water (which prevents the stain from setting in), or letting the garment soak in laundry detergent. Rubbing the stain with white vinegar, or sprinkling some talcum powder on the stain while letting the garment lay flat overnight, have also been proven to work. If the stain is oil based, it is usually best to let the dry cleaners do the work for you. If you choose to use a stain remover or treatment product, it is safest to test an inconspicuous area of the garment with the product first. Apply the product and let it sit for at least 5 minutes and then rinse. If you notice no color change, then proceed, using the product directly on the stain. After using the stain remover, rinse the garment and launder as usual. Remember that some stains just can’t be removed.

Once you’re done hand- or machine-washing, air-dry the linen garment. You can then iron it, or wear it as is.

It’s in linen’s best interest to never see the inside of a dryer. Ideally, you should let a freshly washed linen garment air-dry, whether by laying it flat on a towel or hanging it from a padded wooden hanger.

If you’re ironing linen, do so on a high setting, while the garment is still damp. The dampness guards against burning the linen; the fabric dries quite fast. Iron first on the inside of the garment to remove wrinkles, and then on the outside to create a nice sheen. Also, be sure to iron until the linen is smooth , not dry. When it’s to your liking, begin air-drying. As well, avoid folding your linen items; hanging is preferable.

And if you wear a linen suit or pants regularly, get in the habit of always pulling your pants up from the knees before you sit down. This keeps the fabric stiff between your knees and waist, and avoids the excess wrinkling in the crotch area that can be brought on by sitting, slouching and so on.

By simply caring for your linen clothing in the proper manner, you will be able to enjoy wearing your garments for many years to come.

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

If you remember that perfect shirt, how comfortable it was and how it felt, you might find yourself asking why some clothing feels better than others. The reason, is the fabric first and then the design.

When looking for that perfect shirt, remember that natural fibers are often the best, especially linens and cottons for summer.

Pure linen is ideal for summer clothing. This comes in different weights from very ultra thin to heavy. While the lighter ones are preferred for blouses and dresses, the latter are suitable for summer jackets and slacks. Pure linen tends to wrinkle easily, and will need pressing. To minimize this, consider a luxurious blend of linen and cotton. The blend is especially good for jackets and slacks.

What is linen? The term “linen” refers to yarn and fabric made from flax fibers; however, today it is often used as a generic term to describe a class of woven bed, bath, table and kitchen textiles because traditionally linen was so widely used for towels, sheets, etc. In the past, the word also referred to lightweight undergarments such as shirts, chemises, waistshirts, lingerie, and detachable shirt collars and cuffs. Linens were manufactured almost exclusively of fibers from the flax plant Linum usitatissimum. But textiles made of cotton, hemp, and other plant fibers have also been referred to as ‘linen’, which can make the exact referent of the term somewhat unclear and confusing to the buyer.

Linen textiles may be the oldest in the world. Their history goes back many thousands of years. Fragments of straw, seeds, fibers, yarns and various types of fabrics which date back to about 8000 B.C. have been found in Swiss lake dwellings. Linen was used in the Mediterranean in the pre-Christian age. Linen was sometimes used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen because it was seen as a symbol of light and purity, and as a display of wealth. Some of these fabrics, woven from hand spun yarns, were extremely fine and cannot be matched by modern spinning techniques.

So why is Linen so comfortable? Linen fabric breathes, much like human skin, it can absorb up 20% or more of its own weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch. Linen also absorbs the moisture rapidly which makes it wonderful for bath and kitchen towels. You and your dishes will dry quickly. Even better, your drinking glasses will be lint free.

Linen is also truly healthy. Linen cannot provoke allergies, it is anti-static and can even help soften and preserve the skin due to its natural pH balance. The non-allergic, antibacterial, and antimycotic (Suppressing thegrowth of fungi) properties of linen are emphasized more and more often and is something the buyer should seriously consider.

Thanks to linen’s temperature-regulating properties. In hot weather, linen absorbs moisture and excess heat, while in cool weather it retains body heat. Highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat, linen fabric feels cool to the touch.

Over time linen becomes softer and even more comfortable.

Cotton is also a versatile material. There are many types of cotton available and cotton too is especially suitable for summer attire.

Crinkle cottons are ideal for casual shirts, pull on pants, and skirts. Cotton shirting is perfect for casual summer dresses and blouses. This has a soft, luxurious feel. Though it will require pressing, it is well worth the effort. Cotton pique feels rough to the touch because of the slightly raised weave. This is available in a wide range of coordinating seasonal summer prints as well as solid colors. It is most frequently used for blouses, unlined jackets, and vests. This fabric is easy to work with.

Cotton damask is ideal for dressy summer clothing and is versatile enough to use for all sorts of attire from slacks and dresses to jackets and blouses. Cotton batiste is an elegant fabric that is in great demand for blouses. This comes in various weights from lightweight to heavy. The Swiss cotton batiste is by no means cheap. French seams are preferred since they’ll be visible.

Between the many choices of cottons and linens, choosing your next shirt should be a breeze and keep you comfortable and cool throughout the summer.

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

Contrary to popular belief, Father’s Day was not started by the greeting card company but by a woman. Which of two women officially came up with the idea is still disputed, but here are their stories.

The first woman thought to have brought up the idea of Father’s Day was named Sonora Smart Dodd. It is said that Ms. Dodd thought of the idea while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909.

Having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. Mr. Smart who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. Ms. Dodd felt that it was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Legend goes that Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

The other woman believed to have conceived the idea of Father’s Day was Grace Golden Clayton. Her story goes like this.

Ms. Clayton was inspired to celebrate fathers after a deadly mine explosion in a nearby town called Monongah, West Virginia the prior December. This explosion killed more than 360 men, 210 of whom were fathers. Many of the fathers killed were recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Ms. Clayton suggested the service to the pastor.

This Father’s Day observance was held on July 5, 1908, at Fairmont, West Virginia.

Even though we don’t know which woman came up with the idea first, what we do know is that in 1926, a National Father’s Day Committee was formed in New York City and Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.

Do other countries celebrate Father’s Day? Indeed, but some may not call it ‘Father’s Day’ and others celebrate it on different days. In Germany, Father’s Day is called Männertag and is always celebrated on Ascension Day (the Thursday forty days after Easter), which is a federal holiday. Regionally, it is also called men’s day, Männertag, or gentlemen’s day, Herrentag. It is tradition for the men to take a males-only hiking tour with one or more smaller wagons, Bollerwagen, pulled by manpower. In the wagons are wine or beer (according to region) and traditional regional food, Hausmannskost, which could be Saumagen, Liverwurst, Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegetables, eggs, etc.

Männertag and Herrentag are not quite like an American Father’s Day in that the day is centered around either becoming inebriated and/or passing the tradition of extreme alcohol consumption onto young men.

In Taiwan, Father’s Day is not an official holiday but is widely observed on August 8, which is the eighth day of the eighth month of the year. In Mandarin Chinese, the pronunciation of the number 8 is bā. This pronunciation is very similar to the character “爸” “bà”, which means “Papa” or “father”. Taiwanese, therefore, usually call August 8 in its nick name as “Bābā Day” (八八節).

In Thailand, Father Day is set as the birthday of the king. December 5 is the birthday of current king, Bhumibol Adulyadej.

So now you have the true information behind the ever popular and celebrated Father’s Day. The next time somebody asks, how old is Father’s Day and who started it, you can give them the correct answer.

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

If you have never heard of the guayabera, it most likely you have probably seen one and didn’t know what it was. The reason, because they are everywhere and on every type of person, young hipters to businessmen.

The ornate, four-pocket shirts are the standard outfit for business, social and formal occasions through-out tropical America, but no one is quite sure where the guayabera (gwai-a-BER-a) comes from. Some claim a Mexican origin, saying that the name is derived from the Mayan guayabana, meaning “throw over.” Some say they came out in Cuba first, more than 200 years ago, and later spread through the Caribbean and on to the Philippines. And the name? Cuban slang for a guava (guayaba) picker.

For Cubans, the shirt is ubiquitous in tropical Latin American countries, and they argue it originated on their island. The loose-fitting shirts are as Cuban as rum and cigars: Fidel Castro’s bodyguards often sport guayaberas, most Cuban men own at least one and the shirts remain the dress of choice for any formal occasion.

Whatever the origin, the guayabera is without question the hot shirt of the moment.

The guayabera is defined by its pockets and its pleats. Two pockets instead of four, and you’re probably wearing a Mexican chazarilla. Long sleeves and no pockets at all or pleats, sorry, that’s just a shirt.

The most sought-after guayaberas are vintage shirts from the ’50s and ’60s, valued for their intricate stitching and all-cotton construction.

The true charm of a guayabera lies not in innovative designs but in the classic comfort and versatility. Depending on the material and the embroidery, a guayabera can be as casual as a bowling shirt or as stated previously, as proper as a business suit. The most prevalent color of the guayabera is the traditional white, but the shirts come in almost any color.

Their guayaberas range in price from $22 to $300, depending on the fabric. The most common is made of linen. The most expensive guayaberas are made of 100% Italian linen, but the typically mid-ranged shirt is made of a rayon/linen blend, polyester and cotton or 100% cotton.

Generations young and old are wearing guayaberas. The shirts are so comfortable and versatile that it is said that in Florida, county authorities, as well as many municipal governments, have deemed the guayabera as an “official” garment that may be worn by government representatives while on duty.

So have you seen a guayabera in your neighborhood?

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

Your wedding is around the corner and dreams of faraway romantic places or quaint hideaways come to mind when trying to decide where you would like your wedding.

If this is you, there are two ways to go when planning a destination wedding. The first is to hire a professional and the second is to do your homework.

For those of you who are planning your own, here are a few things to consider.

First of all there is location. When trying to determine where you want to go, let your mind think outside of the box. Beaches are wonderful but there are hundreds of other places that are just as romantic and fascinating. How about a country inn, lakefront resort, or a wintry mountainside lodge that can be rented for the weekend? If nothing comes to mind, ask your family and friends about some of their favorite getaways.

Speaking of family, inviting everyone you love to one place for several days of fun in the sun can be a good thing, but before you plan a faraway affair, ask yourself if your essential friends and family will be up for the trip. Grandma may not want to fly to Italy for the week and some cannot plainly afford it.

If you are having your wedding in a faraway place, consider hiring a local who can help you take care of the details. An on-location wedding coordinator (many resorts include a coordinator in their wedding packages) can shoulder the burden of researching and securing vendors, arranging airport transportation, and locating all those last-minute things, from dry cleaners to hiking tours, that may come up. Depending on your temperament, this can be a welcome reprieve or a scary proposition.

When it comes to cost, keep in mind you can spend as much or as little as you want on a destination wedding, just as you can at home—there are no steadfast rules about which is less expensive. But don’t forget to factor in at least a couple of pre-wedding research trips into your budget, even if the coordinator is doing the bulk of the work for you.
You may be surprised to find out that destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings. This is because they generally involve fewer guests, and resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive deals.

In watching your pocketbook, you can also opt for less expensive destinations or destinations that offer a wide range of dining and lodging options. If you wed in at a top travel spot, consider choosing an off-season date, and explore local neighborhoods with less touristy price tags for other aspects of your event, like your rehearsal dinner.

If you are getting married in another state or country, you will need a local marriage license, and possibly a passport. The passport is simple; just be sure to apply well in advance of your wedding date. Getting the marriage license can be slightly trickier, especially in a foreign country. Contact the local city hall (if you don’t speak their language, get an interpreter!) and get permission to be married in the location. Some places require blood tests, immunization certificates, or doctor’s certificates in order for you to legally marry. No matter where you are getting married, it is best to find out as much as possible in advance. There may be unexpected requirements, such as an established residency, a waiting period, or a certain number of witnesses.

For couples looking to create a really memorable occasion without breaking the bank, destination weddings are a perfect option – as long as you do your homework.

Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

Every country or ethnicity has its own traditions. Traditions are especially important when it comes to life events such as weddings.

In Mexico, wedding traditions can include many things. In some cities of northern Mexico, there is the tradition of giving a ring called “of promise” that occurs before the ring of commitment. The ring is generally for long engagements, which are common in this area.

As for the music, mariachis may replace organ music but the brides’ march is usually played on the organ.

Mexican weddings tend to be large with many attendants. The attendants are called madrinas and padrinos and they have special roles in the wedding.

The flower girl and ring bearer are dressed as miniature versions of the bride and groom. The madrina de ramo carries flowers for the Virgin Mary. The madrina de laso carries a jeweled or beaded rope that is placed around the couple as they say their vows, to symbolize their union.

The bridegroom often offers the bride thirteen coins. The madrina de arras holds the thirteen coins that the bridegroom presents to the bride. The coins, or arrhea, was a Roman custom of breaking gold or silver, one half to be kept by the woman and the other half by the man, as a pledge of marriage.

The groom gives the coins to the bride as a symbol of his unquestionable trust and confidence. He pledges that he places all of his goods into her care for safekeeping. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence.

Aside from the church preparations, the whole family becomes involved in planning the wedding. The six-month period before the wedding allows the couple time to reserve the location for their reception or dance. Inn ancient times, weddings were held in the bride’s yard or house. The groom traveled by horse to the bride’s house and after the wedding ceremony took his wife in a palanquin (cart) to his parents’ house to live. The bride and groom wore formal court costumes for the wedding ceremony. Ordinary people were permitted to wear the luxurious clothes only on their wedding day.

Today, the bride can purchase a dress or arrange with a seamstress or bridal specialist for a custom-made dress. Brides in times past designed their wedding dress with their mothers, who would then do the sewing.

For men, the Guayabera shirt is often worn. This shirt, often called a Mexican wedding shirt and has been around for the past 200 years. This shirt has a loose style, and, as a result, can be worn by all shapes and sizes. These crisp, cool shirts are light, and flattering to any body shape. Traditional linen guayaberas are still the most popular beach wedding shirts because of their comfort, style, and freshness.

Other wedding traditions include hand lanterns, which are used for lighting the way from the groom’s home to the bride’s home on the night before the wedding. Traditionally, the groom’s family would carry a wedding chest filled with gifts for the bride’s family.

Wedding ducks are a symbol for a long and happy marriage. Cranes are a symbol of long life and may be represented on the woman’s sash.

Traditional foods are used for weddings that include spicy rice, beans, tortilla dishes, using chicken and beef. Sangria is served. It is a cold drink made from red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice and soda water.

To top it all off, the wedding cake is usually a fruitcake soaked in rum.

Traditions are important and certainly don’t have to be recognized just for weddings. But should you want a traditional Mexican wedding, now you know what types of activities to integrate into your special day.

About the Author: Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men’s, women’s and children’s guayaberas, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.