Santa Barbara is a city steeped in Spanish history and culture. From its architecture to its cuisine, the city is infused with a unique blend of Spanish and Californian influences. If you’re getting married in Santa Barbara and want to pay homage to the city’s heritage, there are many ways to incorporate Spanish-inspired elements into your wedding.
Choose a Venue with Spanish Architecture:
One of the easiest ways to infuse your wedding with a Spanish vibe is to choose a venue with Spanish architecture. Santa Barbara has many options, from historic adobe homes to grand mission-style buildings. Look for venues with red-tile roofs, stucco walls, and decorative tile work. These details will help set the tone for a Spanish-inspired celebration.
Serve Spanish Cuisine:
Santa Barbara is known for its fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine. Incorporate Spanish flavors by serving dishes like paella, tapas, and churros with chocolate dipping sauce. You can also offer a signature sangria cocktail to your guests.
Use Spanish-Inspired Decor:
Incorporate Spanish-inspired decor into your wedding by using colorful tile work, wrought-iron details, and brightly-colored linens. You can also incorporate papel picado, a traditional Mexican craft, into your decor. Hang papel picado banners around your reception space to add a festive touch.
Embrace Flamenco Music and Dance:
Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that is known for its passionate and fiery movements. Hire a flamenco guitarist or dancer to perform during your reception, or play flamenco-inspired music during cocktail hour. Your guests will love the energy and drama of this traditional Spanish art form.
Choose a Spanish-Inspired Wedding Dress:
If you want to embrace the Spanish theme in your attire, choose a wedding dress with lace or ruffled details. You can also incorporate a mantilla, a traditional Spanish veil, into your bridal look. For the groom, a traditional bolero jacket or guayabera shirt can add a touch of Spanish flair.
Incorporating Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage into your wedding is a great way to pay homage to the city’s unique culture and history. By choosing Spanish-inspired venues, cuisine, decor, and entertainment, you can create a celebration that is both memorable and authentic.