Consider this: you have arrived in Paraguay and are lucky enough to receive an invitation to a local wedding! Paraguayan weddings are not just formal events, they are deeply emotional celebrations where family, friendship, culture, and community merge into one spectacular day (or night) of festivity.
Each wedding has its own personality and rhythm, but there are certain customs and traditions that every guest should know before attending.
When, and where the celebration happens
Local weddings in Paraguay can take place at almost any time of day, and each time frame has its own charm. Some couples prefer to marry in the morning or early afternoon, often choosing outdoor venues surrounded by lush greenery. These weddings usually begin with a heartfelt ceremony, first made official by an officer from Paraguay’s Civil Registry, followed by a long afternoon of celebration that often continues well into the night. It is not unusual for the last guests to leave as the sun rises the next morning.
Other couples opt for a more formal and elegant evening event, held in reception halls, hotels, or other indoor venues. These nighttime celebrations tend to start later, with guests arriving after sunset, and they also extend until dawn. Unlike in some countries where weddings might wrap up by midnight, here, the motto is “the longer, the better.”
A unique blend of tradition and joy

Each wedding is special in its own way, reflecting the couple’s story, family traditions, and personality. Locals love to dance, sing, and celebrate together. Weddings feature a lot of drinking, laughing, and spontaneous fun.
Music goes from traditional to modern hits that get everyone on the dance floor. Live bands and DJs are common, and in some cases, folk dance groups or even surprise performances are arranged to entertain the guests.
You might also find playful touches like costume changes, interactive games, or themed segments throughout the night. Another thing to take into account is how important dressing up is; guests typically wear their best attire, and there is a shared sense of pride in looking sharp for the occasion.
Gifts, invitations, and wedding details
There are typically two main ways that gifts are received. Many couples prepare a wish list and share it with one or more local stores. Guests can visit or contact these stores to ask which items on the list are still available and purchase them directly for the couple.
Alternatively, some couples choose to include their bank account details or a QR code on the wedding invitation, allowing guests to send a monetary gift instead. This option has become increasingly popular in recent years. Either way, the instructions are always clearly stated on the invitation, so guests know what to do.
Speaking of invitations, these are usually printed and personalised according to the wedding’s theme and colour palette. The design often reflects the couple’s style and serves as a preview of what guests can expect at the event. While digital invitations are becoming more common, printed ones remain the preferred option for their sentimental value.
The heart of the celebration at Paraguayan weddings

No wedding would be complete without an abundance of delicious food and drinks. A very popular option for couples is to highlight traditional local cuisine as part of the wedding menu. Guests might enjoy specialties like sopa paraguaya (a savory cornbread made with cheese and onions), chipa guasu (a soft corn and cheese cake), asado (barbecue), and refreshing local beverages. Buffets are common, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors throughout the night.
The drinks flow freely: from wine and beer to cocktails. Toasts are emotional moments where families and friends express their love and wishes for the newlyweds. The combination of food, music, and love creates an atmosphere of genuine warmth and joy that few other events can match.
Traditions, keepsakes, and “survival kits”
Decorations are usually colourful and thoughtful, often including handmade crafts and cultural symbols that make the celebration even more meaningful. A long-standing tradition that might surprise newcomers, is the custom of taking home the centerpiece from your table at the end of the night. Far from being considered rude, this is completely normal, and even expected. This situation is seen as a lovely way to remember the event and show appreciation for the hosts.
Another fun and practical custom is the “survival kit” that guests receive during the celebration. These small bags are filled with useful items for the day after, or for surviving the night itself!
Inside, you might find painkillers, hungover prevention medicine, hair ties, chewing gum, mints, and even band-aids. The kits are a humorous and caring touch that reflects the hosts’ attention to detail and the lighthearted spirit of the celebration.


Paraguayan weddings: celebration of love, family, and life
At their core, Paraguayan weddings are about much more than the union of two people. They are a vibrant reflection of community, culture, and joy. Wedding celebrations bring together families and friends from near and far, uniting everyone in laughter, music, and dance. For newcomers, attending one of these weddings is not just about observing a ceremony, but about experiencing the heart of local culture in its most expressive form.