Relationships, Marriage, & Family Life in Brazil
Weddings in Brazil take place in numerous venues, including in the church as well as in other spaces. No matter the setting, there are a few traditions that nearly all couples abide by. The bride and groom are not allowed to see each other on the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony and the bride will often arrive about 10-15 minutes late to ensure this. The groom will also pick his groomsmen on the wedding day itself.
Whose last name the couple takes, in what order, etc. is up to the couple as many women will add the man's last name to theirs, which could already include both their father's and mother's surname. The average age that Brazilians marry is 28 for men and 26 for women. After the ceremony and the signing of the marriage license there is usually a large reception, which involves drinking, food, and dancing above all else.
Once married the family life in Brazil is somewhat different from region to region and from couple to couple. However, for nearly all Brazilians family is extremely important and is the central hinge on which society relies.