Fun & Festive Ideas for a Cinco de Mayo Wedding

Aside from offering your guests tacos and tequila, we love when couples have mariachi performers play at the end of their ceremony, leading guests to the cocktail hour in style. Consider using colorful, bold Mexican art prints on pillows or linens at the ceremony or reception, and suspend papel picado flags overhead at a welcome party to really set the mood. Another fun way to incorporate Mexican culture is to have sombreros available as props for the photo booth, or consider renting donkeys, mules, or burros to pose with your attendees.

Of course, one of the best ways to honor the country is to have a destination wedding in Mexico, but for those saying "I do" stateside, you can still incorporate these lively influences without having guests travel. For more Cinco de Mayo ideas and inspiration for a Cinco de Mayo wedding theme, take a look at the photos below! To see more from these wedding events, click the link below each photo!

Embroidered Getting-Ready Attire

In lieu of the popular robes or pajamas, gift your bridesmaids with beautiful "something blue" embroidered dresses made by Mexican artisans.

Photo by Perez Photography & Sarah Kate, Photographer; From Real Wedding: Seaside Island Destination Wedding with Blue & White Décor

Wedding Portraits with a Donkey

One thing is for certain: everyone loves animals! Hire a donkey (or burro) to come to your wedding reception for photos you'll never forget!

Photo by Alexandria Monette Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Outdoor Wedding with Spanish-Style Décor Details in California

Colorful Welcome Bags

Even if you're not hosting a destination wedding in Mexico, you can still provide your loved ones with welcome bags in vibrant colors featuring your favorite Mexican candies and treats.

Photo by Victoria Angela Photography; From Event: Vibrant Destination Wedding Styled Shoot on the Beach in Mexico

Photo by Amelia Johnson Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Destination Wedding at an 18th Century Church in Guatemala

Vibrant Ceremony Décor

An outdoor wedding ceremony is a wonderful way to make your guests feel like they're on vacation! Whether you decide to decorate your ceremony like a Spanish chapel or add blooms in bright colors to accentuate terracotta tile flooring, guests will love the vibrant décor whether you're having a Cinco de Mayo wedding or not.

Photo by Alexandria Monette Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Outdoor Wedding with Spanish-Style Décor Details in California

Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Ceremony + Reception with Bright Color Palette at LA Ranch

Mariachi Band Music

Mariachi music dates back to the 18th century, and the celebratory music is still going strong at real weddings in Mexico and across the world. Take it one step further by partaking in the Mexican callejoneada tradition – a wedding-day parade that takes guests from the ceremony to the party – of San Miguel de Allende!

Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Ceremony and Reception at Central California Vineyard

Photo by Karlisch Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Beachside Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Photo by Fitz Carlile Photography; From Real Wedding: Luxurious Wedding with Personalized Details in Downtown Los Angeles

Photo by John Cain Photography; From Real Wedding: At-Home Dallas Fête Inspired by San Miguel De Allende Weddings

Photo by Vue Photography; Planning & Design by La Cosa Bella Events; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Chapel Ceremony + Outdoor Reception in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Fiesta Party Flags

Consider hanging a papel picado banner of fiesta party flags over guest tables at a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or the wedding day itself to set the festive mood through bright pops of color in your design details! 

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Event: Destination Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party in Sayulita, Mexico

Spanish Welcome Sign

Especially if you're having a destination wedding in Mexico, add some Spanish to the mix! In fact, the perfect way to get the party started is to welcome guests with some Español – bienvenidos!

Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer; From Real Wedding: Oceanfront Ceremony + Sunset Reception in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Festive Fiesta Fare

If your wedding reception dinner is fairly formal, have some fun at cocktail hour with your Mexican food favorites! Serve tray-passed chips and guacamole on top of margarita shooters, or try miniature tacos served on top of a lime next to tequila cocktails or margaritas – and a taco bar makes a great addition to a Cinco de Mayo wedding or party too!

Photo by Artistrie Co.; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Celebration with Personalized Elements in Chicago

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Church Ceremony + Colorful Tented Reception at a Private Residence

Photo by Lauren + Abby Ross; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events; From Real Wedding: An Organic, Neutral Destination Wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Photo by Love and Water Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Hawaiian Wedding with Travel & Vintage Theme in Maui

Brightly Colored Napkins & Accessories

One thing is for certain when you're planning a wedding or event inspired by Cinco de Mayo: don't be afraid of color! Even if the rest of your décor is fairly neutral, have some fun with your paper goods – including cocktail napkins in bright or neon hues.

Photo by Collin Pierson Photography; Planning & Design by Michelle Durpetti Events; From Event: Beach Wedding Ceremony + Romantic Reception Inspiration in Cabo

Tile Escort Cards

In lieu of traditional escort cards, consider having guests' names hand-painted on patterned tiles that can also serve as coaster favors for your loved ones. 

Photo by Kathleen Geiberger Photography; From Real Wedding: Vibrant + Colorful Seaside Wedding in Southern California

Photo by Vue Photography; Planning & Design by La Cosa Bella Events; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding with Chapel Ceremony + Outdoor Reception in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Colorful Floral Centerpieces

Bright, vibrant blooms in shades of hot pink and yellow, accented with fresh greenery, will bring the lively spirit of the holiday to your Cinco de Mayo wedding – whether it's indoors or outdoors!

Photo by Anna Gomes Photo; From Real Wedding: An Intimate, Sunset-Toned Destination Wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico

Photo by Lauren Feddersen Photography; From Real Wedding: Pro Soccer Players' Destination Fête with Pops of Color in Mexico

Spanish Table Numbers

Consider labeling tables with table numbers in Spanish if you want to honor your heritage – or use a traditional number with colorful, patterned paper goods and stationery to give off a festive feel.

Photo by Jennifer Lindberg Weddings; From Real Wedding: Golfer Sergio Garcia's Texas Wedding & Masters-Themed After-Party

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Jewish Ceremony + Reception with Colorful Bohemian Décor

Piñata Décor

Piñatas are a staple at many Mexican celebratory gatherings, and they're a fun addition for a wedding as well! Mario Lopez's wedding (pictured below) featured a kids' table with mini piñatas in the center!

Photo by Kevin Weinstein Photography; From Real Wedding: Mario Lopez & Courtney Mazza's Destination Wedding in Mexico

Margaritas & Tequila Wedding Favors

Miniature bottles of tequila can be used along with escort cards to get the party started or as take-home wedding favors to leave a future taste of the party with attendees. Consider bottling including ingredients for margaritas or canned margaritas in your welcome bags as well!

Photo by Sara Richardson Photography; From Real Wedding: WAGS' Barbie Blank & Hockey Player Sheldon Souray's Mexico Wedding

Churros + Mexican Desserts

Even if you're having a traditional wedding cake as well, offer delicious Mexican desserts such as churros to your guests! You can even incorporate unique flavors such as dulce de leche into your wedding cake for an added touch to celebrate your Cinco de Mayo wedding.

Photo by Anna Gomes Photo; From Real Wedding: An Intimate, Sunset-Toned Destination Wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico

Dance Floor Décor

It's not a Cinco de Mayo wedding without plenty of fun dancing! Decorate the dance floor with twinkling lights and star-shaped paper lanterns, or add a Mexican tile-inspired vinyl to the dance floor itself to create a wow factor.

Photo by Alexandria Monette Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Outdoor Wedding with Spanish-Style Décor Details in California

Photo by John Cain Photography; Entertainment by EastCoast Entertainment; From Real Wedding: At-Home Dallas Fête Inspired by San Miguel De Allende Weddings

Donkey, Burro & Mule Rentals

Whether you're getting married in Mexico or you always wanted a destination wedding but are staying home for your nuptials, renting a donkey, burro, or mule for rides or the photo booth is a great way to create an unforgettable moment for your guests.

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Event: Destination Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party in Sayulita, Mexico

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Event: Destination Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party in Sayulita, Mexico

Sombrero for Décor or Photo Booth

If you're having a photo booth at your wedding, be sure to have some of Mexico's traditional hats – sombreros – on hand for a prop or costume!

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Wedding: Neutral & Tropical Fall Destination Wedding on the Beach in Mexico

Wedding Venue in Mexico

One of the easiest ways to have a fiesta feel for your celebration is to exchange vows at a wedding venue in Mexico, so guests can experience the sun, sand, and sea as well as the culture first hand!

Photo by Carrie King Photographer; From Real Wedding: Neutral & Tropical Fall Destination Wedding on the Beach in Mexico

For more wedding ideas, discover real weddings in Mexico to inspire your own destination wedding, see this couple's California wedding featuring Mexican traditions, and read must-have tips for a destination wedding weekend!