Wedding Coins (Las Arras): Meaning, History & Expert Guide | RM Magic Dreams

Wedding Coins (Las Arras): History, Meaning, and How to Choose Yours

Wedding coins, known as arras, are one of those elements everyone recognizes at a glance, but very few people actually know the details behind. As an international wedding planner specializing in destination weddings between Spain and Miami, I often see couples, especially in multicultural celebrations, wondering what they actually are, why they're used, and if they really need to include them in their ceremony. That's why I put together this honest, straightforward guide based on what you always ask me, to explain their origin, their true meaning, and how to choose a set that fits your style.

What Wedding Coins Actually Are

Basically, they are a set of thirteen coins that the couple exchanges during the ceremony as a symbol of trust, unity, and a commitment to share everything that comes your way. They represent mutual giving and the prosperity of your new home.
It's a brief moment, but a deeply intimate one. And in a destination wedding, taking care of these small details is what truly makes the difference between a pretty event and an experience with a real soul.

Where They Come From: An Origin Older Than We Think

Although we heavily associate them with religious weddings, their history goes way back. Even in Roman and Visigothic times, very similar marriage rituals existed to symbolize economic stability and the sharing of assets in a new household.
Over the centuries, the tradition passed into religious and civil ceremonies, especially across the Hispanic world. Today, it stays alive because of a simple, universal message: "What I have, I share with you."

Why We Still Use Them Today (And Why They Matter Even More Abroad)

I always tell my brides that people keep the tradition of the arras for three main reasons:

1. Family tradition: Many of you choose them because you grew up seeing them in your family's weddings.
   
2. The symbolism: They represent unity and trust, values that never go out of style.
   
3. Cultural roots: If you live in the United States (like in Miami) or Canada, keeping this tradition is a gorgeous way to stay connected to your roots and build a bridge between your current life and your heritage.
   

Where Are They Used the Most?

From my experience with couples, the map is pretty clear:

• Where they are an absolute classic: Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Panama, Venezuela, and Hispanic communities in the U.S. (with Miami and Florida leading the way) and Canada.
  
• Where they are used more occasionally: Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, or Bolivia, depending heavily on family customs.
  

Rocío's Tip: If you're planning a destination wedding blending two cultures, for instance, American and Spanish guests, integrating the coins thoughtfully is a detail that deeply moves both families. If the thought of figuring out how to piece this together without losing your mind stresses you out, at RM Magic Dreams we handle it so it flows completely naturally.

What Materials Can They Be Made Of?

Here, there are options for every taste and budget:

• Gold: The most classic and a true investment piece.
  
• Silver: A gorgeous, elegant, and highly durable alternative.
  
• Gold or silver-plated: Perfect if you want that same visual effect on a more relaxed budget.
  
• Handcrafted or custom coins: Engraved with your initials, a special date, or a symbol unique to both of you.
  

How Much Do They Usually Cost?

To give you an idea when you're budgeting:

• Silver: between 40€ and 120€ ($45–$130 USD).
  
• Plated: between 20€ and 60€ ($25–$70 USD).
  
• Pure gold: anywhere from 300€ to over 1,500€ depending on the design.
  
• Customized: between 50€ and 200€ ($60–$220 USD).
  

Should You Buy Them or Inherit Them?

The beauty of this is that there are no strict rules.
Many couples don't know that wedding coins can be passed down, and using a set from your parents or grandparents adds an incredible emotional value to your wedding. But if you prefer to buy a brand-new set of your own, that is just as valid.

A logistical note from our "30/70 rule": If you're traveling with pure gold jewelry or high-value family pieces from Miami to Spain (or vice versa), secure transport and safety matter just as much as the design of the box holding them. At RM Magic Dreams, we like to keep all that invisible backstage under control so you don't have to worry about a thing.

How Are They Presented During the Ceremony?

There's no single choreography, but it usually goes like this:

• The coins are placed in a small jewelry box, tray, or chest that matches the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
  
• The officiant briefly shares what they mean with your guests.
  
• You exchange them with one another while saying a few words.
  

In the civil weddings we organize in Florida or in private estates across Spain, this moment is completely personalized. Many couples write their own vows or readings to make it even more special.

Surprising Facts Almost Nobody Knows

1. Why 13 coins? Twelve for each month of the year, plus one extra that symbolizes the generosity of sharing even when times get tough.
   
2. They don't have to be standard coins: You can use vintage pieces, coins minted specifically for your wedding date, or totally custom-designed tokens.
   
3. A child doesn't have to carry them: In our destination weddings, we often have a beloved family member, a key witness, or the couple themselves carry them integrated right into the floral design.
   
4. They work perfectly in civil ceremonies: They stopped being exclusive to the church a long time ago.
   

In Conclusion...

Wedding coins are much more than thirteen metal pieces: they are a small piece of history and emotion woven into your big day. Whether you inherit a set or choose brand-new ones, the important thing is that they represent you.
As a wedding planner, I will always tell you that the best part of a wedding is when it truly speaks of who you are. If you want me to help you design an impeccable destination wedding in Spain, France, or Florida without the stress of the "DIY trap," let's talk.

Are you planning a destination wedding and want every detail to flow with elegance?

Organizing a high-end wedding between Spain and the United States (like Miami) demands an expert vision and a logistics framework that never fails.
Let's talk about your project. At RM Magic Dreams LLC, led by Rocío Mejías Godoy, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can actually enjoy the journey with absolute peace of mind.