Weddings

Weddings are big affairs in Spain and you're likely to find the whole extended family and entire village turns out to celebrate (expect at least 200 guests at traditional 'bodas'). Some of the customs are similar, such as throwing rice, but others are less familiar.

- In line with most social events in Spain, most Spanish weddings start late (often the ceremony won't start until 7 p.m.) and finish very, very late (or early, depending on how you look at it).

- At many weddings, the men will be offered a cigar and the women a little present (usually something which looks and smells nice). If you're not used to cigars, be careful-they can be pretty strong.

- Spanish weddings can be quite noisy with plenty of loud firecrackers going off once the happy couple emerge from the church.

- There is no best men and there are no speeches. Also, the groom's mother accompanies him down the aisle.

- Finally, tread carefully. Those old churches look quaint but the floorboards on the aisles have had some serious wear over the centuries. Nothing spoils a marriage more than an overweight foreigner going through the floorboards