There are certain things you just can’t separate from Argentina—tango, fútbol, Malbec wine, and, of course, mate tea. But did you know that mate isn’t just a daily ritual in Argentina? It’s also a beautiful, symbolic part of weddings.
Whether you’re planning a wedding in Buenos Aires, the vineyards of Mendoza, or the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, mate can be a unique and meaningful part of your celebration. So, grab a gourd, sip some yerba, and let’s explore why this simple drink holds so much love and tradition.
🧉 What Is Mate Tea and Why Is It Essential for an Argentine Wedding?
Mate (pronounced mah-teh) isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. Made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant, it’s traditionally sipped through a metal straw (bombilla) from a shared hollow gourd.
But mate is more than just a beverage. It’s about community, hospitality, and connection. Argentines drink mate when catching up with friends, gathering with family, or taking a quiet moment alone. It’s a symbol of sharing and togetherness—which makes it a perfect addition to a wedding.
Think about it: weddings are all about unity. Two people coming together, two families blending, a whole group of loved ones celebrating as one. What better way to symbolize that than by sharing mate?
💍 How to Include Mate in Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
If you’re getting married in Argentina (or just want to add a touch of Argentine tradition to your big day), here are some creative ways to include mate in your wedding:
1. A Pre-Wedding Moment of Calm
Let’s be honest—weddings can be stressful. The final hours before you walk down the aisle are a mix of excitement and nerves. Many Argentine couples start their wedding day with a mate ritual, taking a quiet moment together to reflect, breathe, and connect before the whirlwind begins.
You can even exchange handwritten notes while sipping mate—like a love letter to each other before the big moment. 💌
2. A Unity Mate Ceremony
Instead of the traditional candle or sand ceremony, why not share a sip of mate during your vows? Here’s how it works:
✅ The officiant prepares a fresh mate.
✅ The couple takes turns sipping from the same gourd, symbolizing their shared life ahead.
✅ They pass the mate to close family members, signifying the support of their loved ones.
Bonus: If you’re getting married outdoors in a windy spot (hello, Patagonia!), mate is way easier than trying to light a unity candle!
3. Mate as a Wedding Favor
Looking for a unique and practical wedding favor? Personalized mate kits are a fantastic gift for your guests.
Ideas include:
🎁 A mini gourd with your wedding date engraved.
🎁 A decorative tin of premium yerba mate.
🎁 A bombilla with the guest’s name.
This way, your guests will remember your wedding every time they take a sip!
4. A Late-Night Mate Bar
Argentine weddings are legendary for lasting until sunrise. Seriously, the party doesn’t even start until after midnight.
To keep the energy up, many couples set up a mate bar alongside the late-night snack table (recena). Guests can prepare their own mate, chat with friends, and get a gentle caffeine boost before hitting the dance floor again.
If your wedding has international guests, this is a great opportunity to introduce them to mate culture in a fun and interactive way.
🌎 Top Locations in Argentina to Experience Authentic Mate Culture
If you’re traveling to Argentina for your wedding, you’ll want to immerse yourself in mate culture before the big day. Here are some must-visit places:
📍 Buenos Aires: Visit the San Telmo Market to find handmade mate gourds and bombillas.
📍 Mendoza: Sip mate while watching the sunset over the vineyards at Bodega Catena Zapata.
📍 Bariloche: Enjoy mate by the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake with views of the Andes.
📍 Iguazú Falls: Locals always hike with a thermos of mate—join in and experience the tradition firsthand.
🎯 How to Make Mate Part of Your Wedding
Want to incorporate mate into your wedding but not sure where to start? Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Welcome Drinks: Serve iced mate (tereré) for a refreshing start.
✅ Customized Bombillas: Engrave them with your wedding date or initials.
✅ Mate Toast Instead of Champagne: A unique, cultural twist!
✅ DIY Mate Bar: Let guests prepare their own mate during the party.
Mate isn’t just a drink—it’s a beautiful, intimate ritual. And what’s a wedding if not the perfect time to celebrate connection and love?
🤵📷 Capturing the Magic: Wedding Photography That Tells Your Story
As a destination wedding photographer, I know that the best moments aren’t always the posed ones. It’s the little things:
✨ The laughter as your grandparents teach your friends how to properly sip mate.
✨ The steam rising from the gourd as you take a moment together before the ceremony.
✨ The late-night conversations over a shared mate gourd as the wedding winds down.
These are the memories you’ll cherish forever, and I’d love to capture them for you.
Ready to make your wedding an unforgettable experience? Check out my wedding photography blog here, explore my photo packages here, and let’s start planning your dream wedding together here.
Because in the end, your wedding isn’t just about one big moment—it’s about all the little moments in between. And trust me, mate will be one of them. ☕💛
