The Lasso Ceremony


The Lasso (El Lazo) Ceremony is a unity ritual traditionally included in Hispanic, Latino and Filipino weddings. Similar to the Veil and Cord ceremony, it involves a decorative rope or oversized rosary placed around the couple's shoulders in a figure-eight shape. This shape represents infinity, a love that has no end, and the two loops signify the two individuals who are now joined in a single circle of life.

The wedding lasso is placed after the vows and ring exchange. It represents the infinite nature of the couple’s love and their protection of one another. Traditionally, two designated sponsors (known as Padrinos de Lazo) or close family members come forward to place the loop over the couple's heads before the final blessing.

1. The Invitation

Officiant:

"I now invite [Name] and [Name], the Padrinos de Lazo (Sponsors of the Lasso), to come forward."

"[Partner A] and [Partner B] have chosen you to place the Lasso upon them, symbolizing the sacred bond they are forming today. This is a bond that is woven with the threads of love, patience, and mutual respect."

2. The Placing of the Lasso

The Sponsors stand behind the couple. They hold the Lasso high for the guests to see before lowering it. They place one loop over [Partner A]’s shoulders and the other loop over [Partner B]’s shoulders, crossing it in the middle to form the infinity symbol.

Officiant:

"This Lasso represents the union of your two hearts. As you wear it, feel the weight of the commitment you are making. It is a circle of protection, a symbol of your shared destiny, and a reminder that you no longer walk alone."

"From this moment on, your lives are intertwined. The strength of this bond comes not from the cord itself, but from the promises you have whispered to one another today. May this Lasso bind you together in a love that grows stronger with every passing year."

3. The Prayer of the Lasso

The couple remains standing/kneeling inside the Lasso during this prayer.

Officiant:

"May the Lord bless this union. May this Lasso remind [Partner A] and [Partner B] that they are now one in spirit and in flesh."

"Let the loops of this Lasso be wide enough to allow for your individual growth, yet strong enough to hold you close during the trials of life. May your home be filled with the same grace and beauty that this Lasso represents today. Let no one divide what has been joined by this sacred bond."

4. The Removal

The Lasso usually remains on the couple through the final blessing or the end of the ceremony. Before the "First Kiss" or the "Presentation of the Couple," the Sponsors return.

Officiant:

"The Padrinos will now remove the Lasso, but the bond it represents will remain in your hearts forever."

The Sponsors carefully lift the Lasso over the couple's heads, coil it, and hand it to one of the partners or place it on the altar.

5. The Ceremony Ends

Essential details to consider:

The "Padrinos" (Sponsors)

Traditionally, the people chosen to place the Lasso are a long-married couple who serve as role models for the newlyweds. Choosing them is a way of saying, "We want our marriage to look like yours."

Lasso Design

The Lasso can be made of several materials, depending on your style:

  • The Rosary Lasso: Two oversized rosaries joined by a single crucifix.
  • The Floral Lasso: A rope of fresh flowers (roses or lilies are popular).
  • The Silk Lasso: A thick, braided silver or gold silk cord with decorative tassels.

Placement Tips

  • Height: The Lasso should rest on the shoulders, not the neck, to ensure it doesn't mess up the couple's hair or attire.
  • The "Cross": The Sponsors should ensure the "join" of the figure-eight is centered between the couple to create a symmetrical look for photos.
  • Kneeling: Many couples choose to kneel on a velación (wedding cushion) while the Lasso is being placed, which adds a layer of solemnity to the moment.