Give Your Wedding a Special Touch
Colorful, meaningful, and 100% Mexican—papel picado is one of the most beautiful ways to bring tradition into your wedding.
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While the location is one of the most important elements of a wedding, the decoration is also critical. As fabulous as your venue may be, it will need to be decorated, and you want your decor to be wedding worthy. Adding creative, original, and very Mexican details to the wedding decorations is key.
If you want to give your destination wedding in Puebla that extra-special touch, papel picado is your best bet.
The art of cutting thin sheets of paper into elaborate designs that can be hung as banners is one of most the emblematic examples of Mexican culture. These paper decorations have adorned festivities for centuries, and papel picado has been part of the state of Puebla’s Cultural Heritage since 1998 and has also been recognized as Mexico’s Cultural Heritage by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History, INAH).
However, behind its delicate appearance and vivid colors lies a tradition that reflects Mexico’s own history.
Papel picado is a vibrant symbol of Mexico’s creativity and tradition. Make it part of your big day!
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Papel Picado’s Backstory ⎯◆
▌The history of this handicraft in Mexico is as straightforward as the materials used to create it, but as deep as our roots. This colorful and ethereal art that enlivens streets during celebrations, Day of the Dead altars, and weddings, traces its roots back to ancient indigenous cultures.
Before the arrival of the Spanish, indigenous peoples used papel amate, a type of paper made from tree bark, to create sacred figures used in important religious ceremonies.
In fact, this paper was considered an offering to the gods, as a way of communicating with them, since it symbolized the link between the spiritual and earthly worlds.
But, with colonization came new techniques and materials, including tissue paper from China. It was thinner and easier to cut. In fact, in Mexico this is called “papel China” although it traveled from Europe to Mexico.
And so, during the 19th century, artisans began to use this delicate paper to cut out shapes with metal chisels and molds, giving rise to the papel picado we know today.
Art that Floats in the Breeze
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▌The tradition flourished, especially in the state of Puebla, and even more so in San Salvador Huixcolotla municipality, considered the cradle of Mexican papel picado.
It was there that families of artisans perfected the art over 150 years. Generations passed down the skill to transform basic sheets of paper into true masterpieces. Papel Picado Pemac workshop in San Salvador Huixcolotla, Puebla is an example of these artists who bring their creations to all Mexico, keeping a one-of-a-kind cultural tradition alive.
The process of creating papel picado is done completely by hand. Artisans place up to 50 sheets of paper on a lead base, choose their design, and carefully perforate the paper with chisels. Motifs can be geometric, floral, religious, festive, or personalized, depending on the event.
Today, papel picado is a symbol of national identity. Its presence in celebrations goes beyond decor, it is a way of paying homage to life, community, and traditions.
Make Your Wedding Extra Special ◆
▌Papel picado is not only exquisite and delicate, but it evokes something even more profound. It represents life’s fragility, celebrating love, the ties to our roots, and the joy of sharing. It is perfect for wedding celebrations that want to honor Mexican culture in a sophisticated and sentimental way.
For this reason, it is so important for an authentic wedding in Puebla!
Even better, it is extremely versatile. The paper designs can be tailored to any style celebration, whether it is boho, traditional, modern or even minimalist.
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Papel Picado into Your Big Day
▌Papel picado is so vivid, ephemeral, and fun that we love it! All that is needed is creativity because there are many, many colors, they just have to be combined. They transform any spot into a colorful party!
On the flip side, another equally lovely option is using traditional papel picado in white. It pairs marvelously with strings of white lights for a classic, romantic, and enchanting wedding.
▌With these ideas in mind, set your imagination free. The little paper banners can be hung in any space, day or night, but here are some tried and tested ideas.
1. Along the Aisles
Imagine the aisle to the altar lined with white or pastel papel picado. It can also be suspended in panels along the sides, floating above the floor, or as banners that guide the way.
2. Floating Ceilings
Cover the ceremony or party space with strings of white papel picado or use colors that complement your wedding colors. For example, string it up over the entire reception space or form a ceiling over the dance floor. The result? A magical atmosphere, ethereal and swaying with movement.
3. Personalized Details
Many of Puebla’s handicraft workshops offer the chance to personalize papel picado with the couple’s names, the wedding date, or special phrases. These can be used as decor, party favors, or even as part of the invitations. The sky is the limit!
4. Candy Table and Special Corners
Decorate your dessert table, gift table, or photo booth with unique designs. Plus, the play of colors between the papel picado and natural flowers is the perfect way to get a festive, sophisticated look.
5. Symbolic Ceremonies
For civil or symbolic ceremonies, papel picado can work as a decorative way to frame the altar or as a romantic backdrop, together with candles (electric ones are best), flowers, and clay or Talavera elements.
Handicrafts with Puebla’s Heart ⎯◆
And finally, if you are looking for a deeper connection, visit a handicraft workshop in Huixcolotla and order pieces made by hand especially for your celebration. Some artisans even offer workshops so you and your intended can create your own designs.
Incorporating these pieces in your wedding not only supports local communities but also embraces their history, connects to a legacy of handcrafted beauty, and lends an even more significant meaning to each detail. It becomes a more conscious, authentic, and very Mexican celebration.
Image Credit: Papel Picado Pemac
Wedding Credits
Wedding Planner from Puebla: Lorena Morga
Photographer: Stef Cuapio
