Wedding Coins (Arras): What They Are and Why 13 Coins

Wedding coins (arras) symbolize shared prosperity and responsible stewardship of the home. They are presented as 13 coins in a special box and form part of the ceremony—most often in religious weddings, but also in civil celebrations with a symbolic rite.

Table of contents

1. What are they and what do they mean?
2. How many coins—and why 13?
3. Who carries the arras?
4. When and how are they presented?
5. Suggested wording (short & solemn)
6. Design, materials & box
7. Photo & protocol tips
8. Using arras in a civil or symbolic wedding
9. Common mistakes to avoid
10. Mini-FAQ

What are they and what do they mean?

A set of coins representing the goods you will share and the mutual care of your family. The gesture confirms that your marriage will have trust, foresight, and generosity.

How many coins—and why 13?

Traditionally there are 13 coins. The number symbolizes abundance for every month plus an extra for generosity. It isn’t mandatory, but it’s the most common custom.

Who carries the arras?

Often the arras sponsor (or a child from the wedding party) presents them on a tray or inside a box. Confirm with your officiant whether they walk up alone or accompanied and where the box should rest during the Mass/ceremony.

When and how are they presented?

• In a religious ceremony, usually after the rings.
• In symbolic ceremonies, you can include them during vows or blessings.
• Place the open box; the giver takes the coins and pours them into their partner’s hand while saying the wording.

Suggested wording

Short version

“Receive these arras as a sign of the goods we will share. May our home never lack what is needed.”

Solemn version

“I, Name, give you these arras as a symbol of my commitment to care for what we have, steward it with you, and share generously all that we receive.”

Check with your minister/officiant if your parish/rite suggests specific wording.

Design, materials & box

• Coins: gold- or silver-plated; some feature religious emblems or initials.
• Box: wood, acrylic, or velvet; add engraving with initials and date.
• Color-coding: match to the veil, lasso, or wedding palette.

Photo & protocol tips

• Give the box to the MC/coordinator so it’s at hand.
• Rehearse who gives and who receives and which hand; look at each other (and then the officiant) for natural photos.
• Keep a cue card with the wording inside the box—nerves happen.

Using arras in a civil or symbolic wedding

Integrate the arras as a symbolic moment: after the vows, do the exchange and close with a short toast. Ideal if there won’t be a religious ceremony but you want to keep the tradition.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Forgetting the box: assign someone to the set (arras, lasso, rings).
• Loose coins: use an insert/cushion so they don’t roll during the ceremony.
• No rehearsal: one run-through in the main rehearsal saves seconds and calms nerves.

Mini-FAQ

• Can they be personalized? Yes—initials/date on the lid or center disk.
• Who buys the arras? Sometimes the sponsor gifts them; agree ahead of time.
• Can they be heirloom pieces? Beautiful idea—use them and keep them as a family keepsake.

Tip: store the arras in a cool, dry place; clean the metal with a microfiber cloth to maintain the shine.