question - just because you're invited to a wedding you will be designated a Padrino or a Madrina? I am a madrina for my friend's son's high school graduation. They asked me first if I would be his madrina....I would have gone to his graduation either way. just wondering how this works!!

No, it's an honor bestowed by the family or the novios to be a Padrino or Madrina.

The #1 son of our fishing captain is getting married in November. I have been fishing with him for at least 15 years and when old enough his son is the deckhand. We have been to their house for dinner a couple of times and we have taken them out a few times. How does this work, do I offer to sponsor something or just give a cash gift. We were invited to the wedding but will not be able to attend.

To be a Padrino you can buy something like a few bottles of champagne for the Brindis at La Europea and they will deliver it for you. Or have small wedding gifts made up for the tables that the guests will all take with them like small floral arrangements, napkin holders, candles in special holders, ashtrays, traditional fans, or some simple ornamental decoration, all with the bride's and groom's names. This is very common and not very expensive.

Or simply buy a traditional wedding gift, which may be the most appropriate if you aren't particularly close to the family.

I would avoid a cash gift though I know it seems the easiest thing to do.

The #1 son of our fishing captain is getting married in November. I have been fishing with him for at least 15 years and when old enough his son is the deckhand. We have been to their house for dinner a couple of times and we have taken them out a few times. How does this work, do I offer to sponsor something or just give a cash gift. We were invited to the wedding but will not be able to attend.

Usually you will be designated as the Padrino of something. You should consult with his parents because they will be the ones who know who is the Padrino of what. For some things you can be a Padrino while not having to actually be present, though of course they will all want you to actually be there if you possibly can. I've lost count how many people my wife and I are Madrina & Padrino for, but it can be for things like the cake, the rings, the Brindis (toast) or it can be for something more elaborate. But since lots of family members are usually involved, the best thing to do is to discuss it either with the novio or his parents.

You should try to go if you possibly can. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things, even if you're Padrino to lots of people like my wife and I are.