Since the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands and is home to many different peoples and traditions, there is no standard Filipino wedding. Every distinct custom, however, reflects a strong attachment to family and neighborhood. We Filipinos have developed our unique culture and traditions through the years, setting us apart from the rest of Southeast Asia.
The wedding traditions of the Philippines are a beautiful blend of the contemporary and the ancient. These ethnic weddings traditionally honor the union of two families rather than the bride and groom alone. Filipino wedding traditions stand out for several reasons. This includes the importance of the bride’s family, the attractiveness of bridal dresses such as the Barong and Filipiniana, and the traditional Tinikling folk dance.
When Religion and Tradition Entwine
A wedding in the Philippines is a melting pot of traditions from before and after the arrival of European conquerors. Couples in this primarily Catholic country often choose a religious service, while “destination” weddings are becoming more common. Traditional Filipino wedding ceremonies rely heavily on the Catholic faith. Because of the high percentage of devout Catholics in the Philippines—around 80%—weddings within the country are performed mainly in a Catholic church. That means it include several prayers and readings. The ideals of marriage and the significance of the union of two people are symbolized by each of the rites. Because of this, it is the most fascinating and heartfelt aspect of a Filipino wedding.
The Ideal Marriage Date
No one day or month is universally considered to be the perfect time to tie the knot. However, there are some months when weddings are at their prime, much as there is a high season for celebrations in April–May, and gift-giving in December–January. June has always been a very busy month. A common explanation is a Roman goddess of marriage, Juno, whose namesake month is often considered the most auspicious for marriage.
With its reputation as “the love month,” February is also gaining popularity with newlyweds. While June is still the most popular month for weddings, December is quickly gaining popularity. However, this comes as no shock. As the month of Christmas, December is always eagerly anticipated. The optimism and kindness that permeate the world now are discernible. This is a time for relatives to come together. Even those living abroad often return home for the holidays to be with family and friends, making this a popular wedding season. The month is also somewhat cooler and drier than others, which is a practical consideration. Since summers are becoming warmer every year, the month of December is a wonderful option.
What to Expect
Filipino weddings were elaborate three-day affairs even before the arrival of the Spaniards. With cultural rites such as the blessing of rice grains, the taking of blood, and the symbolic joining of the pair by a cord (usually a thin rope.) Despite the modern simplification of festivities, many pre-colonial practices that gave rise to them continue to this day, although with a Hispanic and American twist.
Traditional elements of a modern Filipino wedding include the lighting of candles, the blessing of coins, the wearing of veils, the tying of the nuptial rope, and the ceremonial scattering of rice. The ninong and ninang would light the couple’s candles throughout the ritual. And then, the pair would then light a bigger, central candle to symbolize their union. Its origins may be traced back to the Catholic faith, which reminds us that Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, will always shine on the newlyweds. As a counterpoint, the three candles represent that it takes three people—the two partners and God—to make this vow legal and binding.
Gracious Wedding Sponsors
More people who have played key roles in the couple’s lives than only bridesmaids and groomsmen are invited to a Filipino wedding. Filipino spouses often bestow the honorifics of Principal Sponsor and Secondary Sponsor to these significant visitors. Sponsorship might be provided by a single pair or by many different couples. Sponsors are asked to pray with the bride and groom during the ceremony. Coin Sponsors, Veil Sponsors, Cord Sponsors, and Candle Sponsors are the four tiers of secondary sponsors. Sponsors are the bride and groom’s extended family members who are invited to participate in the Catholic wedding ceremony.
The Wedding Price Tag
The average cost of a fancy Filipino wedding, including a stretch limo, opulent receptions, gifts for guests, and other extras, is between PHP300,000 and PHP1,000,000. Weddings in far-flung locations are bound to be more expensive. It’s doable to reduce it to roughly PHP50,000 if one wants to save money, but doing so would need a significant time commitment from the couple and their families. One of the main reasons most couples choose a civil ceremony is its less demanding cost.
The Wedding OOTD
In the Philippines, the bride wears a Filipiniana or Maria Clara gown, a more elaborate and formal take on the baro’t saya. In contrast, the groom wears a Barong Tagalog, an untucked, transparent fabric ensemble created from local materials. On the other hand, the contemporary bride commissions a couturier to create an all-white wedding dress in homage to American custom. There are many cases when the groom doesn’t change into anything more casual than a tuxedo, suit, or Barong Tagalog for the wedding.
The Ceremony
Whether the couple opts for a civil or religious ceremony, they must file for a marriage license and attend marital preparation classes and counselling. The couple should consult their city or county clerk for the exact procedures. Next, the marriage will be solemnized by the local civil registrar’s office. This must be done in front of two adults who can attest to your identity and age. Finally, the marriage license and NSO certificate are issued. Meeting with the Parish Priest of the couple’s preferred church, publishing marriage banns, and making confessions are additional requirements for a church ceremony. They must take the letter of intent to marry and marriage license to the Mayor’s Office for a civil ceremony. They will then be informed of the availability of their chosen date. A judge from the City Hall or the Mayor will preside over the ceremony.
Wedding Reception and After-party
Filipino wedding celebrations, like many other cultures, are a time to honor the newlyweds. The newlyweds’ friends and family gather for a night of heartfelt toasts, excellent food, and endless memories. All weddings, whether modest or grand, culminate with an extravagant meal. Village weddings are like a town fiesta in that the whole community comes together to celebrate and feast on traditional Filipino food like lechon.
These days, most couples engage a caterer and tell them how many people to anticipate (often family and friends). The caterer also provides sample menus that the happy couple might choose from. Buffet-style receptions, rather than formal sit-down dinners, are becoming more common. The menu always includes starters, entrées, desserts, and beverages. We’ve noticed that identical foods are served at almost every event. Many Filipino classics, like lechon (pit-roasted pig), embutido (Filipino meatloaf), relleno (stuffed chicken), pancit bihon (Filipino rice noodle), and many more, remain popular. On the sweet side, buko salad and buko pandan are also big hits (coconut pandan dessert).
It’s heartening to see that despite the evident Western influence on Philippine weddings, remnants of old have been preserved. No matter how extensive or small, one thing always holds true. Weddings unite not just the couple but also their respective families. Dining in a banquet of harmony, love, and friendship meant to last an eternity… (fingers crossed)
