In the Philippines, where divorce remains illegal, wedding celebrations are taken to new heights. This unique culture surrounds marriage with rich customs and beliefs that can be beautifully incorporated into any ceremony or reception. Whether you’re Filipino or simply looking to add a touch of Pinoy charm to your special day, there’s something for everyone. With some weddings lasting up to three days, many couples now choose to blend traditional Filipino elements with modern Western flair.
If you’re planning a traditional Filipino wedding but aren’t familiar with the country’s customs, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive guide to Filipino wedding rituals will walk you through the most important cultural practices and traditions. Influenced by the country’s Spanish colonial past, many of these customs share similarities with Mexican ceremonies and receptions. Start planning your romantic celebration today!
Attend the Pamamanhikan
Choose Your Sponsors
As Filipino couples prepare for their special day, they often recognize the importance of the guests they’ve invited by naming them as Principal or Secondary Sponsors. These honored individuals play distinct roles in the wedding proceedings. The Principal Sponsors typically accompany the bridal party during the procession and participate in the prayer of blessing, with the couple’s hands held tightly together.
Meanwhile, the Secondary Sponsors are involved in various ceremonies, including lighting the unity candle, adorning the veil and cord, and presenting the 13 coins as a symbol of good luck. While the number of wedding sponsors may vary from couple to couple, many Filipino couples choose to involve close family members or respected relatives, such as aunts and uncles, in this meaningful role.
Light The Unity Candle
In Filipino weddings, a meaningful ritual unfolds after the exchanging of vows. As the couple solidifies their union, two family candles are lit by the mothers or another close family member, often symbolizing the joining of families. These candles are then passed to the newlyweds, who together light a unity candle as a tangible representation of their families’ unification. This tradition stands out from other Filipino wedding customs, as its origins are not rooted in Christianity.
While some couples may see the flame as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, it remains a powerful and poignant moment for all involved.
Adorn The Veil and Cord
In Filipino wedding ceremonies, a touching tradition often leaves a lasting impression on guests. The godparents of the couple play a significant role in this custom, as they gently place a lace veil over the groom’s shoulder and the bride’s head. A white cord, or yugal, is then carefully wrapped around them in the shape of an eight, symbolizing the unity and eternity of their bond.
This ritual beautifully illustrates how the couple’s individual lives are intertwining to form a single, harmonious whole.
Give 13 Coins
In many modern Filipino weddings, a time-honored tradition continues to flourish – the exchange of 13 precious coins. Dubbed Arrhae, this ritual holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. A priest’s blessing imbues these gold and silver coins with spiritual significance, echoing Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles. As a symbol of good fortune, the coins are typically presented by the groom to the bride, serving as a promise of prosperity for their union.
Wear Traditional Attire
As you plan your traditional Filipino wedding, it’s essential to incorporate the country’s cultural attire into your big day. While Western fashion has gained popularity among younger generations in the Philippines, a typical bride still dons the iconic baro’t saya ensemble. This stunning outfit consists of a lightweight blouse, scarf, long skirt, and flowing overskirt.
For grooms, a traditional Filipino wedding attire includes the elegant barong tagalog – an embroidered tunic made from pineapple fibers, typically paired with an undershirt and dark pants.
Incorporate Filipino Words
The Philippines’ linguistic landscape has been shaped by its complex colonial past, with languages such as Tagalog emerging as a viable option for native English speakers to learn. When planning a traditional Philippine wedding, consider incorporating Filipino words into your decorations. Instead of traditional table numbers, use phrases like ‘isa’, ‘dalawa’, and ‘tatlo’ to add a touch of cultural flair.
For couples writing their own vows, embracing the Filipino language can be a beautiful way to express their love. Consider using words like ‘kilig’ to describe the thrill you feel around your partner, ‘maganda’ for something that takes your breath away, or ‘tinatangi’ to refer to someone cherished. Alternatively, substitute ‘dayang’ for a term of endearment similar to ‘darling’, adding an intimate touch to your vows.
Decorate With Sampaguita
As you finalize the floral arrangement for your Filipino marriage celebrations, consider incorporating the Philippine national flower, also known as the Arabian Jasmine or Sampaguita. This iconic bloom represents good fortune and purity, making it a thoughtful addition to your wedding decorations. Use it as a simple yet striking centerpiece, or hang it from above to create a stunning visual effect that complements your overall color palette.
Just be mindful of the Sampaguita’s distinct aroma, ensuring that your guests aren’t overwhelmed by its fragrance.
Plan A Money Dance
While Western weddings often feature a romantic first dance between the newlyweds, Philippine traditions take a unique approach with the money dance. Male guests pin dollar bills on the bride, while female attendees do the same for the groom, echoing the symbolism of the 13 coins. This cultural practice serves as a poignant reminder of the couple’s future together, emphasizing their shared prosperity and unity in marriage.
Serve Filipino Food
A traditional Filipino wedding reception, or Handaan, would be incomplete without the rich flavors of local cuisine. Whether you’re hosting an intimate celebration or a larger bash, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Your guests may not be familiar with Filipino nuptials, but they’ll surely enjoy every bite of adobo, a savory dish typically served with white rice and boneless chicken thighs cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
Feel free to substitute the chicken with other meats like pork, turkey, or more for your special day. Another crowd-pleaser is pancit, a tasty meal consisting of glass noodles, celery, carrots, and onions that’s sure to win everyone over! To give your guests an authentic taste of a traditional Filipino wedding, consider serving lumpia as an appetizer. These pork spring rolls are infused with black pepper, parsley, and cabbage.
Lastly, sinigang never fails to impress as a delicious and savory soup option. This pork-based dish is prepared with taro, okra, tomatoes, and snake beans in a tangy broth that’s sure to delight your guests.
Follow Superstitions
When planning a wedding with Filipino traditions, it’s essential to consider the cultural superstitions that play a significant role in these celebrations. Many of these beliefs have evolved from colonial influences and native cultures, similar to those found in Mexican wedding customs. One notable superstition is the avoidance of pearls on a Filipino bride’s attire, which stems from the idea that pearls symbolize the tears of oysters.
This tradition mirrors that of Mexican weddings, where pearls are also considered taboo. In contrast to American wedding traditions, where rain is often viewed as bad luck, Filipinos believe that a rainy wedding day is actually a sign of prosperity and good fortune. This unique perspective on weather adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the celebration.
For guests attending a traditional Filipino wedding, it’s essential to be mindful of certain gifts or objects that are considered taboo. Sharp items like knives, scissors, and clippers should be avoided, as they’re believed to bring misfortune to the newlyweds. Another interesting superstition is the breaking of glasses during the celebration. According to tradition, if a glass breaks, another one must be shattered to cancel out the bad luck.
This practice serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and harmony in marriage. Lastly, there’s the traditional bride’s walk ahead of her groom or ‘accidentally’ stepping on his foot after the ceremony. This act is believed to ensure that she won’t be dominated by her husband throughout their married life. This unique tradition reflects the cultural value placed on equality and respect within Filipino marriages.
Request Filipino Music
Bring a touch of Filipino culture to your special day by crafting a wedding playlist that celebrates the country’s rich musical heritage. For a nostalgic and heartfelt vibe, include classic tracks like APO Hiking Society’s ‘Panalangin’, which translates to ‘prayer’ and conveys the deep appreciation that comes with finding one’s soulmate.
If you’re looking for a more stripped-back and intimate song to set the tone, Victory Worship’s ‘Ligtas’ (meaning ‘safety’ in English) will provide a beautiful reflection of your shared Christian faith. For a contemporary twist, consider Moira Dela Torre and Jason Marvin’s ‘Ikaw At Ako’, a sweet and upbeat track that captures the joy and happiness that comes with finding each other.