Filipino Weddings

Philippine, “Kasal”, or Filipino Weddings: this page was inspired by my dear neighbour who had an interfaith wedding, her husband being Australian and she being Filipino. I was captivated by the traditions, particularly those she wove into her modern day wedding, originally introduced by the Spanish Missionaries.

In bygone times Filipino weddings lasted three days, the final joining of hands occurring on the third day. To announce the engagement the groom threw a spear outside his bride-to-be’s house, signifying she was spoken for. Today, most ceremonies follow the Catholic faith and the gold/diamond engagement ring has replaced the spear throwing.

Filipino wedding bridal party:

There are two important groups: the primary sponsors and secondary sponsors.

(i) Primary Sponsors are those close friends representing wisdom. They have and will continue to give support and guidance to the bride and groom. Such a person may be a Godmother or Godfather. The group may comprise of two or more people.

(ii) Secondary Sponsors play a role as part of the bridal party with the Arrhae, Veil and Cord ceremonies. They comprise the Matron of Honor/Chief Bridesmaid, Bridesmaids and their respective partners.

Filipino wedding traditions include:

- the bride wearing a white dress, with orange blossom in her bouquet
- the church being decorated with orange blossom
- the groom wearing a “barong” a transparent button-up shirt
- some brides, as my neighbour did, carry an arch (half loop) of flowers, with two birds (doves) and a money pouch (in which to receive the “arrhae” - 13 gold coins blessed by the priest) that is held over the couple. This represents fertility and prosperity.
- releasing two doves for good luck.
- a “white cloud” represented by a second veil is put over the bride and grooms head - one man, one woman, symbolizing unity as one, by the secondary sponsors
- in a figure eight a white silken cord/rope is tied loosely around the bride and grooms necks by the secondary sponsors, symbolizing a life-time bond
- two candles are lit by another pair of “secondary sponsors” from which the bride and groom will light their long stemmed unity candle. This represents the joining of the two families and the flame “Almighty God”.
- the “primary sponsors” witnessing the signing of the register
- the person (bride or groom) who steps out of the church first will be the "boss" of the couple. My neighbour assured me she made sure she steped out first!
- the opening “Pandango”, money dance by the bride and groom, where guests pin money on them to help the newlyweds pay for the honeymoon

It was a delight learning about Filipino weddings. I hope that you may be able to incorporate some, if not all, of the above into your interfaith wedding.

Filipino Weddings