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The Essential Filipino Wedding
Traditionally, wedding expenses are paid for by the groom's family in
the Philippine setting, unlike in some western cultures. But more and
more couples contribute their share from their hard-earned savings.
Some couples even shoulder the entire wedding expense themselves. It
normally follows that whoever foots the bill has the final say on how
big the wedding will be and has the 'majority stake' on the guest list.
Using rice grains as confetti is discouraged by most churches in keeping with the more austere times.
Marrying couples have a few pairs of ninongs & ninangs (godparents)
to stand as principal sponsors/witnesses in the ceremony, much like the
practice observed during a child's baptism.
Most Catholic churches don't allow a Sunday wedding.
A Catholic Filipino wedding ceremony is held with a full mass that runs about an hour.
Aside from the exchange of rings, the giving of the arrhae (earnest
money in the form of 13 pieces of gold or silver coins) is a part of
Filipino weddings as the groom's pledge of his dedication to the
welfare of his wife and children.
The arrhae (or thirteen coins) are carried by a coin bearer who marches
with the ring bearer during the processional and recessional.
If the couple intends to choose their wedding vows instead of using the
standard vows provided by the church, they should inform the
officiating priest and ask for his approval.
Most Filipino brides prefer custom-made wedding gowns over those ready-made off-the-rack.
The most popular month for weddings in the Philippines is December (until early January) and not June.
Filipino grooms also walk down the aisle. Solo or with their parents.
Proximity of the ceremony and reception venues in Manila is a major
consideration for guests' convenience due to traffic and parking
concerns.
Wedding Invitations usually have an insert-page that includes all the names and roles of each member of the bridal party.
Reception cards are not so popular in the Philippines, since it is
usually assumed that a wedding invitation covers both the ceremony and
the reception.
Aside from the bridesmaids and groomsmen, three additional pairs of
wedding attendants stand as secondary sponsors; they will facilitate
the wedding candle, veil and cord ceremonies during the nuptial mass.
The Essential Filipino Wedding
The candle sponsors will each light wedding candles which are located
on either side of the couple. The flames from the candles symbolize
God's presence within the union. The lighting of a unity candle (of
Protestant origin) is sometimes integrated as a variation.
Next, the veil sponsors will drape and pin the veil (a long white
tulle) on the groom's shoulder and over the bride's head. This
symbolizes the union of two people, 'clothed' as one.
Finally, the cord sponsors stands-up with a cord (a silken rope, a
string of flowers or links of coins) that is in the form of a figure
eight loops it loosely around the neck-shoulder area of the couple.
This symbolizes the infinite bond of marriage.
The veil and cord ceremonies have the marrying couple 'tied-up'
together while kneeling for almost half the time during the nuptial
mass. But don't fret, it isn't as hard as it sounds...
Filipino brides and grooms do not arrive at the ceremony venue at the
same time. The groom is expected to arrive several minutes (even an
hour) prior to the set time of the wedding in order to receive guests.
The bride, on the other hand, usually stays in the bridal car and will
only alight the vehicle just before her bridal march.
As part of the ceremonial dance at the reception, some couples
incorporate a 'money dance' where guests pin peso (or dollar!) bills on
either the bride or groom. In return they get a chance to dance with
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