Looking for wedding traditions in the Philippines? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Filipino wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.
Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Filipino traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Filipino Wedding Traditions
Filipino wedding traditions are steeped in history and culture, with many unique customs and practices that are still followed today. Here are some of the most interesting and unique Filipino wedding traditions:
- Pamamanhikan: This is a traditional Filipino custom where the groom and his family visit the bride’s family to ask for her hand in marriage. This is a symbol of respect and honor towards the parents of both parties.
- Money Dance: In Filipino weddings, it is a tradition for guests to attach money to the clothes of the bride and groom during their first dance. This is a way to help the couple start a strong financial life together.
- Sabit: This is a tradition where the groom’s friends or family members “kidnap” the bride before the wedding and bring her to a different location. The groom must then find her and pay a ransom, often in the form of money or drinks.
- Sponsors (Ninong and Ninang): In Filipino weddings, sponsors, also known as Ninong and Ninang, play an important role. They are chosen by the couple to be their spiritual guides and mentors throughout their married life.
Traditional Filipino Wedding Attire
The traditional Filipino wedding attire for the bride is called the Baro’t Saya, which is a two-piece ensemble consisting of a blouse and a long skirt. The groom typically wears a Barong Tagalog, a traditional Filipino shirt made of lightweight, embroidered fabric.
But nowadays, Filipino brides are mostly wearing wedding gowns and Filipino grooms wear either Barong Tagalog or suit and tie.
How to Say “Best Wishes” in Tagalog
To say “best wishes” in Tagalog, you can use the phrase “Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!” which means “Long live the newlyweds!”
Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.
Filipino Wedding Gifting Etiquette
Gifting is an important part of Filipino wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s in Gifting
- Cash as Gift: Cash gifts are widely preferred in Filipino weddings. They’re practical, easy to transport, and allow the couple to use the funds for their new life together.
- Embrace the Money Dance: The “money dance” (sometimes called “pasingaw”) is a fun Filipino wedding tradition where guests pin money onto the couple’s clothing while they dance. This is a great way to participate and contribute to their new beginnings.
- Think Practical: Gifts that can be used in their new home are always appreciated. Kitchen appliances, cookware, dinnerware, or linens are all thoughtful choices.
- Consider Gift Registries: If the couple has established a gift registry, it’s a great way to ensure you get them something they truly need or want.
- Present with Warmth: Filipinos value thoughtful gestures. Wrap your gift nicely and present it with heartfelt congratulations. Saying “Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!” (mah-boo-high ang bah-gong kah-sal) translates to “Long live the newlyweds!” and adds a personal touch.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Forget the Cash: While other gifts are welcome, cash is the most common and expected wedding gift in Filipino culture.
- Gift Sharp Objects: Scissors, knives, or other sharp objects are considered bad luck in some Filipino traditions. It’s best to steer clear of these.
- Give Used Items: Filipinos value new beginnings, so stick to brand-new gifts for the couple.
- Open the Gift in Front of You: It’s not customary to open gifts in front of the giver at Filipino weddings. The couple will open them privately later.
- Stress Over the Amount: Focus on giving a gift that comes from the heart and fits your budget. Even a smaller amount is appreciated with a warm message.
Bride’s Dress Tradition
In Filipino culture, there’s a belief that it’s bad luck for the bride to see her wedding dress before the big day. This superstition adds an element of anticipation and excitement to the wedding preparations, as the bride eagerly awaits the moment she can finally don her gown and walk down the aisle.
Keeping the dress a secret until the wedding day is thought to ensure good fortune and blessings upon the marriage, reinforcing the significance of tradition and symbolism in Filipino weddings.
Releasing Doves
A poignant symbol of peace and love, the release of a pair of doves is a cherished tradition in Filipino weddings. As the bride and groom set the doves free, their flight symbolizes the couple’s journey into marital bliss and the beginning of a life filled with harmony and unity.
Palayok Game
Adding an element of fun and camaraderie to the festivities, Filipino weddings often include games and activities like “Palayok.” In this game, the bride and groom are blindfolded and tasked with breaking a pot filled with treats, symbolizing their ability to overcome challenges and work together as a team.
Conclusion
Celebrating weddings in the Philippines goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.
Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.