Filipino wedding ceremonies typically involve many people, and the wedding rituals typically “speak” to the couple personally. Beyond the usual bridal party, the Filipino wedding involves people who are also significant in the couple’s life: the Principal Sponsors and the Secondary Sponsors.
We have 10 Principal Sponsors
The Principal Sponsors (aka Ninang and Ninong): These are women and men whom the bride and groom respect & admire. They are, as in the early days of the Church, sponsors of the couple attesting to their readiness for marriage and freedom to marry. In the Philippines, they are the official witnesses of the state and they sign the marriage license. Worldwide, their participation is symbolic of the wisdom & support they shall offer the new couple. The Principal sponsors are part of the bridal procession. At the nuptial blessing, they may also be invited to come up with the celebrant and to extend their right hands to join in the prayer of blessing. In doing so, they are fulfilling their roles as sponsors.
The Secondary Sponsors are women and men whom the couple chooses to involve in their ceremony because of their affinity or friendship with them. They are typically relatives or close friends.
We have 2 Veil Sponsors
The Veil Sponsors — those who will place a white veil over the shoulders of the couple.
The Couple’s Veil (white) has come to be a symbol of purity. Its original meaning was the symbol of the presence of the Lord, as the cloud was a symbol of His presence. It is placed over the shoulders of the couple to symbolize their union and being “clothed as one” in unity.
We have 2 Cord Sponsors
The Cord Sponsors — those who will place a knotted cord over the heads of the couple, to lay on their shoulders.
The Cord is a symbol of the couple’s bond; that indeed they are no longer two but one in their new life as a couple.
We have 2 Candle Sponsors
The Candle Sponsors — those who will light the candles on the altar.
The candles symbolize the Light of Christ, the same light they received at Baptism and now receive again to lead them in their new life as a couple.
We have 1 Coin Bearer
The Coin Bearer — who will present the Arras.
The Wedding Coins (also known as: Arras [ah-rahs] or Arrhae [ar-rah-heh]) have come to symbolize the couple’s commitment to mutually contributing to their relationship, their children, and their community.