Who Pays for What in a Filipino Wedding? A Guide to Wedding Traditions and Responsibilities
When planning a Filipino wedding, a big question often arises: who pays for what? Understanding the traditional roles can help you navigate the responsibilities and expectations that come with this beautiful celebration. In Filipino culture, the groom’s family typically covers the wedding expenses, while the bride’s family may handle certain aspects like the gown.
As you dive into the rich customs and traditions, you’ll find that these practices are deeply rooted in family values and unity. Knowing who pays for different components can make your wedding planning smoother and more enjoyable.
From the reception to the special ceremonies, getting a grip on these customs will ensure that you honor your heritage while creating an unforgettable day.
Roles and Responsibilities

In a Filipino wedding, various parties have specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding who does what will help make planning smoother and more organized. Below are the key players involved in the wedding process and what they contribute.
Bride and Groom
You, as the bride and groom, play the most important role in the wedding. Your main responsibility is to plan the celebration together, deciding on elements like the venue, theme, and guest list.
You also have a say in the budget and must communicate openly about financial contributions.
Both of you may contribute financially, often pooling resources to cover costs. It’s important to set expectations and agree on who pays for which aspects, like the reception or the rings. Your decisions shape the entire event, highlighting your style and values.
Groom’s Family
The groom’s family traditionally helps with wedding costs. Often, they cover expenses like the venue, catering, and sometimes the bride’s attire. Communication is key here, as the groom’s family should be aware of their financial responsibilities.
Besides finances, they also participate in the wedding ceremony, especially in offering blessings. Your family can help with planning meetings and coordinating with vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having an engaged family can relieve some planning stress for you both.
Bride’s Family
In many Filipino weddings, the bride’s family has significant roles too. They often handle the bride’s attire and other related costs. This can include everything from the wedding dress to the flowers.
It is essential for you to discuss and agree on these expenses with your family.
The bride’s family typically plays a crucial role in planning activities and rituals. They may be involved in organizing pre-wedding parties, like the bridal shower. Both families working together can create a sense of unity and joy during this special time.
Ninong and Ninang
Ninong and Ninang serve important ceremonial roles in your wedding. They are often called the primary sponsors and act as witnesses to your vows. Their presence symbolizes support and guidance in your marriage journey.
They may also provide financial help, often contributing towards the wedding expenses. In Filipino culture, being selected as Ninong or Ninang is considered a great honor. Their responsibilities can include offering advice and serving as role models as you build your life together.
Wedding Sponsors
Wedding sponsors play a key role in your celebration, much like Ninong and Ninang. Their duties include witnessing the marriage and sometimes contributing to costs. They also sign the marriage certificate, making their presence legally significant.
It’s common for couples to choose close friends or family as sponsors. You can discuss their responsibilities ahead of time, ensuring they know what’s expected. Their support can also add emotional depth to the ceremony, making it even more special.
Secondary Sponsors
Secondary sponsors assist the primary sponsors in your wedding. They usually have specific duties like carrying the wedding rings or the veil. This role allows more friends and family to be involved in your special day.
While their financial contributions are less common, some secondary sponsors might offer to cover specific costs, such as decorations or flowers. Their involvement creates a network of support around you. It’s a wonderful way to show appreciation for the people who mean a lot in your life.
Pre-Wedding Traditions
In a Filipino wedding, pre-wedding traditions set the stage for the big day. These customs involve important rituals and the formalities of inviting guests, which reflect the rich cultural heritage.
Paninilbihan
Paninilbihan is an essential pre-wedding tradition that involves the groom’s family visiting the bride’s family. This visit is more than just a formality; it shows respect and creates a bond between the two families.
It usually includes discussions about the wedding details and the couple’s future together.
During this meeting, there may also be offerings or a small gift exchange as a sign of goodwill. It’s a chance for both families to share their expectations and establish a harmonious relationship. This gathering often strengthens familial ties, paving the way for a successful union.
Wedding Invitations
Creating wedding invitations is another important part of the pre-wedding process. In Filipino culture, these invitations often feature traditional designs that reflect heritage.
You can choose to include personal touches, like photos of the couple or meaningful quotes.
When crafting the guest list, consider including family, close friends, and important figures in your life. It’s common for couples to send invitations a few months before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to prepare.
Don’t forget to include details such as the wedding venue, date, and time. You can also add information about your wedding registry, where guests can see any gifts you would appreciate.
Ceremonial Elements
In Filipino weddings, ceremonial elements play a significant role in showcasing culture and tradition. These elements include attire, symbolic items, and unique rituals that express love and unity.
Attire and Accessories
The attire for a Filipino wedding is both elegant and meaningful. The groom typically wears a Barong Tagalog, which is a traditional embroidered shirt made from lightweight fabric. It symbolizes Filipino heritage and grace.
The bride, on the other hand, often chooses a stunning wedding gown that may feature intricate lace details or embroidery. Accessories like pearl jewelry are popular, as pearls symbolize purity and beauty. These pieces enhance the overall look, adding to the wedding’s charm.
Symbolic Items
Certain symbolic items play a crucial role in the ceremony. The unity candle represents the couple’s union. Both partners light the candle together, signifying their commitment.
Another important item is the veil, which symbolizes the couple’s connection and protection. The veil is draped over both the bride and groom, showing their bond. The white cord is often tied around them in a figure-eight shape, representing eternal love and unity.
Unity Candle and Cord
The unity candle ceremony is an emotional highlight during the wedding. It typically happens after the exchange of vows. The couple lights one candle from two separate ones, highlighting their union as one entity.
The cord is an additional element. It usually consists of a white cord tied around the couple’s shoulders to signify the bond that cannot be broken. This ritual reinforces their commitment to one another and their families.
Coin and Ring Bearers
Tradition includes the roles of the coin bearer and the ring bearer. The coin bearer presents 13 coins, known as arras, to symbolize prosperity and financial unity. This act signifies the groom’s promise to support his future family.
The ring bearer carries the couple’s wedding rings, showcasing the importance of these symbols of love and fidelity. Both roles are filled with meaningful tradition and add charm to the ceremony, making everyone feel included in this special day.
Reception and Post-Wedding
After the ceremony, the reception is a major part of the celebration, and it comes with its own set of expenses. Understanding these costs and some traditions will help you manage your budget effectively.
Budget Considerations
When planning your reception, consider various aspects such as the venue, catering, and decorations.
The venue often takes up a large part of your budget. Costs can vary widely depending on location and size.
Catering is another significant expense. You may choose buffet-style dining, a plated dinner, or a simpler setup like finger foods. Don’t forget about beverages, which can include both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
Make a list of all potential costs. This will help you see where you can adjust if needed.
Discuss financial responsibilities with your families. Often, the groom’s family traditionally covers the reception expenses. However, communication is key to avoid misunderstandings.
The Money Dance
The Money Dance is a fun tradition at many Filipino weddings. At this event, guests give money to the couple while dancing with them. This activity is intended to help newlyweds cover some wedding costs, especially those related to the reception.
When planning this, decide how you want to structure it. You might have a designated time during the reception when guests join in. Make it clear to your guests that this is a way to support you.
The amount guests give can vary widely. Some might give a small amount, while others may give a larger sum. It’s a joyful way to celebrate and offers a chance for guests to interact with the couple.