Filipino Weddings 101

Filipino Wedding Traditions

Ceremony

Catholic Coin Ceremony | The Arras

Exactly 13 Arras, or coins, are carried in a pouch and brought to the altar by the coin sponsors. The Arras are then blessed for the groom to gift his bride as he promises the welfare of her and their future family.

Catholic Veil Ceremony

Through the Catholic veil ceremony, two individuals are bonded and recognized as one. The veil sponsors drape one side of a white veil over the bride’s head and the other side over the groom’s shoulder as a symbol of unity. This also represents a wish for good health and protection during their life as husband and wife.

Catholic Cord Ceremony

Similar to The Veil Ceremony, the Yugal or infinity shaped cord is incorporated as a representation of the couple’s bond and union. Their sponsors will place the Yugal on top of the veil as the couple receives their blessing.

Catholic Candle Ceremony | Unity Candle

This is the final ritual symbolizing the bonding of two individuals and in Filipino culture, two families. The two outer candles are a representation of their individual lives before the wedding day. The candles exemplify all that the bride and groom are from their past experiences and represent each individual family. Together, the bride and groom will light the unity candle, blow out the single candles, and figuratively extinguish their past.

Reception

Money Dance
The Money Dance is also known as The Dollar Dance or The Apron Dance. No matter what you choose to call it, this tradition is a fun one that many cultures choose to include during their reception. The DJ will ask the men and women to line up in separate lines, grab a pin and wait their turn to dance with the bride and/or groom. The money received during the dances is perceived as a sign of good fortune as they begin their journey as husband and wife. We'll be doing a money dance as a Filipino tradition, but guest participation is optional!

Line Dancing
It's not a party until everyone's on the dance floor dancing the electric slide. Need to brush up on your moves? Here are some links to dance tutorials.