Lyla Dejesus
The concept of wedding sponsors is common in Filipino culture, where they play a key role in supporting the couple on their wedding day and beyond. Sponsors are often role models who the couple can lean on for support during their nuptials and throughout their marriage. In a Filipino wedding, there are usually primary and secondary sponsors, with the primary sponsors acting as witnesses to the marriage and signing the marriage certificate. They are typically older couples, whose marriages the couple admires, and who can offer guidance and advice. Secondary sponsors, on the other hand, may help with traditional marriage rites such as candle, coins, cord, and veil ceremonies. While it is not mandatory to have sponsors at a wedding, some couples may choose to have them as a way to include their community in their celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Culture | Hispanic, Filipino, Puerto Rican |
| Role | Financial support, Guidance, Witness |
| Type | Primary, Secondary |
| Number | Minimum of two primary sponsors, but can be up to eight pairs |
| Dress code | Formal, Barong tagalog and black pants, Suit, Fancy dress, Barong, Tuxedo, Gown, Cream or off-white colours, Polo shirts |
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What You'll Learn
Primary and secondary sponsors
In Filipino culture, sponsors are an integral part of weddings, with primary and secondary sponsors playing distinct roles. Primary sponsors, also known as principal sponsors, act as legal witnesses and sign the marriage certificate. They are often individuals the couple admires and looks up to, such as godparents or older couples. Their primary role is to provide guidance and support to the newlyweds during their nuptials and throughout their married life.
On the other hand, secondary sponsors are chosen from the couple's close friends or family members. They participate in traditional Filipino marriage rites, including the candle, veil, and cord ceremonies. The candle sponsors light the wedding candles, the veil sponsors place the veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder, and the cord sponsors place a knotted cord over the couple's heads. It is important to note that there should be three pairs of secondary sponsors, each with their own specific role.
The number of primary sponsors can vary, with a minimum of two pairs required to sign the marriage contract. However, larger weddings may have up to six to eight pairs of primary sponsors. Primary sponsors are usually dressed more formally, with female sponsors in cream or off-white gowns and male sponsors in barongs or tuxedos in neutral tones.
While the primary sponsors typically provide financial assistance, it is not a requirement. The couple can decide the extent of their sponsors' involvement and how they want them to contribute. Some sponsors may offer guidance and moral support, while others may help with specific aspects of the wedding, such as photography or cake.
In conclusion, the presence of primary and secondary sponsors in Filipino weddings is a long-standing tradition that provides support and guidance to the newlywed couple. Their roles are differentiated by their specific responsibilities during the wedding ceremony and their relationship with the couple.
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Signing the marriage certificate
There are usually two pairs of principal sponsors, though some couples prefer to have six to eight pairs, especially for larger weddings. The principal sponsors are introduced with the words "to stand as witnesses to our vows". They are usually older couples, whose marriages the newlyweds admire and who they can turn to for guidance and advice. The principal sponsors should be at least 18 years old, as they are signing a legal document.
Secondary sponsors, meanwhile, are chosen from the couple's close friends or family and may help with traditional marriage rites such as candle, veil, cord, and coins. They have more freedom when it comes to their attire. For instance, female secondary sponsors do not need to wear a gown or dress, and male secondary sponsors do not need to wear a tuxedo.
In some cultures, such as in the Philippines, sponsors may also offer financial support for the wedding, paying for things like photography, cake, or church ceremonial gifts. However, this is not mandatory, and some couples may choose to have sponsors who only provide guidance and moral support.
To find sponsors, some couples create a blog to showcase their story and help potential sponsors get to know them better. This way, sponsors can decide if they want to help pay for part of the wedding.
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Sponsor attire
In Filipino weddings, sponsors are essential members of the wedding entourage and are usually relatives or close family friends of the couple. They are often role models that the couple can lean on for support during their nuptials and throughout their marriage. There are two types of sponsors: principal sponsors and secondary sponsors.
Principal Sponsor Attire
Principal sponsors, also known as primary sponsors, ninongs, and ninangs, act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage contract or certificate. They are often the godparents of the couple. For principal sponsors, it is recommended to wear attire that complements the wedding attire of the bridal party. For women, dresses or gowns in cream or off-white colors are recommended as they complement anyone, regardless of age. For men, barongs or tuxedos in neutral and subdued tones are suggested. It is important to consider the venue of the wedding when choosing attire and to dress modestly, especially if the wedding is held in a church.
Secondary Sponsor Attire
Secondary sponsors, also known as candle, veil, and cord sponsors, have specific roles during the ceremony. They are usually chosen from the couple's close friends or family. Secondary sponsors have more freedom when it comes to their attire. Women can wear a formal blouse and skirt with a shawl, and men can wear long-sleeved polo shirts in cream or off-white colors, paired with black or dark brown slacks. It is important to note that secondary sponsors should not wear the same outfits as the bridal party, especially the bridesmaids.
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Sponsor gifts
In some cultures, like the Hispanic and Filipino cultures, it is customary to have sponsors who help with wedding expenses. In Filipino weddings, primary sponsors, also known as ninangs and ninongs, act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage contract. They are usually chosen based on their admirable marriages and can offer guidance to the newlyweds. Secondary sponsors, on the other hand, have roles like candle sponsors, veil sponsors, and cord sponsors, each with their own symbolic tasks during the ceremony.
While some people may feel uncomfortable asking for financial help, others see no issue in accepting monetary gifts or discounted services from family members or friends with relevant businesses. If you are considering having sponsors for your wedding, it is essential to understand the cultural context and your own comfort level with the tradition.
Now, onto the gifts for your wedding sponsors! Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to express your gratitude:
- Personalized items: Consider gifts that can be personalized with their names, initials, or a special message. For example, you could gift them customized picture frames, engraved wine glasses, or monogrammed wallets or handbags.
- Handmade crafts: Opt for unique, handmade items like knitted scarves, painted ceramics, or even personalized jewellery.
- Vintage treasures: Look for vintage or antique items that hold a special meaning or represent your appreciation for your sponsors. It could be a vintage watch, a rare book, or a classic piece of jewellery.
- Experiences: Instead of material gifts, you could treat your sponsors to a special experience. This could be a spa day, a gourmet dinner, or tickets to a show or sporting event.
- Sentimental gestures: Sometimes, the best gifts are those that come from the heart. Write a heartfelt thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their presence and support on your wedding day. You could even include a small token of appreciation, like a framed photograph of you together or a small plant.
Remember, the gift you choose should reflect your relationship with your sponsors and your budget. Showing your appreciation doesn't have to be expensive; it's the thought that counts!
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Sponsor roles
Sponsors are a key part of Filipino weddings, where they play an important role in supporting the couple on their wedding day and beyond. Sponsors are often role models that the couple can lean on for support during their nuptials and throughout their marriage. They are usually older, successful, and well-respected members of the community, such as local politicians or professionals with successful practices.
There are two types of wedding sponsors in Filipino weddings: principal and secondary. Principal sponsors are usually people the couple admires, such as their ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother), and they act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage certificate. They are often not close friends of the couple but rather business or professional contacts of the couple's parents, who are there to display the family's social standing. They may also offer financial support for the wedding, such as paying for photography, church ceremonial gifts, or the wedding cake.
Secondary sponsors are chosen from the couple's close friends or family, and they help with the traditional Filipino marriage rites: candle, coins, cord, and veil. They may also make financial contributions to the wedding. There are three types of secondary sponsors, each with their own role: Candle Sponsors, who light the wedding candles; Veil Sponsors, who lay the veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder; and Cord Sponsors, who place a knotted cord over the couple's heads.
Sponsors are trusted members of the couple's social circle who can offer guidance and support, both on the wedding day and in the couple's married life. They are often chosen based on their alignment with the couple's values.
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Frequently asked questions
In traditional Filipino weddings, sponsors play an important part. Principal sponsors are the only people you legally need at your wedding and act as witnesses to your marriage. Therefore, they are the ones who will sign your marriage certificate.
You need at least two pairs of principal sponsors to sign the marriage certificate. However, some couples prefer having six to eight pairs, especially in large weddings.
Primary sponsors act as witnesses to the marriage and sign the marriage contract or certificate. They are also the godparents of the couple. Secondary sponsors have varied roles, including candle, veil, and cord sponsors.
The ninangs should not wear the colour motif of the bridesmaids and flower girls. Instead, they should wear cream or off-white colours. The ninongs should wear barongs or tuxedos in neutral and subdued tones.
Wedding sponsors are trusted members of your social circle. They are role models that the couple leans on for support during their nuptials and throughout their marriage. They can also offer financial support.
