Choosing Your Catholic Wedding Entourage In The Philippines

Planning a wedding in the Philippines? You're in luck! While the number of bridesmaids at a Catholic wedding ultimately depends on the couple's preference, there are a few traditions and regulations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between primary and secondary sponsors. The primary sponsors, or witnesses, are typically older, married couples who will provide guidance to the newlyweds. At least two primary sponsors are required by law, but some churches may cap the maximum number allowed. On the other hand, secondary sponsors are those who take part in the candle, veil, and cord ceremonies, with each ceremony requiring a pair of sponsors. So, if you want different sponsors for each tradition, you'll need at least six secondary sponsors. While these roles are considered optional, they are deeply rooted in Filipino culture and add symbolic value to the wedding.

The number of bridesmaids is flexible

For a Catholic church wedding in the Philippines, you will traditionally need three bridesmaids for the candle, veil, and cord ceremonies. However, there is flexibility in the number of bridesmaids you can have, and many brides opt for more to include their large families or groups of friends. While some churches may have a maximum number of bridesmaids that they allow, there is no specific rule about how many bridesmaids you should have, and you can have as many as you like. The most important thing is to ensure that you have enough people to fulfil the necessary roles and that your chosen church is happy with the number.

The number of bridesmaids you choose to have at your wedding will also determine the number of groomsmen, as it is traditional that the two match. Groomsmen escort the bridesmaids and are there to support the groom, so it is customary to have the same number of each.

In addition to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, there are several other members of the wedding entourage to consider when planning a Catholic wedding in the Philippines. The wedding party usually includes a maid of honour or matron of honour, a best man, secondary sponsors, bearers, and a flower girl. The maid of honour and best man are the bride and groom's closest friends and act as their primary supporters throughout the wedding process. Secondary sponsors are involved in the candle, veil, and cord ceremonies, and there are usually three pairs. Bearers are typically young boys who carry important items, such as the rings, coins, and the Bible, and finally, there is usually just one flower girl, who walks down the aisle last, scattering petals.

The role of the Maid of Honour

For a Catholic church wedding in the Philippines, you will need three bridesmaids: Candle, Veil, and Cord. However, many brides opt to have more bridesmaids to include their larger families or groups of friends.

The maid of honour (or matron of honour, if married) is the bride's best woman and typically her closest friend or relative. She is usually involved in more parts of the wedding than her role traditionally requires, but this is not necessary.

The maid of honour often assists the bride throughout the wedding preparations, from choosing the wedding gown to helping the bride get ready on her wedding day. She may also be in charge of arranging the bridal shower and bachelorette party, although this is not a common practice in the Philippines.

On the wedding day, the maid of honour stands next to the bride at the bottom of the steps, ready to help with the bride's train, veil, and flowers. During the ceremony, she witnesses the consent, vows, and exchange of rings. After the ceremony, she hands the bridal bouquet back to the bride and joins the wedding party for photos. The maid of honour may also be asked to give a speech at the wedding reception.

It is not necessary for the maid of honour to be a woman. A male equivalent is called the Man of Honour. If the bride's closest friend or relative is male, she can ask him to take on this role instead.

The role of the Best Man

The best man's primary role is to bring the wedding rings and keep them safe until they are required during the ceremony. He should also organise the bachelor party, escort the maid of honour, and have a speech ready for the wedding reception.

The best man is usually chosen by the groom and is typically the groom's best friend or closest brother. However, there are no hard rules, and the groom can choose a relative or non-relative to be his best man. The most important factor is that the best man is someone the groom is close with.

The original role of the best man was quite barbaric. The position was called "Best" Man because he was the best man among all the groomsmen who could wield a sword to protect the groom and bride from the groom's enemies, a bride's spurned suitor, or the bride's disapproving parents. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, and the best man's role is now much more ceremonial.

The role of the bridesmaids

For a Catholic wedding in the Philippines, you will need three bridesmaids for the candle, veil, and cord ceremonies. However, many brides opt to have more bridesmaids to include other close friends and family members.

Bridesmaids are part of the bride's support group on her wedding day. Their duties include ushering, handing out favours, and assisting the bride on her way to the altar. They can also help the maid of honour plan the bridal shower.

In the past, bridesmaids wore dresses and veils similar to the bride's to confuse evil spirits, the groom's enemies, and the bride's spurned exes, thus protecting the bride. Today, their role is not as dangerous, and they are often referred to as "decorative wallflowers" for the wedding event.

It is traditional for the number of bridesmaids to match the number of groomsmen so that each bridesmaid has an escort down the aisle. However, this is not a requirement, and there is no specific number of bridesmaids that you must have. You can have as many as you like, but it is important to check with your church to see if there are any restrictions.

The role of the groomsmen

In the past, groomsmen were required to fight anyone who tried to stop the wedding or kill the groom, and to prevent the bride from running away. Today, their role is much less barbaric and is mainly to support the groom with his duties, usher in guests, and escort the bridesmaids, as well as the parents and grandparents of the couple.

Groomsmen are also in charge of bringing and keeping the wedding rings safe until they are required during the ceremony.

There is usually no limit to the number of groomsmen, although some churches may put a cap on this number, so it is worth checking with the chosen church.

Frequently asked questions