George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, and one of the most important decisions is choosing your principal sponsors. In a traditional Filipino wedding, these are usually the couple's role models, who they look up to and admire, and who can offer support and guidance throughout the marriage. They are often the couple's ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother). While it can be a daunting task to ask someone to be your principal sponsor, there are a few ways to go about it. Firstly, decide on a list of prospects, bearing in mind that these are people you truly respect and admire, and who embody your values. Once you have your list, it's best to schedule a formal meeting to ask them, or, if they live far away, you can invite them via a phone call or social media.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choosing principal sponsors | People you admire and respect, and can lean on for support and guidance |
| People you want to celebrate every aspect of yourself with | |
| People you can be your authentic self with | |
| People who have seen you grow as a couple | |
| Older couples | |
| People you consistently lean on for help | |
| People you would trust with your challenges | |
| How to invite | Schedule a formal meeting |
| Send a "Will you be my principal sponsor?" card | |
| Invite them on social media |
What You'll Learn
Meet up with them and ask in person
Meeting up with your prospective principal sponsors is a great way to foster a strong sense of connection and make them feel valued. Here are some tips and steps to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Create a List of Prospects
First, decide on a list of people you want to invite to be your principal sponsors. These are usually individuals or couples that you admire, look up to, and respect. They are often older, married individuals who can act as role models and provide guidance and support on marriage-related matters. Consider whose marriages or life experiences inspire you and who you are close to.
Step 2: Initial Contact
While it is convenient to use modern means of communication such as text messages or social media to send an initial heads-up, it is more formal and respectful to schedule a face-to-face meeting to pop the question. This shows that you are putting in extra effort and are sincere in your request.
Step 3: Prepare for the Meeting
Before the meeting, it is a good idea to prepare some topics of conversation. You can ask for advice on finances, budget management, communication, raising children, or best marriage practices. This not only shows that you value their opinion and want to learn from them but also helps you gain valuable insights as you embark on your married life together.
Step 4: The Meeting
During the meeting, you can choose to treat your prospective sponsors by bringing food or taking them out for a meal. This could be at their home or at a restaurant for brunch or dinner. This gesture will make them feel special and appreciated. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know each other better and strengthen your bond.
Step 5: Send a Formal Invitation
After they have agreed to be your principal sponsors, remember to send them a formal invitation along with their actual wedding invites. You can include a card that says something along the lines of:
> "To stand as a witness of our love,
> To guide us in our married life,
> To give us wise counsel,
> Will you do us the honor of becoming our Principal Sponsor?"
You can also add a personal note or message to make it more special.
Step 6: Keep in Touch
Remember that being a principal sponsor is a lifetime commitment. Be sure to maintain communication with your principal sponsors after the wedding. Regularly send them messages or give them a call to share important life updates and plan occasional get-togethers. This will help deepen your relationship and show your appreciation for their support.
By following these steps and meeting with your principal sponsors in person, you will not only make them feel valued but also create meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.
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Send a formal invitation card
Sending a formal invitation card is a great way to invite principal sponsors to your wedding. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you create elegant and informative invitation cards:
The Card Design
The design of the invitation card can vary depending on your preferences and the theme of your wedding. You can opt for classic wedding invitations with script, foil elements, and sparkle, or choose rustic invitations with muted colours and simple typography. Consider including design elements such as monograms, symbols, borders, patterns, or engagement photos to make your invitations more personalised and visually appealing.
The Wording
The wording of the invitation should be formal and include all the necessary details. Here are some key elements to include:
- Name of the principal sponsor: Address them by their full name, including any titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., or Engr.).
- A short explanatory message: Explain that you are inviting them to be a witness of your love and to guide you in your married life.
- Your names as a couple: Traditionally, the bride's name is written first, followed by the groom's.
- Date, time, and location of the wedding: Be sure to include the full address of the venue.
- Dress code (optional): If you wish your principal sponsors to adhere to a specific style of attire, include this information as well.
Sample Wording
"Engr. Juan de la Cruz
We invite you to stand as a witness of our love and to guide us in our married life.
You are cordially invited to share in our joy and celebrate the marriage of
Talia Flores & Stephen Byrne
Saturday, the eleventh of June, at twelve o'clock in the afternoon
Arctic Club Hotel
700 Third Avenue
Seattle, Washington
Reception to follow"
Timing
It is recommended to send your wedding invitations, including those for principal sponsors, six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is advisable to send the invitations three months in advance.
Additional Tips
- Consider including a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the RSVP, with a response date about four weeks before the wedding.
- If you have a wedding website, include the link in the invitation suite so that guests can access additional information such as accommodation details, travel arrangements, and your gift registry.
- Hand addressing the envelopes with the full names and social titles of your principal sponsors can add a nice personal touch.
- Choose a card colour that complements your wedding theme.
- If you want to be creative, you can send a "Will you be my principal sponsor?" card along with a small gift, such as miniature bottles of wine or customised enamel pins.
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Ask them via social media
Asking your principal sponsors via social media is an option, especially if they are based overseas or live far away. You can either chat with them on Facebook Messenger, invite them through a private Facebook event page, video call them on Skype, or send them an email with all the necessary details.
If you choose to ask them via Facebook Messenger, create a formal message that is polite and sincere. You can start by giving them a heads-up about the upcoming wedding and your intention to ask them to be a principal sponsor. You can then follow up with a more formal message or a phone/video call to officially ask them to be a sponsor.
> Dear [Name of Principal Sponsor],
>
> We are honoured to invite you to witness and guide us as we celebrate our wedding. We truly respect and admire you and would be grateful to have your presence and support on our special day. We hope that you will be our principal sponsor.
>
> We would be delighted if you could join us on [date] at [time] at [venue].
>
> Looking forward to your confirmation.
>
> Best wishes,
> [Your names]
If you opt for a private Facebook event page, make sure to include all the necessary details about the wedding, such as the date, time, and venue. You can also use this platform to communicate with your principal sponsors and keep them updated.
When inviting via Skype or another video call platform, ensure you have a strong internet connection and that you are in a quiet, private space. Treat this interaction as you would an in-person meeting, and be sure to dress appropriately. Begin the call by explaining the purpose of your conversation and why you have chosen them as a potential principal sponsor.
Finally, if you decide to send an email, craft a formal message that includes all the wedding details. Here is a sample email:
> Subject: Invitation to be our Principal Sponsor
>
> Dear [Name of Principal Sponsor],
>
> We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to invite you to be our principal sponsor for our upcoming wedding. We deeply respect and admire you, and it would mean a lot to us to have your presence and guidance on this special day.
>
> Our wedding will take place on [date] at [time] at [venue]. We would be honoured if you could join us and be a part of our bridal procession.
>
> Please let us know if you are able to accept our invitation by replying to this email or contacting us directly. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
>
> Best wishes,
> [Your names]
Remember, regardless of the method you choose, it is important to be formal, polite, and sincere when inviting someone to be your principal sponsor.
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Brief them on wedding details
Briefing your principal sponsors on your wedding details is an important step in the process of inviting them to your wedding. Here are some tips to ensure they have all the information they need:
Send a Summary of the Wedding Details
A few days or even a week before the wedding, send your principal sponsors a message with a short summary of the important details. Include the date, venue, and call time of the wedding. You can also provide them with the number of your coordination team, if you have one. This helps keep everyone organised and ensures your sponsors know where to be and when.
Assign Someone to Welcome and Brief Them
On the day of the wedding, ensure your principal sponsors receive special treatment by assigning someone to welcome them and provide any additional information they may need. This could include a brief overview of the day's schedule, their role in the wedding, and any other relevant details.
Provide Updates and Changes
If there are any last-minute changes or updates to the wedding plans, be sure to inform your principal sponsors. This could include changes to the schedule, venue, or any other details that may impact their participation. Keeping them informed ensures a smooth process and shows your appreciation for their involvement.
Express Your Excitement
Don't forget to send your principal sponsors a personal message expressing your excitement to see them at the wedding. Let them know how much you value their presence and their role in your special day. This adds a thoughtful touch and makes them feel appreciated.
Handle Absences or Proxies
If any of your chosen principal sponsors are unable to attend the wedding, be sure to handle their absence or proxy arrangements in advance. Inform the other sponsors and provide clear instructions on any necessary changes, especially if proxies will be signing the marriage certificate on behalf of the absent sponsors.
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Gift them a box of goodies
Gifting your principal sponsors a box of goodies is a great way to invite them to your wedding. It is a thoughtful gesture that shows your appreciation for their attendance and their role in your special day. Here are some ideas for what to include in the box of goodies:
For Ninangs (female sponsors)
- Hand cream: A small, luxurious hand cream is always a useful gift and can be beautifully packaged.
- Handkerchief: Include a pretty handkerchief, perhaps with a personalised or embroidered message or the date of your wedding.
- Abaniko: A special fan will be a unique gift and will be a lovely memento of your wedding day.
For Ninongs (male sponsors)
- Cufflinks: Cufflinks are a classic gift for male wedding guests and can be personalised with their initials or a special message.
- Socks: A fun pair of socks is a lighthearted gift that will be useful and add a pop of colour to their outfit.
- Shaving kit: A high-quality shaving kit is a great gift for male sponsors and can be a unique, memorable present.
You could also include some treats or snacks in the box, such as artisanal chocolates or cookies. These boxes are a wonderful way to invite your principal sponsors and will be a lovely surprise for them to receive.
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Frequently asked questions
Principal sponsors are typically people you admire and look up to, as one of their roles is to be available to provide advice, help, and guidance. They are often role models that the couple leans on for support during their nuptials and throughout their marriage. It is a good idea to choose people who you admire for different reasons and in different aspects of life. For example, you might choose someone for their business acumen, or because you look up to them in terms of faith.
While it might be tempting to just call or text your prospective sponsors, it is best to schedule a formal meeting to ask them. You could also meet up with them and bring food or treat them to brunch. Alternatively, you could send them a "Will you be my principal sponsor?" card, either with their wedding invite or beforehand. If your prospective sponsor lives far away, you could invite them via social media, email, or a private Facebook event page.
After your principal sponsors confirm, send them a message a few days or a week before the wedding with a summary of the date, venue, and call time. You can also send a personal message expressing your excitement to see them on the day. During the wedding, ensure they receive a special welcome and briefing when they arrive by assigning someone to this task.
