Planning A Simple Wedding In The Philippines: A Guide

Planning a wedding in the Philippines involves incorporating rich cultural traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Filipino weddings are a celebration of love, family, and community, and often feature a wide array of delicious food, lively music, and dancing. If you're looking to plan a simple wedding, you might opt for a civil ceremony, which has fewer requirements and is more budget-friendly than a church wedding. From setting the date and place to choosing your guest list, there's a lot to consider when planning your special day.

Budgeting

Civil weddings are a more affordable option than church weddings, as they have fewer requirements and expenses. If you are looking to save money, a civil wedding may be the best choice for you.

Next, you should consider your guest list. The number of guests will impact the cost of food and drinks, and venue hire. It is important to be realistic about how many people you can afford to host.

Filipino weddings often involve sponsor couples or "ninongs" and "ninangs," who provide financial support and guidance. If you have access to sponsor couples, this may impact your budget positively.

Finally, it is important to keep track of your spending and make sure you are getting the best value for money. Shop around for suppliers and compare prices to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Keep in touch with your wedding coordinator to ensure that all payments are made on time and that no last-minute changes or updates are needed.

Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, Filipino weddings are often a feast, with guests encouraged to help themselves to a wide array of delicious food. Traditional dishes include adobo, lechon, and lumpia, and desserts such as 'kakanin' or sticky rice cakes, buko pandan, and taho.

If you're planning a simple wedding, you might want to consider a civil ceremony, which is ideal if you're on a budget as civil wedding expenses are significantly lower than those of a church wedding. You could also opt for a beach wedding, which can be a beautiful and sun-kissed celebration.

To plan your food and drink, first set your budget and guest list. Then, decide whether you want to incorporate traditional Filipino dishes or go for a more simple menu. If you're having a civil ceremony, you might want to provide a light lunch or refreshments for your guests. If you're having a beach wedding, consider providing a simple buffet or picnic-style meal.

Don't forget to keep in close contact with your wedding coordinator or caterer to ensure they are up to date and prepared. Provide them with a copy of your complete wedding checklist, and give a copy to a friend or relative for double-checking.

Location

When it comes to location, there are a few options to consider when planning a simple wedding in the Philippines. Firstly, you could opt for a civil wedding, which has fewer requirements and is ideal if you're on a budget. Civil weddings are often held at local government offices or designated venues, which can vary depending on the municipality. These venues tend to be more affordable and straightforward in terms of booking and availability.

If you prefer a religious ceremony, a church wedding is another option. However, keep in mind that church weddings typically have more requirements and can be more expensive. The Philippines has many beautiful churches, ranging from historic colonial-era churches to modern cathedrals.

For a unique and scenic location, consider a beach wedding. The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, and destinations like Boracay and Palawan offer idyllic settings with turquoise waters and golden sands. Beach weddings provide a romantic and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an intimate celebration.

When choosing a location, it's important to consider factors such as the number of guests, your budget, and any specific themes or styles you want to incorporate. The date of your wedding may also impact your location choices, as certain venues may have limited availability during peak seasons. It's advisable to start your venue search early to secure your preferred location and date.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing for a simple wedding in the Philippines, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to set a budget for the wedding attire, as this can help guide your choices and ensure you don't overspend.

For the bride, a wedding gown is traditional, and it is recommended to have it fitted and adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It is also important to consider the style and colour of the gown, as well as any accessories or jewellery that will complement the outfit.

The groom's attire is also important. A suit is a common choice, and it is recommended to have it tailored to ensure a good fit. The colour and style of the suit can be chosen to match the bride's gown or the overall theme of the wedding.

In Filipino culture, it is also common to incorporate rich cultural traditions and customs into the wedding attire. This could include traditional Filipino clothing or accessories, such as the *barong* for the groom or a *terno* for the bride. These traditional outfits can add a unique and meaningful touch to the wedding.

Finally, don't forget to plan for any last-minute adjustments or changes to your wedding attire. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any unexpected issues.

Traditions

Planning a wedding in the Philippines involves incorporating rich cultural traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations.

Filipino weddings often feature a wide array of traditional food, including dishes such as adobo, lechon, and lumpia. Desserts like 'kakanin' or sticky rice cakes, buko pandan, and taho are also common. It’s customary for the wedding reception to be a feast, with guests encouraged to help themselves to the food.

Filipino weddings often involve sponsor couples or “ninongs” and “ninangs,” who are chosen by the bride and groom to act as mentors or godparents. These sponsors often provide financial support and guidance throughout the couple’s married life.

If you’re planning to have a simple wedding, a civil ceremony is ideal. There are fewer requirements for a civil wedding compared to a church wedding, and civil wedding expenses are significantly lower.

When it comes to setting a date and place, the Philippines offers many beautiful locations for a wedding, including beach weddings in idyllic Boracay or Palawan, where you can exchange vows against a backdrop of turquoise waters and golden sands.

Frequently asked questions