Principal Wedding Guest: To Invite Or Not?

When it comes to your wedding, the people you choose to include in your entourage are incredibly important. In Filipino culture, wedding sponsors, or Ninong and Ninang, are typically older, married individuals who act as witnesses and whose presence is legally required for the signing of the marriage contract. They also act as godparents, offering advice and support on marriage-related matters. When deciding who to invite as your principal sponsors, it's important to choose people you admire and respect, as they will be a source of guidance and support throughout your marriage. It's also a good idea to consider those whose marriages or life experiences inspire you. While it can be nerve-wracking to ask someone to be your principal sponsor, there are a few common ways to do so, including meeting up with them, sending a Will you be my principal sponsor? card, or inviting them through social media or a phone call.

How many principal sponsors should you invite?

When it comes to inviting principal sponsors to your wedding, it's important to first understand their role and significance. Principal sponsors, also known as Ninong and Ninang, are typically older, married individuals who play a crucial role in the wedding ceremony and your married life. They act as witnesses and sign the marriage contract, and their presence is legally required. They also serve as godparents, offering advice, guidance, and support to the couple.

Now, let's answer the question, "How many principal sponsors should you invite?" The number of principal sponsors you invite depends on the size of your wedding. For small weddings, it is recommended to have two to four pairs of Ninongs and Ninangs. For larger weddings, you can consider inviting six to eight pairs. It's important to check with your church, as some have limits on the maximum number of sponsors allowed. If you exceed this limit, you may be subject to a fine.

When choosing your principal sponsors, it's essential to select individuals who you admire and respect, and have a close relationship with. They should be people whose marriages or life experiences inspire you and who you can rely on for guidance and support. Remember to send invitations and show your appreciation to your Ninongs and Ninangs, as they play a significant role in your wedding and married life.

Who should you invite?

When it comes to deciding who to invite to your wedding, it's important to remember that this is your special day, and you should invite people who are meaningful to you and your partner. Here are some things to consider when creating your guest list:

The Role of Principal Sponsors

In many wedding traditions, principal sponsors play a significant role. These are usually older, married individuals who act as witnesses and are legally required to sign the marriage contract. They are often referred to as Ninong (godfather) and Ninang (godmother) in Filipino weddings. These individuals should be people you admire and respect, as they will also serve as your marriage sponsors, providing guidance and support throughout your married life. Typically, couples choose their aunts, uncles, or close family friends for this role.

The Number of Principal Sponsors

The number of principal sponsors you invite depends on the size of your wedding. For small weddings, two to four pairs of Ninongs and Ninangs are suggested, while larger weddings can accommodate six to eight pairs. It's important to check with your wedding venue, as some places have a limit on the maximum number of sponsors allowed.

Choosing the Right Sponsors

When selecting your principal sponsors, ask yourself the following questions:

• Whose marriages inspire you and your partner?
• Whose life experiences do you admire and wish to emulate?
• Who are you and your partner close to?

It's important to choose sponsors who align with your values and can offer guidance and support. They should be people you can learn from and lean on throughout your marriage.

Inviting Your Sponsors

Once you've decided on your list of principal sponsors, there are a few ways to invite them:

• Meet up with them: Schedule a formal meeting or visit them with a small gift or treat. This option allows you to connect and chat about wedding plans and married life.
• Send a "Will You Be My Principal Sponsor?" card: This is a popular trend, and you can include it with their wedding invitation. You can also add a personal note expressing your appreciation.
• Invite them on social media: This option is best for overseas or long-distance sponsors. You can use Facebook, Skype, or email, ensuring that your invitation is formal, polite, and sincere.

Remember, your principal sponsors are there to support and celebrate with you, so choose individuals who embody the values that are important to you and your partner.

Other Guests to Consider

In addition to principal sponsors, you may also want to consider inviting secondary sponsors, who are often close friends or family members. They can assist with traditional marriage rites. Additionally, don't forget to include your best man, maid of honour, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and any other special roles you wish to incorporate.

Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so surround yourself with people who uplift and support you and your partner.

How to invite them

If you are inviting a principal to your wedding, there are a few ways to go about it.

Firstly, decide on who you want to invite. It is a good idea to choose people you look up to and admire, perhaps those whose marriages or life experiences inspire you. It is important to choose people you are close to and want to build a relationship with.

Once you have decided on who to invite, there are a few ways to extend your invitation:

• Meet up with them: Schedule a formal meeting to ask them to be your principal sponsor. You could invite them to your home and bring food or treat them to brunch. This will help foster a strong sense of connection and make them feel special.
• Send a "Will you be my principal sponsor?" card: This is becoming increasingly popular, and you can send it along with their wedding invite. You can include a short explanatory note, your names, the date of your wedding, and the venue.
• Invite them on social media: This option is best if your principal lives far away. You can invite them through a private Facebook event, a Skype call, or send them an email with all the details. Ensure that you remain formal, polite, and sincere.

After they have accepted, remember to send them a message a few days before the wedding with a summary of the date, venue, and call time. You could also give them the number of your coordination team.

Thanking your principal sponsors

Your principal sponsors are there to support you on your wedding day and beyond. They are people you admire and look up to, so it's important to show your appreciation and let them know how much you value their presence and guidance. Here are some ways to thank your principal sponsors:

• Send a heartfelt thank-you note: A personalised, handwritten note is a simple yet meaningful way to express your gratitude. Send it soon after the wedding, and be sure to mention specific contributions or ways they have supported you.
• Give a thoughtful gift: A bottle of wine or champagne is always a welcome gift. You can even deliver it yourself and turn it into an opportunity to catch up and spend time with your sponsors.
• Stay in touch: Principal sponsors are not just for the wedding ceremony; they are a lifetime commitment. Maintain regular communication through messages or calls, share important life updates, and plan occasional get-togethers to strengthen your bond.
• Host a post-wedding gathering: Organise a small celebration or dinner specifically to honour your principal sponsors. This can be a wonderful way to express your appreciation and create lasting memories.
• Offer a token of appreciation: Consider giving your principal sponsors a small gift or favour as a token of your gratitude. This could be something personalised or related to your wedding theme.
• Include them in future milestones: Continue to involve your principal sponsors in your life after the wedding. Invite them to future celebrations, such as anniversaries or the birth of your children, to show that their guidance and presence are valued.

Remember, the most important thing is to express your sincere gratitude and let your principal sponsors know how much their presence and support mean to you.

Keeping in touch with your principal sponsors

• Initial contact: When inviting your Ninong and Ninang, it is customary to first ask them informally through text or social media if they are interested in the role. If they accept, you can then send a formal invitation card along with their actual wedding invites. It is recommended to include a personal note or message expressing your honour in having them as your principal sponsors.
• Meet with them: Before the wedding, it is a good idea to meet with your principal sponsors, whether by inviting them to your home and sharing a meal or treating them to brunch. This allows you to get to know each other better and discuss wedding plans and married life.
• Keep in touch: Being a Ninong or Ninang is a lifelong commitment. Regularly communicate with your principal sponsors through messages, phone calls, and occasional get-togethers. Share important life updates and milestones with each other to foster a deeper connection.
• Show appreciation: After the wedding, express your gratitude to your principal sponsors with a thoughtful thank-you note or gift. A handwritten note acknowledging their contributions is a simple yet meaningful way to show your appreciation. Sending a bottle of wine or champagne is also a nice gesture, and it gives you an opportunity to meet with them again.
• Stay connected: Continue to maintain contact with your principal sponsors over the years. Share life updates, seek their advice and guidance, and strengthen the bond you have formed.

Frequently asked questions