Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding in the Philippines? One of the most exciting parts of the process is sending out your invitations. In the Philippines, wedding invitations tend to be a little more elaborate, often including an entourage card and an RSVP card. The latter may specify the dress code and wedding registry details, as well as any accommodations needed for guests, such as dietary restrictions or special seating. It's considered good etiquette to send out your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, and you should ask for RSVPs no later than a month before the big day. This gives you plenty of time to get a final headcount and make any necessary preparations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| RSVP deadline | 1 month before the wedding |
| Save-the-date cards | 4-6 months before the wedding |
| Destination wedding | Invites should be sent 3 months in advance |
What You'll Learn
Wording and phrasing
The wording and phrasing of your wedding invitations will depend on the style of your wedding, the level of formality, and the tone you wish to set.
Formal vs Casual
If you are having a traditional wedding ceremony followed by a formal reception, you may want to use formal phrasing on your invitations. This can include full names, social titles, and formal language. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Jane, to Mr. John Doe".
If your wedding is more casual, you can use a more relaxed tone and less formal language. For example, "You are cordially invited to celebrate the marriage of Jane and John".
Filipino Customs and Language
If you want to incorporate Filipino customs and language into your invitations, there are several ways to do so. You can use Filipino honorifics such as "Ginoo", "Ginang", and "Binibini". The wedding sponsors can be listed under "Mga Gabay sa Aming Buhay", and the dress code under "Kasuotan". You can also use modern Filipino slang, such as "Wedding Barkada" instead of "Bridal Party".
Basic Information
Regardless of the style, there are some basics that should be included in the invitation: who, when, and where. This means the full names of the couple, the hosts (if using formal phrasing), the time, date, month, year, and address of the wedding. If you are requesting an RSVP, this should be written in the lower left corner of the invitation, along with a deadline for response, typically about four weeks before the event.
Additional Details
While the invitation itself should only contain key details, you can include additional information in your invitation suite. This can include attire suggestions, a map to the location, accommodation details, and information about any wedding-related activities. You can also include an entourage card, outlining the wedding party, and an RSVP card with space for guests to specify any accommodations needed, such as dietary restrictions or special seating.
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Timing
Save the Dates
It is recommended to send out Save the Dates around 4-6 months before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to make any necessary plans and accommodations, especially if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or will be a destination wedding. If your wedding is a destination wedding or falls on a holiday, it is highly advisable to send out your Save the Dates even earlier (6-12 months in advance).
Official Wedding Invitations
Official wedding invitations should typically be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of time to reply and make travel arrangements if they haven't already. It also allows you to request RSVPs sooner, which is helpful for completing your seating charts and final headcount before the wedding crunch.
If a large percentage of your guest list lives abroad or you are planning a destination wedding, it is best to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim to send out your invitations around 12 weeks before your wedding date.
RSVPs
It is recommended to ask for RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding date. This provides a brief window for guests to receive the invitation and make their decision while also giving your wedding vendors enough advance notice to order and prepare supplies.
Digital Invitations
Digital wedding invitations are becoming increasingly popular and can be a great option, especially for destination weddings or when you want to include a personal touch such as a video or playlist. However, it is wise to stick to the traditional 6-8 week timeline for sending out digital invitations to give your guests ample time to RSVP.
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Format and design
The format and design of wedding invitations in the Philippines can vary, but there are some common elements and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the tone of the invitation is reflected in the capitalization of words, the use of shortcuts and abbreviations, and whether nicknames or formal titles are used. For instance, placing titles before names gives a formal touch, while using nicknames signifies a casual mood.
The invitation should include the host, usually the parents of the couple, followed by the bride and groom's names. The host is typically determined by who is paying for the wedding, but in the Philippines, the parents' names often appear first as a way of honouring their roles, even if the couple is paying. The bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom's, and they can use their full names, first names, or just their surnames. If one or both parents are deceased, you can add a cross next to their name, lessen the opacity of the name, or add "late" before the name.
The request line is another important element. Formal request lines such as "honour of your presence" and "the pleasure of your company" are traditional and convey respect. The first phrase is used if the ceremony will take place in a church, while the second is for weddings held outside a religious setting. Other informal options include "cordially invite you to join them in celebrating the marriage of their children" and "would be delighted by your presence at the wedding reception of their children."
The invitation should also include the date, time, and location of the wedding. The full address is usually not necessary for well-known venues, but for lesser-known locations, more details should be provided. If the reception venue is different, it should be clearly indicated, along with its exact address.
The dress code is typically included in the main invitation, with details elaborated on in another section. This section can also include images to give guests a clearer idea of the expected attire.
The second part of the invitation is dedicated to the bridal entourage, which includes the wedding officiant, sponsors, best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, coin bearer, ring bearer, bible bearer, and flower girls. The wedding officiant's title and name spelling are crucial. The names of the entourage are typically listed in alphabetical order, with the gentlemen's line on the left or at the top.
The final part of the invitation contains additional information to guide your guests, such as a map and location details, accommodation options, and RSVP details. It is also common to include a separate RSVP card to encourage guests to respond promptly.
In terms of design, invitations can range from traditional card formats to more innovative concepts such as pop-up configurations, movie pass/airline ticket layouts, comic strip or fairy tale book formats, and interactive designs.
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RSVP and response tracking
Timing is Key
It is customary to send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline allows guests to clear their schedules and gives you an earlier opportunity to request RSVPs. It is considerate to allow a few extra weeks for guests who need to book travel or accommodation, especially for destination weddings.
RSVP Deadlines
It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of one month before the wedding. This provides a window for guests to receive and respond to the invitation and gives your vendors advance notice for preparations. It is also beneficial to have some buffer time for late responses.
Online vs Physical RSVPs
You can opt for physical RSVPs, online RSVPs, or a combination of both. Online RSVPs can be a convenient and efficient option, with platforms like Joy and RSVPify offering customisable event registration and guest list management tools. These platforms can streamline the process, allowing guests to RSVP on your wedding website and providing real-time updates for easier tracking.
However, some guests may prefer the more traditional route of physical RSVPs, and you can include an RSVP card and pre-addressed envelope with your invitation.
Reminders and Follow-ups
It is important to send reminders to guests who haven't responded by the deadline. A polite message checking if they received the invitation and informing them of the finalisation of the guest list can be effective.
Managing Plus Ones
Managing plus ones can be simplified by clearly indicating on the invitation if guests are allowed to bring a plus one. You can also specify if the event is adults-only or provide other relevant details. When tracking responses, you can use guest groups to manage plus ones, table arrangements, and more.
Custom Questions
Custom RSVP questions can enhance your planning. Ask about meal choices, song requests, travel plans, or any other details that will help you organise the event.
Final Thoughts
By efficiently tracking RSVPs and responses, you can focus on the other aspects of your wedding planning and ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
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Honouring Filipino heritage
Filipino weddings are steeped in a rich tapestry of traditions, with each unique custom rooted in a deep sense of family and community. Honouring Filipino heritage during your wedding celebration is a wonderful way to pay tribute to your culture and share it with your guests. Here are some ways to incorporate Filipino traditions into your wedding invitations:
The Host Line
The host line is an important element of a Filipino wedding invitation. Traditionally, the bride's parents' names are listed first, followed by the groom's parents, regardless of who is paying for or hosting the wedding. This is a way to extend respect and honour to both families. For example:
> Dr. and Mrs. Julio Santos and
> Mr. and Mrs. Christopher David
Request Line
The request line is where you invite guests to join you in celebrating your marriage. The wording can vary depending on the formality of your wedding. For a formal wedding in a place of worship, the request line might read:
> "Request the honour of your presence..."
For an informal ceremony, you could use:
> "Cordially invite you to join them in celebrating the marriage of their children..."
Millennial couples often opt for more light-hearted and creative wording, such as:
> "I do. Me too. Now, let's party!"
Wedding Officiant
It is important to include the wedding officiant's title and name in the invitation. The typical wedding officiant in the Philippines is a priest, mayor, or judge. Ensure that you get the title and spelling of their name correct.
Bride and Groom Lines
As the stars of the wedding, the bride and groom's names should be set off on separate lines. Include the date and time of the wedding, and whether it will be held "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". While the year is sometimes omitted, it is often included for keepsake value.
Wedding Location
Provide the name of the church or wedding venue, as well as the city. It is not customary to include the street address or zip code. For example:
> Manila Cathedral, Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila City
Wedding Entourage
A unique feature of Filipino wedding invitations is the inclusion of a wedding entourage or list of the wedding party. This is a way to extend respect to family, sponsors, and friends who are participating in the wedding. The names are typically listed in alphabetical order, with the gentlemen's line on top or on the left side.
RSVP Details
Include an RSVP line or reply card with a deadline for guests to respond. Couples often include a paper envelope and stamp to encourage timely responses. You may also provide guests with the option to RSVP via phone or through your wedding coordinator.
Special Details
If your wedding reception will not include a full-course meal, it is courteous to inform your guests. For example, if you are only serving drinks and finger food, you can use phrasing such as:
> "Join us afterward for cocktails."
You may also want to include details about the dress code, such as "black tie" or "semi-formal".
Cultural References
Add a personal touch by incorporating your favourite love quotes, verses, or song lyrics that reflect Filipino culture. If you are having a small and intimate wedding, you can be as creative and witty as you like with your invitation wording.
Remember, your wedding invitation reflects the style of your wedding. If you are planning a formal wedding, traditional and formal wording is more appropriate. However, if you are having a small and intimate celebration, feel free to get creative and let your personality shine through!
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests enough time to plan and make any necessary travel arrangements.
While it is generally recommended to stick to the six-to-eight-week timeline, sending invitations three months in advance is not too early, especially if your wedding is around a major holiday or if you have a lot of international guests.
Save-the-dates should typically be sent four to six months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to make a plan and block off the date on their calendars.
At the very latest, guests should receive formal invitations around a month and a half in advance.
You should ask for RSVPs no later than one month from your wedding date. This gives you and your vendors ample time to make the necessary preparations for your big day.
