Guide
The Filipino wedding entourage, explained
A Filipino wedding invitation usually lists more people than a Western one. Here is who is typically in the entourage, what each role does, and a common order for listing them.
Parents
The parents of the bride and groom are usually listed first, often with a line such as "Together with their families". Some couples also list grandparents.
Principal sponsors (ninong and ninang)
Principal sponsors are respected couples or individuals who stand as witnesses to the marriage and, traditionally, as mentors to the couple afterwards. In church weddings they often sign the marriage contract. Many couples have several pairs; check your parish's requirements.
Secondary sponsors
Secondary sponsors take part in the rites during the ceremony:
- Candle sponsors light the candles on either side of the couple: a symbol of Christ's light in their home.
- Veil sponsors drape a veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder: two people clothed as one.
- Cord sponsors place a cord (yugal), often in a figure-eight, over the couple: a bond meant to last.
The bridal party
Best man and maid or matron of honour, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Bearers and flower girls
The ring bearer, the coin bearer (carrying the arras, traditionally thirteen coins) and the Bible bearer, followed by the flower girls.
A common order for the invitation
Parents, principal sponsors, secondary sponsors (candle, veil, cord), best man and maid of honour, groomsmen and bridesmaids, bearers, flower girls. Spell every name the way the person spells it, and double-check titles (Dr., Atty., Hon.) with the families.
Explain the rites for your guests
Younger and non-Filipino guests may not know what the candle, veil, cord and arras mean. Our Piña design includes a short "rites" section that explains each one on the invitation.
Updated 28 October 2026