Typically Filipino: What Makes a Filipino Wedding?

It is no surprise that when it comes to momentous occasions, Filipinos would love to go all out and entertain their guests in a grand manner. In fact, one might even go as far as to suggest that there are some elements that can be found universally in all Filipino celebrations. These aspects and elements are what would make a particular event distinctly Filipino. Weddings, for example, are typical festive events in the Filipino culture and you can see these events witnessed by multitudes of guests—even small-scale weddings. This is because the family plays a pivotal role in the Filipino society as such those momentous events such as weddings should be celebrated accordingly.

But what constitutes as a Filipino wedding? What are the characteristics that make you identify it as one? Well, here are just some of the things:

1. Usually celebrated in churches

Most Filipino wedding ceremonies are typically celebrated in Catholic churches. This is because the country is known to be predominantly Catholic with the locals being deeply religious. This can be attributed to the early colonization of the Philippines by Spain who brought Christianity to the country. After the wedding ceremony is celebrated, an elegant venue for rent reception in a major banquet hall such as the blue garden wedding usually follows.

1. A mass precedes the reception

Unlike most western wedding celebrations, Filipinos celebrate their marriages by holding a full mass event. The event can last anywhere from an hour to two, so it tends to be quite long considering it is a full Catholic mass on top of the sacrament of marriage. Most people who do not practice Catholicism skip the wedding ceremony and go straight to the reception. But if you wish to witness the exchange of vows, just skip the communion.

1. There is a bridal entourage

Much like foreign weddings, Filipino weddings have a wedding entourage consisting of the bride and grooms relatives and closest friends. Considering how Filipino families are typically large, bridal parties in modern Filipino weddings tend to be larger than most. More often than not, the entourage would consist of no less than eight bridesmaids and groomsmen and that excludes the maid of honor, primary and secondary sponsors. During the first part of the ceremony, expect the entourage to walk the aisle as well before the bride makes her grand entrance.

1. Expect a lot of pictures to be taken

Filipinos love to immortalize significant occasions, so you can expect to have your photos taken as well. After the ceremony, a pictorial session typically follows wherein families, relatives and friends of the bride and groom are asked to pose with them. Furthermore, modern Filipino weddings today typically conduct pre-nuptial photoshoots which would be displayed and showcased on an overhead projector during the reception.

1. Wedding games are played

If there is anything you can say about a typical Filipino wedding, it is the fact that it is never dull. In fact, it is peppered with various gimmicks, games and surprise numbers to entertain the guests. Apart from the traditional wedding games that are played, couples from the wedding guests—whether married or not—are always asked to get involved in the activities. Some weddings integrate this part of the program before a meal is served in order to give the caterers enough time to prepare the food. If this is the case, a cocktail table filled with finger food is normally provided for wedding guests to munch on to stave off hunger. However, if this is not the case, then make sure to eat a full and filling meal before attending the wedding.

Josephine is a blogger who interested in Interior designing. She loves to write an article about Home designs, Diy Tips and quick tips and guides in the kitchen. She also blogs for Amaia Land