14 Filipino Wedding Traditions that Celebrate Family, Culture and Community

As a couple embarks on planning their wedding, they often consider their family heritage, current wedding trends and their own desires of what they want their day to look like. For couples with connections to the Philippines, Filipino wedding traditions often make their way into the engagement, wedding and reception. From cord and veil rituals to the money dance, there are so many meaningful, fun and unique customs couples may want to include.

To help us understand the intricacies of Filipino wedding customs and traditions, we spoke to CEO and founder of Make it Mariko and its San Francisco-based wedding company Weddings in Color, Gina Mariko Rosales, wedding planner and founder of Love and Life Events in Santa Ana, California, Chiell Ann, and wedding planner Percy Sales, owner of Percy Sales Events in Santa Barbara, California. Each shared their personal and professional insight into how Filipino culture influences various traditions, just like so many other wedding traditions around the world.

If you're hoping to connect with vendors to bring your own cultural traditions to life, there is an abundance of industry experts at The Knot Vendor Marketplace excited to help make your dreams a reality.

Filipino Wedding Traditions in This Story: History | Prewedding | Attire | Ceremony | Reception | Food & Drink | Postwedding

A Brief History of Filipino Wedding Traditions

As with any form of multicultural wedding planning, there is a multitude of traditions, customs and etiquette for a couple to sift through to figure out what resonates with them and their wedding goals. When it comes to traditional Filipino wedding customs, Ann shares that they "are a beautiful blend of cultural influences that date back centuries. Many of them originated from a mix of indigenous Filipino customs and Spanish Catholic traditions, introduced during over 300 years of Spanish colonization."

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But that's not all. Ann also highlighted that there are "touches of Chinese and American influence woven in over time. From symbolic rituals like the arrhae (coin exchange) and the cord and veil ceremony to the deep focus on family and community, these traditions reflect the rich history and values of Filipino culture, especially the importance of unity, faith and love."

Prewedding Filipino Traditions

Before a traditional Filipino wedding ceremony takes place, there are a few significant steps a couple would typically take. Like many cultures, there are various marriage proposal traditions, the main one focusing on the couple's families meeting together to discuss the union.

1. The Pamamanhikan

According to Ann, the pamamanhikan "is a formal meeting between the two families. It's not exactly a dowry, but more of a respectful gesture where the groom's family visits the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage. During this time, both families discuss wedding plans, financial responsibilities and their hopes for the couple's future. It's a beautiful way to officially welcome each other and strengthen family ties."

Additionally, Ann says that "while modern celebrations like bridal showers or bachelorette parties are more common in the US, they're becoming more popular in the Philippines too—but they're usually optional or more low-key. One thing that stays true across the board: family plays a huge role in decision-making. It's very much a collective effort, and their input is often seen as a sign of love, support and respect."

2. Naming Godparents

In the past, there was often a naming of sponsors that took place at Filipino weddings, but Sales explains that "what we don't see much of anymore is the naming of sponsors for the candle, veil and cord. This was used in the past as they were individuals or couples who helped pay for part of the wedding." Instead, it is commonplace to name ninongs and ninangs (godfathers and godmothers) as part of a couple's wedding party.

Traditional Filipino Wedding Attire

From choosing to wear a traditional Filipino wedding gown to opting for a more modern take, there are a myriad of options when it comes to getting dressed for a Filipino wedding. Many couples choose to incorporate some, but not all, of the traditional attire into their day.

3. Barong Tagalog

Ann says that "grooms typically wear a barong tagalog—a formal, embroidered long-sleeve shirt made of lightweight sheer fabric. It's usually worn untucked over a plain undershirt and paired with dress pants."

She adds that traditional Filipino attire for weddings is "timeless and elegant, often reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. As for colors, there isn't a strict rule—modern couples often go for whites, neutrals or soft tones, but traditionally, the focus is more on the form and symbolism of the attire rather than color. Some families may incorporate regional fabrics or heirloom accessories that hold sentimental or cultural value."

4. Filipiniana

Ann notes that "brides may wear a Filipiniana or a modern white wedding gown, depending on how traditional or contemporary the couple wants to go. The Filipiniana can feature butterfly sleeves and intricate embroidery, combining grace with cultural pride."

Rosales acknowledges that many couples "customize their attire to mix old and new traditions by experimenting with different fabrics, colors and designs to create a modern interpretation of traditional garments. Imagine a sleek terno jumpsuit or an all-black barong tagalog. Another way you can add a personal touch to your wedding attire is through special details, like Baybayin embroidery or heritage jewelry, to make it truly one-of-a-kind."

Rosales gave a shout-out to Filipiniana and Filipino formalwear vendors that are playful, combining traditional wear with modern styles. These include Niana Collection, Silviyana, The Mestizo and Pineapple Industries.

Filipino Wedding Ceremony Traditions

Many cultures have stunning traditional wedding ceremony entrances. While the Philippines doesn't necessarily have any customs surrounding how the couple gets to the altar, there is still plenty of tradition woven into the ceremony. Many couples even turn their celebration into a bilingual wedding to ensure their culture is celebrated to the fullest.

5. Veil and Cord Ceremony

Ann shares that "Filipino weddings are known for being heartfelt, vibrant and full of life and celebration! The actual ceremony typically lasts about an hour or a little more, especially if it's a traditional Catholic wedding, which often includes singing, readings and a homily. If there are added cultural elements like the arrhae, and veil and cord ceremonies, it might run a bit longer.

According to Ann, the veil and cord wedding tradition, where the objects are draped and gently wrapped around the couple, is "one of the most common elements in a traditional Filipino Catholic wedding." It is a "symbolic ritual involving selected members of the family or wedding party, known as sponsors or ninongs and ninangs, who play important roles both during the ceremony and in the couple's married life moving forward. The veil symbolizes unity and the cord represents the bond of marriage."

6. Arrhae (Coin Ceremony)

Filipino weddings are well known for having a wedding coin ritual. Ann shares that "the arrhae (13 coins) stand for prosperity and the couple's commitment to share their future together."

"In the past, this has usually been just passed from the groom to the bride," Sales adds. "We are now seeing it being passed from the groom to the bride and back to the groom as a symbol of each other's commitment to providing for each other. The coins are usually brought up by a coin bearer, similar to a ring bearer."

7. Unity Candle

During traditional Filipino wedding ceremonies, couples will often light a unity candle together. "The unity candle symbolizes two souls and two families coming together," Sales says. "Two separate flames or candles are lit by the mothers or the designated family member. The two candles are given to the couple to light one unity candle and then the two flames are blown out." This is one of the many ways families can share blessings for weddings during the day.

Filipino Wedding Reception Traditions

When it comes to a traditional Filipino wedding reception, guests should "expect a lively four to six hours (or more!) of food, dancing and celebration," Ann shares. "Filipinos love a good hype party, and it's not uncommon for the dancing and fun to go on until midnight or even later."

8. Handaan

"You'll see lots of speeches, special dances (like the traditional first dance or parent dances), and sometimes even cultural performances or surprise numbers from the wedding party [during handaan]," notes Ann. "Gifts are typically given during or after the reception, and some couples give giveaways or favors as a thank-you to their guests."

She also adds that "send-offs can vary—some couples opt for sparklers or bubbles, while others keep the celebration going late into the night with open dancing, karaoke, drinking, more food and lots of laughter. Filipino receptions are known for being warm, lively and family-focused—truly a joyful end to a beautiful day."

9. The Money Dance

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Planning: Weddings in Color

"One of the most well-known is the money dance, where guests pin bills onto the bride and groom as they dance, symbolizing support and good fortune for their new life together," Ann says. "It's a fun, interactive moment that also helps the couple start their marriage with a little financial boost."

It is also just a part of the larger picture of music at Filipino weddings. Ann highlights, "There may be live singing during the procession, special performances or meaningful hymns during the ceremony. At the reception, it's not unusual to have choreographed dances, cultural performances, or even fun games hosted by family and friends."

Rosales shared that she recently worked with a wedding where "guests used a Supreme money gun to shower the bride with money during the money dance!"

Traditional Filipino Wedding Food, Drinks and Desserts

There are quite a few standout foods when it comes to wedding food traditions in the Philippines. Ann notes that each food that is prepared is "all about abundance, flavor and bringing people together."

10. Lechon

Rosales was clear when she shared that a Filipino couple has "got to have lechon! A lechon—whole roasted pig—is a symbol of prosperity and abundance at any Filipino life celebration, especially a wedding. It's iconic and celebrated as a symbol and party showstopper. At one of our upcoming weddings, the couple will be doing a 'lechon cutting' instead of a traditional cake cutting! We're even curating a special song to go with the lechon cutting to make it unique."

Ann added to this, noting reception food is often served buffet style with "pancit (noodles for long life), kare-kare (a savory peanut stew), adobo, lumpia (spring rolls) and grilled seafood. Rice is, of course, always a staple."

11. Filipino Drinks

"For drinks, weddings might serve a mix of local favorites and Western options—think tropical fruit juices, San Miguel beer, and maybe even lambanóg (a traditional Filipino coconut liquor) alongside wine or cocktails," Ann shares.

12. Abundance of Dessert

"When it comes to dessert, Filipino sweets don't disappoint! Popular choices include bibingka (rice cake), leche flan, halo-halo and ube (purple yam) desserts," Ann notes. "Some weddings even have a dessert table or kakanin (native delicacies) spread to share traditional favorites with guests. It's all about creating a warm, generous experience where everyone leaves with full hearts—and full plates!"

Filipino Postwedding Traditions

Filipino culture puts a heavy emphasis on family, community, and caring for one another. This love and commitment are reflected in traditions after the wedding day, too.

13. Paalam

"The paalam is a formal thank-you visit," Ann explains. "The newlyweds, often accompanied by close family, visit their principal sponsors (ninongs and ninangs) and relatives to personally thank them for their support, gifts and blessings. It's a beautiful gesture of gratitude and respect."

14. Salu-Salo

"In some families, especially in more traditional or rural areas, the couple may also participate in postwedding gatherings or meals—salu-salo—the day after the wedding to continue celebrating with extended family and friends," Ann says.

"There's also a strong cultural emphasis on staying connected with godparents and family members after the wedding—they're seen as lifelong mentors who offer guidance throughout the couple's marriage. So even after the big day, that deep sense of family and community stays at the heart of it all."

Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack