Filipino Wedding Traditions

Filipino weddings have Spanish and indigenous influences. The coin ceremony involves arras, 13 gold coins. The groom gives them to the bride. It represents his commitment to support her. The veil ceremony involves a white veil draped over the couple, symbolizing being clothed as one. The cord ceremony involves a cord or rosary placed over the couple in a figure-eight, representing the bond of marriage. The bride's gown is often a traditional Filipiniana dress with butterfly sleeves. The groom wears a barong tagalog, a sheer embroidered shirt. Sponsors or ninongs and ninangs are like godparents and sign the marriage license. The reception often includes a money dance.