The Philippines is still a developing country with many peculiarities to see. One sight that has continued to amaze visitors from other cultures and countries is how lavishly Filipino weddings are still kept up to this day.

The country is fast becoming a melting pot of the east and west but time has only kept the Filipinos to be creative while formulating their dream wedding always with the flavor of religious catholic tradition. This has created a healthy professional wedding industry that keeps planners, coordinators, designers, decorators, hotels, but most importantly churches quite busy throughout the year. Notably, the said rate of weddings in this country is one wedding every minute.

It is a standard tradition that the wedding party, or better known as the bridal entourage, is to be composed of people who are closely related or honored friends of the couple.  The first detail to attend to would be the collection of a list of the entourage and having their proper names double checked with those in charge of the invitations.  It is already quite a privilege to be chosen to be part of the party, but to have a name misspelled will bring ill feelings as invitations, place cards and thank you cards are usually kept along with other trinkets for posterity.

It is also part of the tradition that a pre-wedding party or rehearsal dinner is held to familiarize all the participants and practice the succession of events from the wedding rites to the reception. At this juncture the planner must take advantage by knowing a few things. Like the proper enunciation of all the complicated names on the list, getting the numbers of the best man and matron of honor in cases of preparatory emergencies, the actual attendance on the day of the rites and proxies if they have them, and lastly listing down the toastmasters or roasters to be called during the reception. Clarity should also be given on the actual seating arrangements since some special preferences will always arise.

The bachelors and bachelorettes party is not required but oftentimes still held but is subject to another discussion altogether since it is rarely organized by the planner.

On the top tier of the wedding party are the Primary Sponsors, which include the parents of the bride and groups and the carefully selected pairs of godparents to stand as witness for the ceremony and counselors throughout life. The secondary sponsors are the Candle Sponsors and the Cord Sponsors.

On the second tier of the contemporary entourage is (1) the Best Man, who is always expected to have the last and best toast. (2) The Maid of Honor, also expected to leave the bride in tears with a speech and assist the bride on the day itself. (3) Bridesmaids, Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, attends to the couple and escorts each other down the aisle. (4) Flower Girl, to strew rose petals to the altar (5) Ring, Coin, and Bible bearer, to bring the items to the altar. (6) Finally the Ushers and Usherettes.

In order of appearance:

The groom waits with the best man inside the church for the bride’s arrival and the formation of the bridal party.

The procession starts with the entrance of the principal sponsors followed by the secondary sponsors. This is followed by the bride and groom’s mothers, followed with the groom’s father.

Then the bridesmaids paired with the groomsmen enter, following closely is the maid of honor who may or may not be escorted by the best man.

This continuous with the ring bearer, bible bearer and the flower girl/s, which are also at times paired with each other.

Finally the bride enters escorted by her father.

Trends change over seasons and family situations can change so keep a keen eye and ear on sensitivities. Make small adjustments along the way since there are no strict rules in forming a wedding entourage but sticking to traditions is good habit to keep since it has been passed on for generations.

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