Filipino wedding entourage: who's who, with a checklist

A Filipino wedding entourage is more than a group of friends in matching outfits. It includes godparents for your marriage, relatives with symbolic roles in the ceremony, and children who walk down the aisle. Each role carries meaning, and choosing who fills them is part of honouring the people who matter to you.

Rules differ between parishes and families, so treat this guide as a starting point and confirm the details with your church and your coordinator.

Principal sponsors are the official witnesses of your marriage and sign the marriage certificate. Couples usually choose married couples or respected elders who they hope will guide them, and many couples visit them in person to ask, sometimes bringing a small gift.

Some parishes set a limit on how many principal sponsors can sign, so check before you invite. Principal sponsors usually walk in the processional, sit near the front, and are often asked to give a short message at the reception.

Secondary sponsors handle the symbolic parts of a Catholic ceremony. They are often close friends, siblings or cousins, and each role is usually given to a pair.

• Candle sponsors light the candles on either side of the couple, a symbol of God's presence in the marriage.
• Veil sponsors pin a veil over the bride's head and the groom's shoulder, a symbol of being clothed as one.
• Cord sponsors place the yugal, a figure-of-eight cord, over the couple's shoulders, a symbol of a bond that lasts.

The best man supports the groom: he helps him stay on schedule, keeps the rings safe until the bearer takes them, and often gives a toast. The maid of honor, or matron of honor if she is married, does the same for the bride. She helps with the dress and the bouquet and is the bride's calm person on the day.

Both often help plan the despedida de soltero or soltera and are the first people the coordinator calls when something needs deciding.

The abay walk in the processional and stand with you during the ceremony. Beyond looking lovely in photos, they can be genuinely useful: helping guests find their seats, keeping older relatives company, and making sure the reception programme runs on time.

Tell them early what you are asking of them, including what they will need to pay for themselves, such as their attire, so nobody is surprised.

The ring bearer carries the rings or a pillow with replicas, the coin bearer carries the arrhae (thirteen coins symbolising the couple's shared provision), and the Bible bearer carries the Bible used in the ceremony. Flower girls walk ahead of the bride, scattering petals.

These roles usually go to young relatives. Choose children old enough to walk the aisle without being carried, keep the real rings with the best man if you are worried, and seat their parents on the aisle so they can step in if needed.

Use this list to make sure every role is filled and everyone knows what to do.

• Principal sponsors chosen, asked in person, and within your parish's limit.
• Candle, veil and cord sponsors confirmed, two for each role.
• Best man and maid or matron of honor confirmed.
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen confirmed, with attire and colours shared.
• Ring, coin and Bible bearers and flower girls confirmed, with a parent's contact number.
• Names spelled correctly for the programme and the website.
• Everyone told the date and call time for the rehearsal.
• Processional order written down and shared with your coordinator.

Once the roles are settled, publish your entourage so everyone, guests included, can see who is who. It is a small way to honour your ninongs and ninangs, and it saves your coordinator from answering the same questions on the day.

iKasal wedding websites include an entourage section with the usual Filipino roles already laid out, from principal sponsors to flower girls, so you only need to add the names.