Filipino wedding glossary

A traditional Filipino visit where the groom’s family formally asks the bride’s family for her hand — often with gifts, discussion of wedding plans, and relationship blessings.

Kasal is the Filipino word for wedding — used for the ceremony, the whole celebration, and everyday talk about getting married.

A despedida de soltera is a send-off celebration for the bride (and sometimes the couple) before the wedding — often family-forward rather than club-only.

The veil and cord (yugal) rites are Catholic Filipino wedding traditions symbolizing unity and protection — usually assisted by secondary sponsors.

Arrhae (arras) are the thirteen wedding coins exchanged during many Filipino Catholic ceremonies as a symbol of shared prosperity and responsibility.

The barong Tagalog is formal Filipino attire often worn by the groom and male entourage — lightweight embroidered shirts paired with trousers.

A civil wedding is a legally binding marriage ceremony performed by an authorized solemnizing officer — often simpler and smaller than a church kasal.