How do I invite a ninong or ninang to our wedding?

Send a personal message that names the role (principal or secondary), date, and venue. Use the copy-ready templates on this page, then share your wedding website for RSVP and day-of details.

What is the difference between principal and secondary sponsors?

Principal sponsors are the primary godparents listed first on invitations. Secondary sponsors typically assist with ceremonial rites such as candle, veil, cord, or coins. Confirm exact roles with your church or coordinator.

Should the invitation be in Filipino or English?

Use the language your sponsor is most comfortable reading. Many couples send Filipino to elders and English or short chat copy to peers — both are fine if the role is clear.

Can WedPlanner help after they say yes?

Yes. Track sponsors on your guest list, seat them for the reception, and pair with the Filipino wedding checklist for tokens, attire, and rehearsal tasks.

Free wording tool

Ninong and Ninang invitation wording

Copy-ready messages to invite principal and secondary sponsors — English and Filipino — then track them on your Filipino guest list.

Free starter plan · No credit card required

How to invite sponsors well

Role first, logistics second — then one guest list for everyone.

Decide principal vs secondary
Principal sponsors are listed first on invitations; secondary sponsors usually cover candle, veil, cord, or coins. Tag roles on your guest list early.
Pick a tone that matches your invite suite
Formal English for older relatives, Filipino for family who prefer it, short chat copy for friends who already know verbally.
Personalize names, date, and venue
Replace bracketed fields. Mention the specific rite for secondary sponsors so nobody arrives unsure of their role.
Track responses in one guest list
Log who accepted in WedPlanner, then seat sponsors near the couple and share day-of details in one place.

Copy a template

Replace the brackets with your names, date, and venue. Keep financial asks private.

Principal sponsors — formal (English)

Formal

Dear [Title] [Full Name],

With joyful hearts, we ask you to be a Principal Sponsor (Ninong / Ninang) at our wedding on [Wedding Date] at [Church / Venue].

Your guidance and blessing mean so much to us as we begin our life together. We would be honored by your presence at the ceremony and reception.

With love and respect,
[Bride] & [Groom]

Principal sponsors — warm (English)

Warm

Dear [Name],

We have always looked up to you — and we cannot imagine our wedding day without you beside us.

Would you do us the honor of standing as our Principal Ninong / Ninang on [Wedding Date]? Your blessing and presence would mean the world.

Love,
[Bride] & [Groom]

Secondary sponsors — English

Warm

Dear [Name],

We would be so grateful if you would serve as a Secondary Sponsor at our wedding on [Wedding Date] at [Venue].

Your role in the [candle / veil / cord / coin] rite is special to us, and we hope you can celebrate with our families afterward.

With thanks,
[Bride] & [Groom]

Principal sponsors — Filipino

Formal Filipino

Mahal naming [Tito / Tita] [Pangalan],

Buong galak po naming hinihiling na kayo ang aming Principal Ninong / Ninang sa aming kasal sa [Petsa] sa [Simbahan / Venue].

Malaking karangalan po ang inyong pagpapala at presensya sa aming bagong buhay bilang mag-asawa.

Lubos na gumagalang,
[Nobya] at [Nobyo]

Secondary sponsors — Filipino

Warm Filipino

Mahal naming [Pangalan],

Nais po naming hingin ang inyong pagiging Secondary Sponsor sa aming kasal sa [Petsa]. Sana po ay makasama kayo sa [kandila / belo / kordon / arrhae] at sa selebrasyon pagkatapos.

Maraming salamat po,
[Nobya] at [Nobyo]

Short Messenger / WhatsApp invite

Casual

Hi [Name]! We’re getting married on [Date] and would love for you to be our [Principal / Secondary] Ninong / Ninang. Can we send you the formal invite and details? 🤍
— [Bride] & [Groom]

Gentle follow-up

Polite

Dear [Name],

Just following up on our invitation for you to be our Ninong / Ninang on [Wedding Date]. No pressure at all — we know schedules are full.

Whenever you can, a quick yes or no would help us finalize the program and seating.

Thank you,
[Bride] & [Groom]

Thank-you after they accept

Grateful

Dear [Name],

Thank you for saying yes to being our Ninong / Ninang. It means more than we can say.

We’ll share rehearsal details, attire notes, and day-of timing once they’re ready.

With gratitude,
[Bride] & [Groom]

Keep learning the roles

Short glossary pages for family alignment before you print programs.

Invitation etiquette for Filipino wedding sponsors

Clear roles, respectful tone, and a guest list that survives group chats.

Why sponsor invites need their own wording

Ninongs and ninangs are not generic plus-ones. Principal sponsors appear first on invitations and often stand closest during rites; secondary sponsors usually hold candle, veil, cord, or arrhae. A clear ask — role, date, venue — prevents awkward “ano ba role ko?” chats the week of the wedding.

Send a personal message first, then follow with your guest list updates and day-of details so logistics do not live only in Messenger threads.

English vs Filipino — pick what relatives actually read

Older relatives and formal households often prefer Filipino or bilingual messages. Friends who already accepted verbally may only need a short chat template. Match the tone of your printed invitation suite so the digital ask does not feel like a different wedding.

Never assume financial sponsorship. Ask for presence and blessing first; if a package contribution was discussed privately, keep that out of the group invite wording.

Track sponsors like any other VIP guest

Add each ninong and ninang to your WedPlanner guest list with a role tag, log whether they accepted, and seat principals near the couple. Link sponsored budget lines (cake, flowers, photo) to owners so promises survive beyond pamamanhikan.

Glossary primers on ninong and ninang, principal sponsors, and secondary sponsors help families align vocabulary before you print programs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I invite a ninong or ninang to our wedding?: Send a personal message that names the role (principal or secondary), date, and venue. Use the copy-ready templates on this page, then share your wedding website for RSVP and day-of details.
What is the difference between principal and secondary sponsors?: Principal sponsors are the primary godparents listed first on invitations. Secondary sponsors typically assist with ceremonial rites such as candle, veil, cord, or coins. Confirm exact roles with your church or coordinator.
Should the invitation be in Filipino or English?: Use the language your sponsor is most comfortable reading. Many couples send Filipino to elders and English or short chat copy to peers — both are fine if the role is clear.
Can WedPlanner help after they say yes?: Yes. Track sponsors on your guest list, seat them for the reception, and pair with the Filipino wedding checklist for tokens, attire, and rehearsal tasks.

Related wedding planning tools

Keep planning in one place — these tools share the same guest list, budget, and timeline.

Track every ninong on one guest list

Start free — tag sponsors, log RSVPs, and seat principals near you when you are ready.