Filipino Wedding Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms Filipino couples meet while planning a wedding: ceremony roles, attire, traditions, and paperwork across Catholic, Civil, Muslim, Chinese-Filipino, and interfaith weddings. 44 terms and counting.
- Abaniko: A Filipino folding fan made of bamboo, lace, or fabric, accessory to the terno or formal Filipiniana.
- Akad: The solemnization phase of the Nikah where vows are exchanged and the contract becomes binding.
- Ang pao: A red envelope containing money, given to the couple at Chinese-Filipino weddings as a wish for prosperity.
- Arrhae: Thirteen wedding coins exchanged during a Catholic Filipino ceremony, symbolizing shared resources.
- Badju lapi: A Tausug formal jacket, embroidered and beaded, worn by brides and women on ceremonial occasions.
- Barong Tagalog: A Filipino formal embroidered shirt worn untucked over an undershirt, the menswear standard for weddings.
- Baybayin: A pre-colonial Filipino script used by Tagalogs and other groups; revived today in cultural and design contexts.
- Biyatawi: A Tausug formal blouse, embroidered and fitted, paired with a long skirt or trousers for ceremonial wear.
- Capiz: Translucent shell panels from the windowpane oyster, used in Filipino wedding decor and lighting.
- Changshan: A long, side-slit shirt worn by Chinese-Filipino grooms at the tea ceremony or reception.
- Dupatta: A long scarf, typically 2 to 2.5 meters, worn draped over the shoulders or head as part of a South Asian outfit.
- Gadur: A Maranao ornamental brass jar with engraved okir patterns, used as wedding decor and ceremonial vessel.
- Henna: A reddish-brown plant dye used to draw temporary patterns on the skin, hair, or fingernails.
- Inai: The Tausug name for henna, applied in a pre-wedding ritual that varies by family and Sulu community.
- Jusi: A handwoven silk fabric used for barong Tagalog and ternos, often blended with piña for drape.
- Kanduli: A communal feast hosted at Maranao and Maguindanao life events, including weddings.
- Kapilya: A small chapel, used for intimate Filipino Catholic ceremonies including weddings of smaller scale.
- Kasal: The Filipino word for wedding, used across Tagalog, Cebuano (with kasal), and many other Philippine languages.
- Khutba: A short sermon the imam delivers during the Nikah, often quoting scripture and counseling the couple.
- Kulintang: A gong-and-drum ensemble central to Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug ceremonial music, including weddings.
- Kurta: A long, loose-fitting shirt that falls to the knees or below, worn by men or women across South Asia.
- Lauriat: A multi-course Chinese-Filipino banquet, typically 8 to 10 dishes, served at the wedding reception.
- Lehenga: A South Asian bridal outfit consisting of a long embroidered skirt, fitted blouse, and dupatta scarf.
- Mahr: The mandatory bridal gift named openly during the Nikah, given by the groom to the bride as her own property.
- Malong: A tubular wrap of woven cloth, worn as skirt, blouse, blanket, or cradle by Maranao and Maguindanao communities.
- Mandap: A four-pillared canopy or pavilion under which Hindu wedding ceremonies are conducted.
- Mantilla: A long lace veil worn over the head and shoulders, used in Filipino Catholic devotional and wedding settings.
- Mehndi: Decorative henna art applied to the bride's hands and feet, traditional in South Asian weddings.
- Nikah: The Islamic marriage contract that formalizes a union between two consenting parties before witnesses and an imam.
- Ninang: A female principal sponsor at a Filipino wedding, who pledges to support the couple in the marriage.
- Ninong: A male principal sponsor at a Filipino wedding, who pledges to support the couple in the marriage.
- Pagkawin: The Tausug word for the marriage ceremony, used in Sulu Muslim communities alongside the Arabic Nikah.
- Pamamanhikan: The formal visit where the groom's family asks the bride's family for her hand and plans the wedding together.
- Pelaminan: The ornate stage where the bride and groom sit during the wedding feast, central to Maranao and Bangsamoro celebrations.
- Piña: A handwoven pineapple-leaf fabric, sheer and lustrous, used for the finest barong Tagalog and terno gowns.
- Qipao: A fitted, high-collared dress with side slits, worn by Chinese-Filipino brides at the tea ceremony or reception.
- Sampaguita: The Philippine national flower, used in fragrant garlands at weddings and other ceremonies.
- Sari: An unstitched garment, typically 5 to 9 yards, draped around the body in styles that vary by region.
- Sarimanok: A Maranao mythical bird that appears in carvings, textiles, and decor; iconic to Maranao cultural heritage.
- Sherwani: A long, knee-length formal coat worn by grooms in South Asian weddings, often paired with churidar pants.
- Tambuku: A Maranao formal headpiece or hat, worn at ceremonies and historically associated with royal-court attire.
- Terno: A Filipino formal gown with structured butterfly sleeves and a fitted bodice, often worn by brides and matrons.
- Walima: The celebratory feast hosted after the Nikah, where the marriage is announced to the wider community.
- Yugal: A ceremonial cord (or veil) placed over the couple during the Catholic wedding to symbolize their union.