Quick Answer
What are ninong and ninang in a Filipino wedding?
Ninong and ninang are the principal sponsors of a Filipino Catholic wedding — one or more godparent-like couples chosen by the bride and groom to witness the vows, sign as witnesses, and offer ongoing guidance to the marriage. Couples often ask several pairs, sometimes a dozen or more.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What are ninong and ninang in a Filipino wedding?
Also called: principal sponsors, wedding godparents.
A Filipino Catholic wedding rarely has just two witnesses. Instead the couple selects ninong (godfathers) and ninang (godmothers) — often many pairs, sometimes running into the double digits — who stand near the altar, sign the marriage contract, and take on a lasting, semi-formal role of support for the couple afterward. Choosing principal sponsors is as much a social decision as a religious one: it is a way of publicly asking specific relatives, mentors, or family friends to stay invested in the marriage going forward.
The role of principal sponsors
Principal sponsors are distinct from the best man and maid of honor. Ninong and ninang are typically older, established couples — often already the godparents of one partner from baptism or confirmation — chosen specifically for the wedding. During the ceremony they stand near the altar, and each pair usually signs the marriage certificate as an official witness.
- •Couples are usually asked in pairs (a ninong and ninang together), though single sponsors are also accepted.
- •It is common, especially among larger or well-connected families, for a couple to have anywhere from a handful to 20+ pairs of principal sponsors.
- •Sponsors are traditionally expected to contribute — historically toward the wedding or the couple's future — though in modern practice this can simply mean a gift or ongoing mentorship.
Planning notes
- •Send invitations to prospective sponsors early and formally — being asked is considered an honor, and many couples deliver the request in person or with a dedicated sponsor invitation card.
- •Track sponsor RSVPs and confirmed names separately from the general guest list, since sponsor names typically need to appear on the church programme and marriage documentation.
- •Reserve seating near the front for principal sponsors and set aside recognition time for them at the reception.
Send sponsor invitations without the group-chat chaos
Weddingkart lets you send a formal WhatsApp invitation to each principal sponsor and track who has confirmed, separate from the general guest list.
See WhatsApp announcements →Frequently Asked Questions
How many principal sponsors does a Filipino wedding typically have?
It varies widely by family, but it is common for a Filipino Catholic wedding to have anywhere from 3 to more than 20 pairs of ninong and ninang, reflecting how many people the couple wants formally invested in the marriage.
Do ninong and ninang have to be married couples?
It is traditional to invite them in pairs, but single sponsors — an individual ninong or ninang without a partner — are also commonly accepted, especially among younger couples or smaller weddings.
What is expected of a ninong or ninang after the wedding?
Beyond witnessing the vows, principal sponsors are traditionally expected to offer ongoing guidance, support, and sometimes practical help to the couple through the marriage — a role similar to godparents in a child's life.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated