As well as the usual roles of bridemaids and groomsmen, a Filipino bridal party also has several sponsors that perform specific tasks during the ceremony.

The principal sponsors are expected to serve as the couple's second parents or counselors especially when the newlyweds' parents are no longer there to guide them. The couple’s "Ninong" and "Ninang" (godparent) serve as the official witnesses of the state to the couple’s union and as such, have to join in signing the marriage license. In the early days of the Church, their participation was seen as a testimony to the couple’s readiness for marriage.

There are also three types of secondary sponsors:

Candle sponsors light two candles, which the bride and groom use to light a single candle to symbolize the joining of the two families.

During a specific point in the ceremony, the veil sponsors carefully pin a large veil on top of the bride's head and onto the shoulder of the groom. The veil symbolizes unity and that the couple shall be "clothed as one."

After the veil is placed on both the bride and groom, the cord sponsors place a white cord loosely around the necks of the couple in a "figure eight" configuration (to symbolize everlasting fidelity). The cord symbolizes the lifelong bond or tie between the bride and groom.

There are many ways to walk down the aisle, but here is the traditional Filipino arrangement, and, as it happens, the style I like best.