Photo by Sean Santos
Let’s be real—when it comes to weddings, Filipinos know how to throw a party. We’re talking vibrant traditions, epic food, and family vibes for days. If you’re planning a Filipino wedding in the Bay Area, you’re in the right place. With its gorgeous venues, amazing vendors, and thriving Filipino community, the Bay is perfect for bringing those rich cultural traditions to life.
At Weddings In Color, we’re here to help you plan the ultimate Filipino wedding that blends the beauty of tradition with a modern twist. Let’s dive into everything you need to make your wedding unforgettable, from finding the right planner to incorporating all the pinoy flair your heart desires!
Filipino Wedding Planners Who Get It
Finding a planner who knows Filipino traditions is like finding the secret to lumpia that never ends. They know that every little detail matters, from the Arrhae (those wedding coins that symbolize prosperity) to the cord and veil ceremonies that symbolize unity and love.
- Why Filipino Planners Are Great
They understand the deep family ties, the meaningful rituals, and that special way of turning a simple “Yes” into a full-blown celebration. However, there’s always a case where the planner is not a Filipino, but they STILL get it (and yes, I’m talking about @weddingsincolor’s event planner). - Top Filipino Wedding Planners in the Bay Area – Want your wedding to feel effortless yet meaningful? Look no further. The Bay is full of talented Filipino planners who specialize in crafting gorgeous, culturally-inspired weddings. They’ll handle everything, so you can focus on celebrating your love—Filipino style.
In fact, the UndiscoveredSF, Pinayista, and Make It Mariko–which is WIC’s parent company–plan A LOT of events in the SOMA Filipino cultural district. The people involved in these events are not just Filipinos in blood, but also in tradition and culture. Talk about being surrounded by YOUR people. Sounds fun, isn’t it?
Photo by Andre Nguyen
Photos by Khariza Rae
Filipino Wedding Venues in the Bay Area
Now, let’s talk about venues. You want a space that’s beautiful, versatile, and big enough for every tita, tito, cousin, and long-lost relative who’s planning to show up. The Bay Area’s got you covered.
- Ciel Creative Space: A Pinay-Owned Gem in Berkeley
- Ciel Creative Space isn’t just a venue; it’s a piece of home. Owned by a fellow Pinay, this Berkeley spot has unique decor imported straight from Cebu—think authentic lanterns and chairs that give the space that Filipino warmth and charm.
- Other Venues That Capture Filipino Spirit
- From the chic Terra Gallery in San Francisco to the historic Piedmont Community Hall, these venues provide the warmth and flexibility you need for a Filipino wedding—where traditional elegance meets modern flair. Both Terra and Piedmont also offer on-site kitchens and the option to bring your own caterer, meaning you can fill your menu with all the Filipino fusion dishes your guests will love!
- Outdoor Venues for Big Family Celebrations
- Filipino weddings = big guest lists, so if you need the space, check out options like Ralston White Retreat or Ciel Creative Space. Both offer plenty of room for all your favorite people, plus amazing backdrops for photos and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Photo by Yours Truly Media
Money Dance
Filipinos are known as one of the most talented people in the world. And it’s safe to say that dancing isn’t one of their weakest points! There’s a Money Dance where the guests offer the newly-weds money to dance with them (and this happens at reception). This is one of the most common ways to contribute to the couple’s future or bid a good fortune.
Try listening to Cha-cha and Todo-todo—oh, our DJs get it!
Photo from DJ Boogie Brown
Filipino Favors for the Win
Delight your guests with Filipino-inspired favors, like mini bottles of calamansi juice, ube treats, or even barako coffee. It’s the perfect way to add a personal, thoughtful touch to your celebration. Speaking of personal, thoughtful touch, Sinta & Co. is a Filipino jewelry brand that curates Filipino-inspired jewelries! They have a variety of styles that you can choose from. You need a veil and cord? Guess who you can call.
Photo by Andre Nguyen
Karaoke—Because, Why Not?
A Filipino party isn’t complete without karaoke. Set up a karaoke booth at your reception for a fun, interactive experience that’ll have your guests belting out the classics (because you know there’s a tito with his go-to song ready).
Photo by Sean Santos
Choose a Photographer Who Gets the Vibe
You want a photographer who understands Filipino wedding customs and family dynamics, so they’re ready to capture all those heartfelt, candid moments. Choosing Khariza Rae, Sean Santos, and ComePlum would be ideal for your Filipino wedding. Because who gets you more than a fellow Filipino, right? Trust us—those photos will be priceless.
Photo by Khariza Rae
Tips for a Filipino-Themed Wedding That’s Pure Magic
Photo by Andre Nguyen
Want a wedding that’s Filipino to its core? Here are some tips to make your day extra special:
- Serve Up Filipino Cuisine
Let’s be real: the food is a major part of any Filipino gathering. Think lechon, lumpia, pancit, ube everything…your guests will love it. Many Bay Area caterers can whip up a feast that’ll satisfy all your cravings. Midsummer Kitchen has one of the best menus you can try. They’re perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and on a gluten-free diet. - Bring in Filipino Decor and Textiles
Filipino-inspired decor—like capiz shells, banig mats, or tropical flowers—adds warmth and vibrancy to any venue. Diosa Bloom and Nurture State can bring your ideas to life. You can find some inspo online or just tell them what you want with your florals, and they will do it for you! Not to mention that these touches don’t just look beautiful; they make your wedding feel uniquely you. - Honor the Elders
In Filipino culture, family comes first. Honor your elders with a special moment, like a “Mano Po” gesture or reserved seating. It’s a small but powerful way to show respect and make them feel special. - Filipino Bar Inspiration –
When talking about Filipino beverages, you can’t go wrong with calamansi drinks and ube cocktails! In fact, Victory Hall has this popular Ube beer that we must say is a MUST-TRY! You can also call Anne Marie Ceralvo from Day Owl Bartending if you want to know what Filipinos are drinking to get really good at singing! We’re kidding on the last phrase, but here’s a little trivia about her—she’s a member of the popular Pinay singing group, One Vo1ce! Cold drinks and a good voice? That sounds like Filipino-ish!