Wedding Terminology: Lingo You Need To Know

Once you begin planning a marriage, you’ll quickly realize that there’s a unique language and jargon utilized in the industry. It’s possible you’ll be unfamiliar with many terms, and it’s a very good idea to learn the lingo.

Understanding these terms can enable you confidently and clearly communicate with vendors, guests, and members of your wedding party. Not only that, you may higher express your preferences, make informed decisions, and make sure that all elements of your wedding are executed in accordance with your vision.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive wedding dictionary covering all of the essential wedding terminology and meanings. Below are the definitions of terms you’ll encounter as you begin the journey to your big day.

Wedding Terminology And Definitions

Alternative Wedding

An alternate wedding breaks the principles and does things in a different way. As an alternative of the standard white dress and church ceremony, it would involve funky outfits, unique venues, and unconventional rituals. It’s all about celebrating love in a way that feels true to the couple’s personalities and values, even when it’s not what society expects. 

Appliqué

It’s an ornamental technique where designers add beautiful, intricate designs to the material of a wedding dress using things like lace, beads, and sequins. The final result is a dress that appears prefer it’s covered in delicate art. It’s the proper approach to add a touch of glamor to any attire. 

Black Tie

Black tie is about as fancy because it gets.  It means guests are expected to wear their most elegant and formal attire, often a tuxedo for men and a floor-length gown for girls. It’s like dressing up for the Oscars or a royal ball.

Black Tie Optional

Black tie optional is a complicated dress code with some flexibility. It means guests can go all-out with their formal attire and wear a tuxedo or a protracted gown, or they will go for a rather less formal outfit like a suit or a cocktail dress. It’s like having the perfect of each worlds—the elegance of a black tie event with a touch of non-public style.

Bridal Dresser

A bridal dresser is knowledgeable who helps the bride dress on her wedding day. They are sometimes experienced seamstresses who ensure the dress suits perfectly, help with any last-minute alterations, and assist with putting on accessories just like the veil and jewelry.

Boutonniere

A boutonniere is a tiny floral accessory for the groom and his groomsmen. It’s a single flower or a small bunch of flowers which can be pinned to the lapel of a suit jacket. It’s often chosen to match the colours and theme of the marriage and is worn as a logo of affection and celebration.

Bustle

A bustle helps gather and secure the train of a wedding dress in order that the bride can dance, walk around, and luxuriate in the reception without tripping. It’s either a hidden set of buttons, hooks, or loops that transforms a protracted, flowing gown right into a more manageable length.

Buttercream

Buttercream is nice, creamy frosting that covers a wedding cake. It’s often constructed from a mix of butter, sugar, and vanilla and could be tinted to match the marriage colours or decorated with swirls, flowers, or other designs. Buttercream is popular for wedding cakes since it’s smooth, delicious, and straightforward to work with.

Canapé

Canapé is a small, bite-sized snack that’s often served on a bit of bread or a cracker and topped with various savory or sweet ingredients. Canapés could be made with various ingredients, comparable to cheese, vegetables, fruits, and meats, and are sometimes served on decorative platters.

Candelabra

An ornamental stand or centerpiece that holds several candles directly, often in a symmetrical or tiered arrangement. Candelabras could be constructed from materials like metal, crystal, or glass, and could be adorned with flowers, greenery, or other embellishments.

 

Celebrant (or Officiant)

A marriage celebrant or officiant is the one who makes the marriage official. They’re chargeable for leading the marriage ceremony and ensuring that the legal requirements are met. Celebrants could be religious or secular and might create a personalized ceremony that reflects the couple’s beliefs and values. They’re just like the conductor of the marriage ceremony, ensuring all the things runs easily. 

Chargers

They’re larger than traditional dinner plates and are frequently fabricated from a more durable material, comparable to metal or glass. Chargers are used as a base for the dinner plate and could be decorated with a wide range of designs, comparable to metallic finishes, beading, or intricate patterns.

Corkage Fee

This fee is frequently charged by the venue or caterer, which serves as a canopy charge for bringing your individual alcohol to the reception. It covers the fee of providing glasses, ice, and other related services to accommodate the couple’s outside alcohol. It’s essential to examine the corkage fee policy before bringing in outside alcohol to avoid any surprises on the marriage day

Crudite

A platter of fresh veggies and dip that’s served as an appetizer at the marriage reception or cocktail hour. It typically includes a colourful assortment of vegetables, comparable to carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and broccoli, and is served with a delicious dip, comparable to hummus or ranch dressing.

Escort Card

Escort cards are like a approach to guide guests to their assigned tables on the reception. They typically include the guest’s name and table number and are sometimes placed on a table near the doorway of the reception.

Event Designer

An expert who helps create the general aesthetic of the marriage. They often work with the couple to find out a color scheme, select decor elements like centerpieces and lighting, and create a cohesive visual experience for guests. The difference between an event designer and wedding planner is the previous focuses on the visual design elements of the marriage, while the latter takes care of all of the logistical and organizational elements of the event.

First Touch

A marriage first touch is a moment between the couple where they reach out to carry one another’s hand or embrace without actually seeing one another It’s often done to share a moment of support or prayer before the ceremony begins. It’s also an excellent option for couples who want to save lots of the first look for once they walk down the aisle.

Floor Plan

A floor plan is a visible representation of the layout of the wedding venue, including the position of tables, chairs, dance floor, and other essential elements. It helps couples and vendors to plan and coordinate the marriage logistics and ensure all the things suits and flows well within the space.

Flower Wall

An ornamental backdrop made entirely of flowers and foliage, often used as a surprising point of interest for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and photo backdrops.

Fondant

A style of icing used on wedding cakes that’s constructed from sugar, corn syrup, and water. It’s rolled out and draped over the cake to create a smooth, polished finish. Fondant could be molded and shaped into intricate designs and decorations, and is a well-liked selection for contemporary and stylish wedding cakes.

Formal

Formal attire refers to a dress code that requires guests to wear formal and stylish clothing, comparable to tuxedos, suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses. It is often reserved for more upscale and traditional weddings.

Ganache

It’s an opulent chocolate and cream mixture that could be used as a filling or coating for wedding cakes. Consider it because the wealthy and velvety frosting that offers your wedding cake a decadent and indulgent flavor.

Garland

An extended, decorative piece fabricated from foliage, flowers, and/or other materials, comparable to ribbons or lights, that’s draped along the middle of a marriage reception table. It adds a natural and organic touch to the table decor and could be customized to match the general wedding theme and color scheme.

Gobo Lighting

Gobo lighting is a method that projects a custom image or pattern onto a surface, comparable to a dance floor or wall, to boost the ambiance and decor of the marriage. The image or pattern is created by a metal or glass stencil placed in front of the sunshine source to manage the form of the sunshine beam. This kind of lighting could be used to display the couple’s names, monogram, or an ornamental design that matches the marriage theme.

Grand Entrance

A grand entrance is a proper and dramatic introduction of the marriage couple to their wedding reception. It often involves music, lights, and sometimes computer graphics to create a memorable moment for everybody in attendance.

Head Table

A delegated seating area for the bride, groom, and the marriage party, often placed within the front of the reception room or the middle of the room facing the guests. It is commonly decorated more elaborately than the opposite tables within the reception area and might include special seating, comparable to chairs or a loveseat.

Honor Attendants

Honor attendants are crucial people for the couple in a marriage. Often, the maid or matron of honor is the bride’s closest sister in age, but when she doesn’t have one, a friend, cousin, or aunt can step in. The groom often chooses his closest brother in age to be his best man, but he may ask a friend, cousin, uncle, and even his dad. If the bride is near her brother or a male friend, she may select a person as her honor attendant.

In-House

This typically refers to services or amenities which can be provided by the venue. For instance, an in-house caterer could be a catering company that’s related to the marriage venue and operates on-site. Similarly, an in-house coordinator could be a wedding planner or coordinator who’s employed by the venue to administer events and logistics.

Installation

An installation is sort of a magical, larger-than-life piece of art created specifically in your wedding. A big-scale decorative piece or arrangement—this might include things like floral installations, lighting installations, or unique structures that function a backdrop or point of interest for the ceremony or reception.

Intimate Wedding

This kind of celebration involves a limited variety of guests, often close family and friends. It is commonly characterised by a more personal and comfortable atmosphere, with attention to small details and thoughtful touches. Intimate weddings could be held in every type of  venue under the sun, from backyards to small event spaces, and should involve less elaborate decor and catering options.

Invitation Suite

This includes all of the printed materials and stationery needed for a wedding invitation, comparable to the invitation itself, response card, and any additional enclosures like a reception card, directions card, or accommodation information. It’s called a “suite” because all of the pieces are designed to match and coordinate with one another, making a cohesive and classy presentation for the marriage guests.

Letterpress

Letterpress printing is probably the most widely used printing techniques for wedding invitations. It involves inking a plate with raised text (like a rubber stamp) and pressing it into paper. In the event you need a more 3D look, ask about embossing and debossing. Nevertheless, when used on thicker sheets, letterpress can create a faint texture when ink is applied, and the plate is pressed into the paper.

Makeup Trial

A practice run for the bride’s wedding day makeup when working with a skilled makeup artist to create the proper look. It’s a likelihood to check out different styles, colours, and techniques and make any essential adjustments to make sure that the makeup is strictly how you would like it on the large day.

Micro Wedding

Micro weddings typically have lower than 30 people—the typical being around ten guests, including vendors. Despite having fewer guests, this kind of celebration incessantly uses the identical kinds of vendors and customs as greater weddings. These celebrations could be as formal or casual because the couple desires. .

MOH

MOH stands for Maid (single) or Matron of Honor (married). This one who will stand by the bride’s side on the marriage day is often a sister or close friend, though your mother or grandmother is also the MOH. The maid of honor typically organizes the bachelorette party and plays a task within the bridal shower. In the event you want her to face out in your big day, you may have her carry a particular bouquet or wear a dress that’s barely different from the opposite bridesmaid dresses..

Mood Board 

A mood board is a rigorously curated collection of photos that convey the appear and feel you hope to create through your wedding design. It may be designed on platforms like Pinterest, Photoshop, Canva–or a mixture of the three.

Naked Cake

This is simple to discover because there may be little to no icing on the skin to cover the feel and filling of the cake. The recognition of this style, which has been around for a very long time, has only grown.

Nosegay Bouquet

A nosegay is a compact, hand-held floral arrangement that istypically carried by junior bridesmaids or bridesmaids to contrast in size with the bride’s larger and more elaborate bouquet. 

Open Bar

An open bar implies you will have wine, beer, and a whole bar of alcoholic beverages available to guests, just as at other gatherings and weddings. Because this could be pricey, there are a couple of alternatives to select from to enable you stay inside budget.  To make essentially the most out of your reception bar, take a look at this guide! 

 

Photo Booth

This piece of kit is utilized during weddings to take amusing pictures of the guests. In comparison with typical wedding photography, these images are more relaxed and quirky. Entertain your guests and capture some downright hilarious, in-the-moment photos with a creative photo booth.

Piping

Wedding cake piping refers back to the decorative strategy of using a piping bag and various nozzles to create intricate designs on a marriage cake. The designs could be anything from easy dots and contours to elaborate flowers and lace patterns. Piping is commonly used so as to add a private touch to a marriage cake and to make it look elegant and exquisite.

Place Cards

These are placed on tables on the reception to point where each guest should sit. Place cards typically include the guest’s name and table number and are used to make sure that each guest is seated of their designated spot.

Plus One

Wedding plus one refers back to the invitation prolonged to a guest, allowing the recipient to bring a date or a plus one to the marriage celebration. Normally, married couples and established couples (who live together, for instance) get plus-ones. The principles can vary depending in your budget, wedding size, and wedding vision. For everybody attending who may not know anyone else at the marriage, it’s also nice to think about a plus-one.

Prelude

The marriage prelude is the time frame before the marriage ceremony when guests arrive and take their seats. It often includes music and serves as a transition from the anticipation of the guests to the formal start of the marriage ceremony. The prelude can set the tone for the marriage ceremony and create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for the guests.

Processional

That is when the marriage party enters the ceremony space and walks down the aisle to take their places for the ceremony. The order of the processional commonly starts with the parents, followed by the marriage party, and ends with the second soon-to-be newlywed or couple making their grand entrance. The processional is accompanied by music and serves as a proper and traditional a part of the marriage ceremony.

Recessional

The marriage recessional is when the newlywed couple walks back down the aisle after the completion of the ceremony. It is mostly accompanied by joyful music and may additionally include the marriage party and other relations. The recessional is a celebratory moment that marks the top of the marriage ceremony and the start of cocktail hour or the reception.

Room Block

A marriage room block is a gaggle of hotel rooms which can be reserved for wedding guests at a reduced rate. The couple or their wedding planner typically arranges this to make sure that guests have a snug and convenient place to remain through the wedding weekend. Room blocks may help secure enough rooms for out-of-town guests who might have to make travel arrangements prematurely. 

Room Flip

That is the technique of transforming a ceremony space right into a reception space. It involves moving chairs, tables, decorations, lighting, and other elements to create a unique appear and feel for the space. It requires coordination between the marriage planner, vendors, and venue staff to make sure that the transformation is seamless and efficient. 

Sample Sale

A marriage sample sale is like Black Friday for brides-to-be. It’s a one-time event where bridal shops offer discounted prices on their sample dresses which were tried on by customers. It’s perfect for budget-conscious brides who wish to snag an attractive wedding dress at a bargain price. 

Send-Off (Or Exit)

A marriage send-off is a celebratory moment that takes place at the top of the marriage reception. Guests gather outside the venue and use props like sparklers, confetti, or rice to create a festive atmosphere. The send-off is supposed to suggest the top of the marriage celebration and the start of your latest journey together. 

Sensory-Friendly Wedding

A sensory-friendly wedding is an inclusive celebration tdesigned to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities or disabilities. This kind of wedding typically features low sensory stimuli, comparable to soft lighting, quiet music, and limited use of scents or strong flavors. There may additionally be designated quiet spaces or sensory-friendly activities for guests who need a break or sensory input. T It’s a approach to have a good time love and unity while ensuring that everybody feels included and valued.

Sheet Cake

A sheet cake is a big rectangular cake often served at wedding receptions. It’s a straightforward and classic cake that may feed numerous guests, making it a cost-effective and convenient dessert option. The cake could be cut into individual slices or served as a dessert buffet. 

Shot List

This can be a list or outline of specific photographs you need to capture in your wedding day. The shot list is a approach to make sure that the photographer captures all the essential moments and other people, and it may also function a helpful reminder for the couple to plan their schedule accordingly. Undecided if it’s something you need to be giving your photographer? We’re breaking down why we don’t think you’ll want to in this guide. 

Signature Cocktail

It’s a custom cocktail creation that reflects the couple’s personality, taste, and love story. The signature cocktail could be a classic drink with a novel twist, or a very latest creation that the couple dreamed up just for his or her special occasion. It’s a fun and inventive approach to add a private touch to the marriage reception, and it’s sure to be a success with guests who wish to toast to the comfortable couple in style.

Silhouette

A marriage silhouette refers to the essential shape or outline of a marriage dress. Examples of common wedding silhouettes include ballgown, A-line, mermaid, and sheath. It’s a key factor to think about when selecting a marriage dress, as it may greatly impact the general appear and feel of the robe.

Sweetheart Table

This can be a small table arrange on the reception where the newlyweds sit together–a well-liked selection for couples who wish to have some alone time through the reception or who wish to be the focal point.

Train

A train is a protracted piece of cloth that extends from the back of a marriage dress, adding a touch of elegance and drama to the general bridal look.

Trunk Show

A marriage trunk show is a pop-up shop for brides, where they will preview and take a look at on the most recent and best wedding dresses from a selected designer. It’s a fun and exciting approach to find your dream dress and perhaps even snag a special deal.

Usher

A marriage usher is a one who assists guests to find their seats and makes sure all the things runs easily through the wedding ceremony. They assist ensure guests are comfortable and comfortable, making it a pleasing experience for everybody involved.

Vendor Meal

This meal is provided to the vendors working at the marriage, comparable to the photographer, DJ, or wedding planner. It’s a approach to show appreciation for his or her exertions and ensure they’ve the energy to perform their duties throughout the event. The meal is frequently a simplified version of the guest’s meal and is served individually from the reception.

Waistcoat

Also often known as a vest, a waistcoat is a proper garment worn by grooms as a part of their wedding attire. It’s typically fabricated from a high-quality fabric and designed to match or complement the colour and variety of the groom’s suit. The waistcoat adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the groom’s overall look.

Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator is often chargeable for day-of coordination and ensuring that all the things runs easily on the marriage day. They typically come on board closer to the marriage date and are chargeable for coordinating with the vendors, managing logistics, and overseeing the setup and breakdown of the marriage, ensuring the timeline is followed.

Wedding Hashtag

A wedding hashtag is a novel and personalized hashtag to gather all photos, videos, and social media posts related to your wedding. It makes it easy for you, your guests, and even your vendors to search out all of the content related to your wedding in a single place. It may be a fun and inventive approach to involve your guests in your special occasion and create excitement around your wedding.

Wedding Program

A marriage program is a document that outlines the order of events and provides information concerning the wedding ceremony to guests. It generally includes details comparable to the names of the marriage party, the order of the ceremony, and any readings or songs that will probably be performed. It may additionally include other information, comparable to your love story or a note of due to the guests. The marriage program is frequently distributed to guests before the ceremony and might act as a keepsake for guests to take home as a reminder of the special occasion.

Wedding Weekend

A wedding weekend refers back to the multiple days of celebration and events surrounding a marriage day. It typically includes events comparable to a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or post-wedding brunch, along with the actual wedding ceremony and reception. A marriage weekend is an excellent opportunity for guests to explore the local area and make memories with family and friends, which could be extremely essential for those traveling everywhere in the world for the large day.

Welcome Bag

This can be a thoughtful gift that couples often provide to their out-of-town guests to welcome them and thank them for traveling to attend the marriage. The bag often includes items comparable to snacks, water bottles, maps, and native recommendations to assist guests feel more comfortable and acquainted with the world. It may also include small gifts or personal touches comparable to a handwritten note or a customized item with the couple’s names or wedding date. 

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these terms to make sure you fully understand the planning process and might communicate effectively with vendors. Nevertheless it’s also essential that you’re feeling comfortable about asking for clarification on any unfamiliar terms. And your wedding team is there to assist educate and support you throughout your wedding journey. Now that you already know all this wedding terminology, it’s time to place it to make use of!