Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially with all the wedding jargon thrown around. From Aisle Runners to Wedding Tents, it’s easy to get lost in all the wedding terminology. To help you navigate through the wedding planning process with ease, we’ve compiled the ultimate wedding glossary. This guide includes all the important wedding terms and their meanings, making it a valuable resource for anyone planning a wedding.
A
Aisle Runner
An Aisle Runner is a long piece of fabric or paper that covers the aisle during the wedding ceremony. It is typically used in indoor or outdoor weddings to create a walkway for the bride and groom to walk down. Aisle runners come in different materials, such as cloth or paper, and can be customized with the couple’s names or wedding date.
Altar
The Altar is the focal point of the wedding ceremony. It is a raised platform or table where the couple stands during the ceremony, and where the wedding officiant typically stands as well. The altar can be decorated with flowers, candles, or other décor to create a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony.
Anniversary Dance
An Anniversary Dance is a tradition in which married couples are invited to dance together to celebrate their anniversaries. The DJ or band plays a song, and the couples dance. As the song goes on, the DJ or band will ask couples who have been married for less than a certain number of years to sit down. The last couple standing is usually the couple who has been married the longest.
B
Bachelorette Party
A Bachelorette Party is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride and her female friends. It’s a night out to celebrate the bride-to-be before she gets married. The bachelorette party can include activities like going out to dinner, having drinks, or going to a club or bar.
Boutonniere
A Boutonniere is a small flower or bouquet of flowers that is worn by the groom and his groomsmen. It is typically worn on the lapel of the jacket and is coordinated with the bride’s bouquet and the rest of the wedding flowers.
Bridal Shower
A Bridal Shower is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride and her female friends and family. It’s a party where the bride receives gifts for her new home and life with her spouse. The bridal shower can include games, food, and drinks.
C
Cake Topper
A Cake Topper is a decoration that is placed on top of the wedding cake. It can be customized to match the couple’s personalities or wedding theme. Cake toppers can be made of various materials, such as plastic, wood, or even sugar.
Corsage
A Corsage is a small bouquet of flowers that is worn by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and grandmothers of the bride and groom. It is typically worn on the wrist or pinned to the dress.
Ceremony
The Ceremony is the formal part of the wedding where the couple exchanges vows and rings. It is usually officiated by a wedding officiant or religious figure. The ceremony can take place in a church, on a beach, or in any other location that is meaningful to the couple.
D
Destination Wedding
A Destination Wedding is a wedding that takes place in a location that is not the couple’s hometown or current place of residence. It often involves travel for the couple and their guests, and can be held in an exotic location such as a beach or a foreign country. Destination weddings can be more expensive than traditional weddings due to the added costs of travel and accommodations.
DJ
A DJ is a professional who provides music and entertainment for the wedding reception. They can play a variety of music, take song requests, and can also provide additional lighting and sound equipment.
Dress Train
The Dress Train is the portion of the wedding dress that extends beyond the back of the dress. It can be short or long, and can be made of the same fabric as the rest of the dress or a different material. The dress train is often a beautiful focal point of the wedding dress.
E
Escort Cards
Escort Cards are small cards that are placed at the entrance of the reception venue. They indicate the table number or seating arrangement for each guest. They can be personalized with the guest’s name and can be designed to match the wedding theme or color scheme.
Engagement Party
An Engagement Party is a celebration that takes place after the couple announces their engagement. It can be a small or large gathering of family and friends, and is often hosted by the couple or their parents. It’s a great way to celebrate the beginning of the couple’s journey to marriage.
F
Favors
Favors are small gifts that are given to wedding guests as a thank you for attending the wedding. They can be personalized with the couple’s name or wedding date, and can be anything from a small bag of candy to a personalized keychain.
Flower Girl
A Flower Girl is a young girl who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals. She is typically dressed in a white or light-colored dress and carries a basket of flowers.
G
Garter
The Garter is a piece of lingerie that the bride wears on her leg. It is often removed by the groom during the reception, and then thrown to the unmarried male guests. It is said that the man who catches the garter will be the next to get married.
Groom’s Cake
The Groom’s Cake is a secondary cake that is served at the wedding reception. It is often a different flavor or style than the wedding cake, and can be personalized to match the groom’s interests or hobbies.
H
Honeymoon
The Honeymoon is a trip taken by the couple after the wedding. It’s a time for the newlyweds to relax and celebrate their marriage. The honeymoon can be a short or long trip, and can be to any location the couple chooses.
Head Table
The Head Table is the table at the reception where the bride, groom, and their wedding party sit. It is typically decorated with flowers and other décor, and can be situated at the front of the room or in the center of the reception space.
I
Invitations
Invitations are the cards or digital messages that are sent to guests inviting them to the wedding. They typically include important information such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as instructions for RSVP and attire.
In-Laws
In-Laws are the parents and relatives of the bride and groom. They become family through marriage and are an important part of the couple’s support system.
J
Just Married
Just Married is a term used to describe the newly married couple
K
Kissing Game
A Kissing Game is a fun activity that encourages guests to participate in the wedding celebration. The game involves clinking glasses, and the couple must then kiss to make the clinking stop. This can happen multiple times throughout the reception and is a fun way to get everyone involved.
L
Linens
Linens are the tablecloths, napkins, and other fabrics used to decorate the wedding reception tables. They can be chosen in a variety of colors and styles to match the wedding theme.
Limo
A Limo is a luxurious car often used to transport the bride and groom on their wedding day. It can also be used to transport wedding guests or the wedding party.
M
Maid of Honor
The Maid of Honor is the bride’s closest female friend or relative. She plays an important role in the wedding planning process and often helps the bride with tasks such as dress shopping and wedding invitations.
Marriage License
A Marriage License is a legal document that allows the couple to get married. It must be obtained prior to the wedding and typically requires a waiting period and a fee.
N
Nuptials
Nuptials is another word for a wedding ceremony. It can be used to describe the formal aspects of the wedding, such as the exchange of vows and rings.
Non-Traditional Wedding
A Non-Traditional Wedding is a wedding that deviates from traditional wedding customs and may include unique elements or alternative ceremony structures.
O
Officiant
The Officiant is the person who performs the wedding ceremony. It can be a religious leader, justice of the peace, or other authorized individual.
Outdoor Wedding
An Outdoor Wedding is a wedding that takes place outside, often in a garden or other outdoor setting. It can be a beautiful and romantic choice, but requires careful planning to account for weather and other outdoor elements.
P
Processional
The Processional is the part of the wedding ceremony when the wedding party enters and walks down the aisle. It typically begins with the parents of the couple, followed by the wedding party, and culminates with the bride.
Photography
Photography is an important aspect of the wedding day, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Professional photographers are often hired to document the day, and engagement photos may also be taken in advance.
Q
Questions to Ask Wedding Vendors
When planning a wedding, it’s important to ask wedding vendors specific questions to ensure they can meet your needs and expectations. Some common questions to ask include:
- What is your pricing structure?
- Do you have experience with weddings?
- Do you have references or a portfolio of your work?
- What is included in your services?
- What is your cancellation policy?
R
Ring Bearer
The Ring Bearer is a young boy who carries the rings down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. He is often dressed in a mini tuxedo and may also carry a pillow or other decorative item.
Reception
The Reception is the party following the wedding ceremony. It typically includes food, drinks, music, and dancing, and is a time for the couple and their guests to celebrate the newlyweds.
S
Save the Date
A Save the Date is a notification sent to guests to inform them of the upcoming wedding date. It is typically sent several months in advance to give guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
Seating Chart
A Seating Chart is a diagram that indicates where each guest will sit during the wedding reception. It is often displayed near the entrance to the reception area and can help guests find their assigned seats quickly.
T
Toast
A Toast is a short speech given by the best man, maid of honor, or other honored guest during the wedding reception. It is typically a congratulatory message to the couple and can be heartfelt or humorous.
Thank You Cards
Thank You Cards are notes sent to guests to thank them for attending the wedding and for any gifts they may have given. They are an important way to show appreciation and gratitude to those who shared in the celebration.
U
Unity Candle
A Unity Candle is a candle used in some wedding ceremonies to symbolize the joining of two individuals and their families. The couple each lights a candle and then uses their candles to light a larger, center candle, symbolizing their unity.
Ushers
Ushers are typically male friends or relatives of the couple who help guests find their seats during the wedding ceremony. They may also assist with distributing programs or other materials.
V
Vows
Vows are promises made by the couple during the wedding ceremony. They typically include pledges to love and care for one another, and may be personalized to reflect the couple’s individual beliefs and values.
Venue
The Venue is the location where the wedding and reception will take place. It can be chosen based on a variety of factors, including capacity, style, and location.
W
Wedding Planner
A Wedding Planner is a professional who assists the couple with the planning and coordination of their wedding day. They may help with tasks such as vendor selection, budgeting, and timeline creation.
Wedding Party
The Wedding Party is a group of individuals who stand with the couple during the wedding ceremony. It typically includes the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
Z
Zenith
The Zenith is the highest point of the wedding day, typically occurring during the ceremony or reception. It is a moment when the couple is surrounded by love and support and can feel the joy and excitement of their special day.
Conclusion:
The Wedding Glossary is a comprehensive list of terms and concepts related to weddings. From traditional customs like the wedding cake and the exchange of rings, to modern trends like non-traditional weddings and kissing games, the glossary provides a wealth of information for anyone planning a wedding. By using this glossary as a reference, couples can ensure that their wedding day is filled with special moments and memories that will last a lifetime.
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