Planning a wedding and wondering what all those weird (and weirdly specific) wedding terms mean? We got you, boo! Keep reading for an A-Z rundown of common wedding terminology.
Once you start your wedding planning journey, it won’t take long to realise there are certain phrases and terms that are only common knowledge in the world of weddings. If the only usher you know is the R&B legend, this one’s for you! Consider this your official wedding dictionary as we walk you through all the weird and wonderful wedding terms and their meanings.
Altar
The altar is the physical spot or structure where you and your partner exchange vows on the wedding day, whether your ceremony is religious or otherwise. For some seriously stunning ceremony backdrop and altar inspiration, check out this article.
Best Man
The honorary role of the best man is usually given by the groom to the closest person in his life. This could be a brother, father, son, cousin, or friend. Best man duties typically include organising the buck’s night, writing and giving a speech during the reception, helping the groom get ready for the ceremony, dancing with the maid of honour, and more.
Black Tie
This wedding dress code requires guests to wear formal attire such as tuxedos and evening gowns. Slightly formal than Black Tie, Black Tie Optional gives guests a little more flexibility with their outfits, allowing them to opt for a dinner suit or cocktail gown.
Bomboniere
A way of thanking your guests for attending, bomboniere (also referred to as wedding favours) can be anything you like — personalised gifts, sweet treats, bottled cocktails, succulents, the list goes on!
Bouquet
These are the handheld bundles of flowers that the bridal party carry down the aisle. Bouquets vary in size, shape, and colour, so they’re a great way to express your style.
Boutonniere
The boutonniere is a spray of flowers typically worn by wedding party members on the lapel of their tuxedo or suit jacket.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids are the bride’s VIPs, who assist with a range of duties both in the lead-up and on the wedding day itself. This group can include sisters, friends, cousins or daughters — whoever is closest to the bride.
Buffet
A more casual alternative to the classic three-course menu, a buffet is a catering style where the food is arranged on one table, and guests help themselves to whatever they like.
Buttercream
This refers to a soft and creamy icing used on wedding cakes.
Canapé
A canapé is a small bite-sized piece of savoury food that can be easily picked up and eaten with one hand. Canapés are usually served during cocktail hour or throughout a cocktail wedding reception.
Celebrant
This refers to the person who officiates your marriage at your wedding ceremony. Your marriage celebrant will assist with vow writing, perform your ceremony, and take care of any legal documentation related to your marriage.
Centrepiece
A key decorative element of your wedding reception, the centrepieces fill the centre of the table and tie in with the overall wedding theme. Popular centrepiece styling elements includes flowers, candles, foliage, fruit, and natural textures like stone or marble.
Cocktail Hour
Typically taking place after the ceremony finishes, cocktail hour is a chance for your guests to mingle as they enjoy canapés and drinks. It’s also a great time for you to slip away with your new husband or wife to capture wedding photos before the reception. Check out this article for 32 fun cocktail hour ideas your wedding guests will love.
Corkage Fee
The corkage fee is an additional charge from the venue (usually priced per person) for bringing your own alcohol.
Destination Wedding
This refers to a wedding that occurs somewhere other than the couple’s hometown. We’ve been seeing a significant rise in popularity for destination weddings PP (post-pandemic!) with couples jetting off to other states and countries to tie the knot.
Dress Code
This is the level of dress expected by the couple. Usually, the dress code is included in the wedding invitations or on your wedding website. Check out this article for a full run-down on wedding dress codes.
Elopement
Eloping refers to having a small wedding with just a few guests and your officiant in a super intimate or scenic setting.
First Look
Taking place before the ceremony, a first look occurs when the couple reveal their big-day look to each other in private (usually with just your photographer). If you’re worried about your wedding day timeline, having a first look is a great way to squeeze in some photos earlier in the day.
Flower Girl/Boy
A flower girl (or boy) is a role typically given to a child who begins the bridal procession by scattering flowers along the aisle before the bride or groom makes their grand entrance.
Gift Registry
If you’d like to receive physical gifts from your wedding guests, a gift registry is a great way to list specific things you want, including homewares and other items.
Maid of Honour
The honorary role of Maid of Honour (MOH) is usually given to the closest friend or family member of the bride. Choose wisely — as the chief bridesmaid, the MOH has many important duties in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day!
Plus One
A plus one is an additional invite for a wedding guest to bring a date. It’s totally up to you who gets a plus one, but we’d suggest extending the invite for those guests who won’t know anyone at the wedding. Check out this in-depth guide for more advice about plus-ones at weddings.
Procession
During this part of the ceremony, wedding party members walk down the aisle before the bride’s grand entrance.
Processional
The processional is the music playing during the bridal party and the bride’s entrance. This song officially starts the ceremony.
Recessional
This refers to the formal exit of the wedding party after your ceremony ends. Recessional music is typically fun and upbeat to kick off the celebrations post-ceremony.
Run Sheet
A crucial element to ensure your day unfolds seamlessly, the run sheet is a master document that details the exact timing of everything that will happen on your wedding day. Be sure to give a copy to all of your wedding party members, venue team, and suppliers so everyone is on the same page when it comes to the running of the day.
Seating Plan
A seating plan or seating chart helps couples organise and map out where guests will be seated during the wedding reception. Need a hand with your seating chart? Check out our free, easy-to-use seating planner tool.
Signature Cocktail
A recent trend that we are loving is to serve a signature cocktail at your wedding, either during cocktail hour or as guests arrive at the reception. A great way to do a signature cocktail is to pick a drink that means something to you or your significant other. Here are 12 signature cocktail ideas you’ll love — cheers! 🍹
Tulle
This is a fine mesh used in veils and wedding gowns. Tulle is commonly used in princess gowns to add extra volume.
Tuxedo
This is a formal men’s black evening jacket with a black silk lining on the collar. A tuxedo is commonly worn with a bow tie for black tie weddings.
Usher
No, we’re not talking about the American R&B legend who blessed us with hits like Yeah! and Burn. In the wedding world, ushers play an important role in the ceremony by helping escort guests to their seats and handing out programs, umbrellas or confetti cones before the processional begins.
Vows
This refers to the promises made by the couple during the wedding ceremony. These promises usually consist of vows to trust, love, and support one another. While some couples prefer to use traditional vows or readings from weddings before theirs, other couples prefer to write their own.
Wishing Well
A practical decorative element to consider for your reception, a wishing well is a box or container for guests to put their cards or cash gifts into. If you’d prefer a digital wishing well, check out our online registry tool for modern couples.
Now you’re familiar with the ins and outs of wedding terms, why not get the ball rolling on your dream day? Chat with a wedding supplier specialist today and download a copy of our free planning guide PDF! 💞
