Planning a wedding is an exciting yet overwhelming experience, filled with traditions, customs, and industry jargon that can be confusing. Whether you’re a bride, groom, wedding planner, or simply attending as a guest, understanding common wedding terms can help make the experience smoother. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of wedding words and terminology from A to Z.
A
Aisle Runner – A decorative piece of fabric or carpet placed along the aisle for the bride’s grand entrance.
Appliqué – A decorative technique where lace, fabric, or beaded motifs are sewn onto a gown.
Arbor – A structure, often adorned with flowers and greenery, under which the couple exchanges vows.
Avant-Garde Wedding Dress – A bold and unconventional bridal gown that breaks traditional norms.
B
Ball Gown – A wedding dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, perfect for a fairytale look.
Best Man – The groom’s chief attendant, responsible for organizing bachelor parties and assisting on the big day.
Bespoke Wedding – A custom-designed wedding tailored to the couple’s preferences.
Boutonnière – A small floral arrangement worn by the groom and groomsmen on their lapels.
Bridal Bouquet – A carefully arranged selection of flowers carried by the bride.
C
Calligraphy – The art of beautiful handwriting used in wedding invitations and signage.
Canapés – Small bite-sized appetizers served during cocktail hour.
Cathedral Veil – A long, flowing veil extending beyond the train of the wedding gown.
Celebrant – The officiant who conducts the wedding ceremony.
Charger Plate – A decorative plate placed under dinner plates at formal receptions.
D
Destination Wedding – A wedding hosted in a location away from the couple’s hometown, often in a scenic setting.
DIY Wedding – A wedding where couples create decorations, invitations, and other elements themselves.
Dress Code – The suggested attire for wedding guests, ranging from casual to black-tie.
E
Elopement – A small, intimate wedding ceremony, often held in secret or a spontaneous setting.
Engagement Session – A professional photoshoot of the couple before their wedding.
Escort Card – A card that directs guests to their assigned table at the reception.
F
First Look – A private moment where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony.
Floral Arch – A decorative arch made of flowers, often placed at the altar.
Flower Girl – A young girl who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals.
G
Garter Toss – A tradition where the groom removes and tosses the bride’s garter to the unmarried male guests.
Groom’s Cake – A secondary cake, often reflecting the groom’s personality or interests.
H
Handfasting – An ancient tradition where the couple’s hands are tied together to symbolize unity.
Head Table – The main table at the reception where the newlyweds and their wedding party sit.
I
Interfaith Ceremony – A wedding that incorporates traditions from multiple religions or belief systems.
Invitation Suite – A set of coordinated wedding stationery, including the invitation, RSVP card, and details card.
J
Justice of the Peace – A legal official who can perform a wedding ceremony.
Joint Wedding – A wedding where two couples get married in the same ceremony.
K
Ketubah – A Jewish marriage contract that outlines the couple’s responsibilities to each other.
Knot-Tying Ceremony – A symbolic act where the couple ties a physical knot to represent their bond.
L
Love Seat – A special seating arrangement for the bride and groom at the reception.
Lush Florals – A wedding floral arrangement style featuring abundant and extravagant flowers.
M
Marriage License – A legal document required for a wedding to be officially recognized.
Maid of Honor – The bride’s primary attendant, responsible for helping with planning and support.
N
Naked Cake – A wedding cake with minimal frosting, showcasing the layers beneath.
Nuptial Mass – A Catholic wedding ceremony that includes Holy Communion.
O
Officiant – The person who legally conducts the wedding ceremony.
Open Bar – A reception feature where guests can enjoy unlimited drinks at no cost.
P
Place Card – A card that marks an individual’s designated seat at the reception.
Processional – The order in which the wedding party enters the ceremony.
Q
Quiet Elopement – A wedding with no guests, only the couple and officiant.
R
Recessional – The wedding party’s exit after the ceremony.
Ring Bearer – A young boy who carries the wedding rings down the aisle.
S
Save the Date – A pre-invitation announcement sent to guests to reserve the wedding date.
Sweetheart Table – A table for just the bride and groom at the reception.
T
Tulle – A lightweight fabric often used in wedding gowns and veils.
Toss Bouquet – A smaller version of the bride’s bouquet, thrown to single guests during the reception.
U
Unity Candle – A wedding ritual where the couple lights a single candle to symbolize their union.
V
Vows – The promises exchanged by the couple during the wedding ceremony.
Venue – The location where the wedding takes place.
W
Wedding Favors – Small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation.
Wedding Planner – A professional who assists in coordinating and executing wedding plans.
X
X-factor Wedding – A wedding with unique, standout elements that make it memorable.
Y
Yichud – A Jewish tradition where the couple spends a few moments alone after the ceremony.
Yard Games – Fun outdoor activities like cornhole or giant Jenga for guests at a casual wedding.
Z
Zinnia – A colorful flower commonly used in wedding bouquets.
Zen Wedding – A minimalist, tranquil wedding inspired by Zen philosophy.
Conclusion
Understanding wedding terminology helps navigate the planning process and ensures a seamless experience. Whether you’re preparing for your own wedding or helping a loved one, this glossary provides insight into the language of weddings, making the journey more enjoyable and stress-free.