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Glossary
Wedding Terms
Term
Definition
Image
1
ALTAR
The physical spot where you and your significant other will exchange vows.
2
ANNIVERSARY DANCE
Get everyone on the dance floor with the anniversary dance! The DJ or emcee will invite all couples on the dance floor and gradually eliminate them based on the length of time they’ve been together.
3
BANQUET CAPTAIN
This is your go-to party person! They will be with you from the moment the ceremony ends to when you say your goodbyes. They will run the show for you.
4
BLACK TIE
A black-tie dress code is the most formal. The men should be dressed in a tuxedo and the women will wear either a formal cocktail dress or a long evening gown.
5
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
This is slightly more casual than black-tie. Women can still wear a long gown or she can wear a short gown. Men have the option of wearing a suit but a tuxedo is still appropriate.
6
BRIDESMAID
The brides closest friends that typically stand next to her at the altar during the ceremony.
7
BOUQUET
These are the bundles of flowers the bride and bridal party will carry down the aisle.
8
BOUTONNIERE
Men traditionally wear a small bundle of florals, placed on their left lapel, over their heart.
9
BUSTLE
A bustle is going to help you walk and dance in your dress after the ceremony! It is a tailoring trick that has buttons, loops or ribbons used to pull the train of the dress up and tuck it in. Make sure to practice bustling the dress before the big day!
10
CANAPE
This is typically a cracker or puff pastry topped with something savory. Check out the appetizer menu for a couple examples!
11
CHARGER PLATE
No, it’s not for your phone! It is a larger plate that is used as the base of your place setting, essentially taking the place of a placemat. The dinner plate will be placed on top of the charger plate.
12
CHUPPAH
This is a Jewish ceremony tradition. The structure features four poles with cloth draped overhead. The four side are left open to represent hospitality to wedding guests.
13
CORSAGE
These are small bundles of flowers that go on the wrist. They are typically given to mothers and grandmothers.
14
COORDINATOR
Your coordinator will set-up all of your décor and make sure everything is running smoothly so you can focus on getting yourself ready! Your coordinator will be in charge of lining up the bridal party and telling everyone when to walk down the aisle.
15
ESCORT CARD
An escort card is going to be placed at the entrance of the reception area and will have your guests name and table number directing them to their assigned table.
16
FIRST DANCE
The inaugural dance shared by the newlywed couple during the reception. The first dance is often set to a special song chosen by the couple, one that holds personal significance to their relationship.
17
FIRST LOOK
The first look happens before the ceremony. It gives you and your significant other a chance to reveal your big-day looks and spend time together before you are surrounded by friends and family. It also allows you to take photos before you walk down the aisle.
18
FIRST TOUCH
If you want to stick to the tradition of seeing your significant other when you walk down the aisle, you can opt for a first touch. This allows you to say a word or two privately before the ceremony begins.
19
GRAND ENTRANCE
This will be the second time you are formally introduced as newlyweds! You will be announced into your reception.
20
GRAND EXIT
The celebratory departure of the newlywed couple from the wedding venue at the conclusion of their festivities. The departure is often marked by a special festive moment when the couple makes their way out, surrounded by well-wishing friends and family. Various creative and symbolic elements may be incorporated into the grand exit, such as tossing rose petals, waving glow sticks, or using Wedgewood Weddings flameless sparklers.
21
GROOMSMEN
Individuals selected by the groom to stand by his side and support him during the ceremony and related festivities. Typically, the groomsmen are close friends, family members, or important individuals in the groom’s life.
22
HEAD TABLE
This is a larger table where the newlyweds sit surrounded by either their wedding party or their families. The head table is centrally located so all your guests can see you!
23
INVITATION SUITE
The invitation suite includes everything you need to know to tell the guests the who, what, where, and when of your wedding. It usually includes a save-the-date, invitation, and RSVP card.
24
KETUBAH
This is a Jewish wedding contract, used to formalize vows and celebrate their commitments. Newlyweds will sign the ketubah after exchanging their vows.
25
MAID OF HONOR
This person stands directly by the brides side on the wedding day. They are often responsible for planning the bachelorette party.
26
MATRON OF HONOR
The matron of honor plays the same role as the maid of honor, however this person is married.
27
MONEY DANCE
The money dance is where guests offer the newlyweds money to dance with them, or they shower the couple with money. There are many different versions of this dance based on culture.
28
OFFICIANT
The person who is authorized to conduct and solemnize the marriage ceremony. The officiant plays a crucial role in legally formalizing the union between the couple by overseeing the exchange of vows and rings.
29
OVERLAY
A decorative cloth or fabric placed on top of the tablecloth. This additional layer can add color, texture, or a specific pattern to the overall table setting.
30
PLACE CARD
A place card is going to tell your guests exactly where you want them seated at a table. They are essential for more formal weddings, where each guests seat is carefully chosen in advance.
31
PROCESSIONAL
During this part of the ceremony, the wedding party members walk down the aisle ending with the bride’s entrance.
32
RECESSIONAL
This is the end of the ceremony when the wedding party walks back down the aisle to a song selected by the couple.
33
REGISTRY
This is a wish list of gifts that the couple complies to help their guests when purchasing wedding presents.
34
REHEARSAL DINNER
A pre-wedding event that often occurs the night before the wedding. It typically takes place after the ceremony rehearsal and includes the couple, their wedding party and immediate family members.
35
REMOULADE
A condiment with French origins that typically consists of a mayonnaise or aioli as a base, to which various herbs and spices are added. The resulting sauce has a flavorful profile, often used as a dressing or accompaniment for various dishes.
36
ROOM BLOCK
A set of rooms at a hotel of your choosing, typically at a discounted rate for your guests to book.
37
ROOM FLIP
The process of transforming a space or room from one setup to another, often during the transition from one event or phase of the wedding to another. This typically involves rearranging furniture, decorations, and other elements to create a different atmosphere or layout.
38
SEATING CHART
Table assignments that are listed on a larger sign or display with guests names arranged either by table or in alphabetical order.
39
SHOE GAME
A popular activity that puts the couple’s knowledge of each other to the test! From who is the funniest to determining who is the superior cook, the couple will answer a range of questions by raising the shoe of the corresponding partner while sitting back-to-back.
40
SHOT LIST
Your photographer will ask for a list of photos you would like to be taken.
41
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Refers to a specially crafted and unique drink that is selected or created by the couple to be featured prominently at the wedding reception. This cocktail is often curated to reflect the couple’s personal tastes, preferences, or even the theme of the wedding.
42
SAVE-THE-DATE
A perfect way to get on guests’ calendars before sending out your invitation. This is a great option if you have a lot of guests traveling for the wedding or if it is a holiday weekend. Be sure to include your wedding website!
43
SWEETHEART TABLE
This is a table set for two! It will be the vocal point of the room so play up this table with special signage or a loveseat.
44
TABLE RUNNER
A long narrow strip of fabric or decorative material (i.e. lace) placed along the center of a dining or display table. Table runners are used as an additional element of décor to enhance the overall aesthetic of the table setting.
45
TABLESCAPE
The overall decorative arrangement and design of a dining table. It involves the thoughtful and artistic placement of various elements to create a visually appealing and cohesive look.
46
UNITY CEREMONY
A symbolic ritual that represents the joining of the couple in marriage. It is a special and often sentimental moment during the wedding ceremony where the couple performs an action or ritual to symbolize their unity and the merging of their lives.
47
USHER
Ushers serve an important role during the ceremony, helping escort guests to their seats. They will let guests know which seats are reserved and whether there is a bride’s side and groom’s side of the aisle. They can also hand out your ceremony programs!
48
VENDOR MEAL
This is a meal for all of the vendors that are working your wedding. They will go through your buffet or get a plated meal after all of the guests are served.
49
WEDDING PARTY
This is the group, both groomsmen and bridesmaids, that will be standing at the altar with you.
50
WEDDING PROGRAM
A printed or digital document provided to guests attending a wedding ceremony. It serves as a guide or outline of the events and key elements that will take place during the wedding ceremony.
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