So, you’re new to the wedding world. Maybe you’re a newly engaged couple, or you’ve entered the wedding industry as a vendor. Regardless, diving into the wedding world head first can be overwhelming. Not only are there many different sectors of the wedding industry, if you go to any expo or wedding event, there’s all the terms. You’ll hear vendors, venues, coordinating, planning, black tie — the list goes on. And, if you’re new to the industry, it may be a time where you just smile and nod like you know what’s going on. We’ve created a glossary of terms that you will commonly hear in the wedding world. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions or be embarrassed if you don’t know all of the terminology or lingo. Our job in the wedding industry is to not only guide you on this wedding planning path, but educate you on the ins and outs of the industry. Sit down, relax, and click “add bookmark”. Let’s talk wedding terms, A-Z.
Altar
When you think of an altar, you may think of the traditional altar at a church. Times have expanded and the altar has been modernized. An altar is featured at the ceremony, typically at the front or center of the wedding ceremony. Typically, it is down the aisle and is the physical spot where you will say “I do.” You can think traditional, or outside of the box when it comes to creating your altar space.
Bachelorette/Bachelor Party
A bachelorette party, or bach party, is a time where your friends, family, and bridesmaids gather to celebrate your new adventure into marriage. Typically it takes place a few weeks, or sometimes even days, before your wedding date. These are a traditional celebration, but may couples have opted to combine the two. It’s a moment where you and your groom can say goodbye to your “single days” and take the exciting plunge into marriage.
Black Tie
Often, you’ll see the phrase black tie on a wedding invite. Black tie affairs refer to the dress code you’d like your guests to wear. Black tie weddings are an evening wedding, typically after 6PM. Women wear formal attire, men typically wear a tuxedo or something of the latter. If you chose to have a black tie wedding, be sure to name it on the wedding invite.
Black Tie Optional
Now there’s black tie and black tie optional. Some couples opt for black tie optional, where they are encouraging guests to dress in formal attire, but you have the option to dress in attire that is just a little less formal than black tie. Formal attire, such as long gowns, maxis can be worn, but men have the option to wear a formal suit, or a tux if they’d prefer.
Bouquet
Bouquets can range from an assortment of flowers, to something more creative like a bouquet of brooches. Bouquets vary in style and sizes, but are traditionally used during the ceremony. Brides can add unique touches to their bouquet, but like we always say – be sure to hold your bouquet at your belly button, for the most flattering pose.
Boutonniere
Try spelling that one, 3 times fast. A boutonniere is a traditional arrangement that is worn by the men in the wedding party. This is placed on the left lapel, over their hearts, with a straight pin. Traditionally, they are fresh flowers, but many couples have created unique boutonnieres that step outside of the box.
Bustle
A bustle is sewn into your dress during alterations. There are different styles of bustles, such as french, American bustle, over bustle, ballroom bustle, or even a bow bustle. Bustles are fastened after the ceremony and are used to alter your dress to a floor length style. This allows movement to be free for dancing etc. Talk to your alternation department about your bustle options.
Canape
A canape is a fancy word for small bite, or most commonly known as a hors d’oeuvre, or appetizer.
Centerpiece
Centerpieces are the center of the reception table. These can be floral arrangements, candles, or an unique decor that fills the center of the table.
Ceremony
The ceremony is where your actual nuptials will take place. It is the ritual where you will get married and say, “I do.” The ceremony takes place before the reception.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is the time between the ceremony and the reception. It offers the guest a chance to eat some small bites, drink some refreshments, and often allows the wedding party and couple to take pictures, sign their marriage license, or the venue to flip the room into the reception. Think of it as a transitional time.
Corsage
The corsage is adorned with florals and are given to the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom. They are worn traditionally on the wrist.
Cost Per Person
This is an important factor into the catering budget. Most caterers will give you a cost per person. This means, this is the price per person to attend the wedding. This ensures that your budget can provide food and drinks, per each person on your wedding guest list. It helps estimate the total cost and overall budget for the wedding.
Day of Coordinator
If you hire a day of coordinator, they focus on the execution of the day of. This is a great option for couples that cannot afford a wedding planner. The coordinator will ensure that all portions of the wedding, including timeline, decor, and details are executed to perfection.
Elopement
Elopement, or eloping, refers to couples who chose to skip the traditional planned wedding and “run” away to tie the knot. In modern terminology, elopement refers to an intimate ceremony, typically somewhere with a scenic view.
Escort Card
An escort card is featured on a table, or in some sort of arrangement, prior to the reception. Escort cards are displaced in front of the reception area. They direct your guests to their seat for the wedding reception and dinner.
First Look
The first look is a term used by photographers. This is a moment where the couple can view each other before they walk down the aisle. It’s almost the first big reveal. If you chose to hold a first look, this is a wonderful chance for intimate photos.
Floor Plan
A floor plan is the layout used by the wedding venue, vendor, and planner. It is a mock up creation of the ceremony and reception. It includes all of the furniture, standing decor, and layout of the wedding ceremony and reception. It is used by most parties on the wedding day.
Head Table
A head table is where your wedding party will sit, if you choose to add one to your layout. Think of it as a VIP table, so if you want to include close family, such as parents, you are able to!
In-House Catering
If your venue has in-house catering, that means the food and catering will come from the venue itself. You do not have to hire an outside caterer. The food will be provided from the venue.
Invitation Suite
If you chose to hire a company to create your wedding invites, they may ask you if you’d like to create an invitation suite. This includes all of the information your guests need to know to plan and navigate your wedding day. This includes a save-the-date, invitation, RSVP card, accommodation or travel card, and an additional information card. You can also include escort cards, menus, programs, and place cards.
Marriage License
This must be applied for and picked up prior to the wedding ceremony. This piece of paper is the most important part of your planning process. Without it, you are not legally married. You will need to contact the appropriate county in accordance to the laws surrounding it’s validity, and apply ahead of time. After, or at the ceremony, this certificate will need to be signed by the couple, witnesses, and officiant or justice of the peace.
MOH
MOH stands for maid, or matron of honor. A matron of honor is married, while a maid of honor is unmarried. They will stand directly next to you during the ceremony and are typically your closest friend or relative, like a sister. They will help you with the planning process, including the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They often have a different dress to show their significance.
Mood Board
Your planner or designer may create a mood board. A mood board contains color swatches, design ideas, and images to inspire and guide you through the design process. As a part of our planning process, we work with the couple and designers, such as rental vendors, to create a mood board to keep our planning focused.
Open Bar
A traditional open bar has wine, beer, and liquor. Sometimes, couples may just opt for wine and beer. But, a fully open bar means that guests are able to choose their drinks, free of cost to them. You’ll make sure you want to read up on all the laws and procedures surrounding an open bar. And make sure that your guests remain responsible, and you have the budget to host.
Open Seating
If you opt for open seating, skip the escort and place cards. Open seating allows guests to freely pick their seat for the reception.
Place Card
A place card is the coordinating partner to the escort card. Escort cards guide your guests to their table. Once guests reach their table, they will look for their place card to determine their chair/seat.
Procession
The procession, or processional, is a part of the ceremony. This is where the wedding party walks down the aisle. Ask your planner about the order for the processional and choose a unique song for your wedding party to walk down to.
Recessional
Opposite of the processional, the recessional is after the ceremony occurs. This is the close of the ceremony. Music is playing as the couples make their exit down the aisle. Following the couple is the wedding party.
RSVP
An RSVP is essential to understanding the count of the wedding. Each guest will be asked to submit an RSVP. Now, this can be done digitally, through your wedding website, or traditionally with a pre-stamped RSVP card. Regardless how you ask for your RSVPs, gaining a final count of guests in attendance is essential to the overall budget and for the caterers.
Save the Date
The save the date is a part of the invitation suite. This is a card that is sent out six months prior to the wedding, further in advance if you are having a destination wedding, or your wedding requires travel. It is a way for guests to mark their calendar and make any travel arrangements to attend your wedding. Be sure to let guests know that a formal invitation is set to follow.
Sweetheart Table
A sweetheart table is reserved for the couple at the reception. It’s for couples who want an intimate, romantic dinner experience with just the two of them.
Tablescape
A tablescape is another method of planning by your designers or planner. It’s a planning process where your table design will be created, including linens, place settings, and centerpieces. This design process is coordinated with your rental company, florists and wedding planner. It’s an essential piece to ensure all of the details come together to make a beautiful arrangement.
Usher
An usher escorts guests to find their seats at the ceremony. This is a traditional role, that many couples opt out of with modern ceremonies. Often close friends or family members may be assigned the role of an usher.
Walk Through
Several walk throughs will happen during the course of wedding planning. You will have an initial walk through of your venue space and then a final walk through. During an initial walk through you will view the venue, ask any questions you may have, and then decide whether or not you want to sign the contract. The final walk through is a time where you, your venue, and your wedding planner can collaborate and share all the details for the wedding day, including vendors and layout.
We probably could have spent hours navigating every wedding term and detail to form this glossary. But, we composed and shared the ones we deem most important. If and when you begin your wedding planning process, do not feel embarrassed to ask questions if you do not understand. We are here to help you and are only a phone call or DM away!
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.