Embarking on your journey to “happily ever after” is more than just vows and rings followed by a big party – it comes with its own unique language. As you step into the world of wedding planning, you’ll encounter a labyrinth of wedding terminologies and expressions that might seem like a foreign language at first. From “boutonniere” to “votive holders,” we’re here to decode the secret lexicon of weddings, equipping you with the essential vocabulary to navigate your journey from “yes” to “I do.” Get ready to crack the code and speak the language of love fluently!
Why Is It Important to Understand Wedding Terminologies?
Understanding the different wedding terminology and wedding acronyms is vital for various reasons:
Clear Communication: Knowing wedding terms helps in clear and effective communication with vendors, planners, and even the wedding party. It ensures everyone is on the same page regarding arrangements and expectations, as you’re all “speaking the same language.”
Making Informed Decisions: Understanding wedding terminology allows couples to fully understanding what is discussed, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wedding.
Reduces Stress: Weddings can be overwhelming, but familiarity with wedding terminology and wedding acronyms can help reduce stress. Couples can navigate discussions with vendors, understand contracts, and express their preferences more confidently.
Appreciating Traditions: Wedding terminologies can also relate to cultural or traditional practices. Understanding these terms allows couples to appreciate and incorporate meaningful traditions into their celebrations.
Ultimately, familiarity with wedding terminology enhances the overall planning process, enabling couples to create a memorable and personalized wedding experience.
In this article, we’ll be covering the different wedding terminologies and acronyms in:
• Unveiling the Basics
• Ceremony Specifics
• The World of Reception Lingo
• Wedding Party Terminology
• Wedding Attire Terminology
• Decoration Jargon
• Cultural and Traditionally Specific Terms
• Modern Trends and Contemporary Language
• Common Wedding Acronyms
Crack the Code with These Wedding Terminologies
Unveiling the Basics – Defining Wedding Essentials
• Ceremony – Formal part of the wedding where the vows are exchanged.
• Reception – Celebration following the ceremony.
• Bouquet – Floral arrangement carried by the bride.
• Boutonniere – Single flower or floral arrangement worn by the groom and male members of the wedding party.
• Corsage – A small bunch of flowers generally worn on the wrist. It is typically worn by the mother of the bride/groom and grandparents.
• Wedding Stationery – All the paper goods you’ll use for your wedding, including, but not limited to, your:
— Save the Date – A card indicating the wedding date and location, and that they will receive an invitation.
— Invitation – Formal request for guests to attend the wedding.
— Invitation Suite – The wedding invitation and other enclosures that are mailed with it.
— Enclosures – Additional inserts with the wedding invitation, such as the RSVP Card, Reception Card, and Map/Directions.
— RSVP/Response Card – A common invitation suite enclosure that request the guests to respond if they will attend the wedding. (RSVP is the abbreviation for Respondez, S’il Vous Plait, translated “Please Respond”).
— Escort Cards – Cards displayed at the entrance of the reception room showing guests their assigned tables, but specific seats have not been designated. (Often mistakenly referred to as “place cards”).
— Place Cards – Cards indicating guests’ seating arrangements, placed at individual settings (indicating the specific seat).
• Registry – List of desired wedding gifts chosen by the couple.
• First Look – A private moment for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time before the ceremony.
Ceremony Specifics – Navigating Wedding Terminology for Your Ceremony
• Procession/Processional – Orderly entrance of the wedding party into the ceremony venue.
• Altar/Chuppah/Mandap – The designated area where the couple stands during the ceremony. (The Chuppah is a canopy for a Jewish wedding. A Mandap is an altar for a Hindu or Jain wedding).
• Officiant – The person who leads the wedding ceremony and officiates the vows. (Not to be confused with Officiate, which is a verb meaning “act as an official in charge of something” and “perform a religious service or ceremony”).
• Readings – Passages or texts read aloud during the ceremony, often with significant meaning to the couple.
• Unity Ceremony – (optional) Ritual that symbolizes the union of the couple, like lighting a unity candle or a sand ceremony.
• Declaration of Intent – You and your partner verbally acknowledge during the ceremony that you’re both present of your own volition and want to marry each other.
• Vows – The promises made by the couple to each other during the ceremony.
• Ring Exchange – Moment in the ceremony where wedding rings are given and received.
• Declaration of Marriage/Pronouncement – Officiant’s formal declaration that the couple is officially married.
• Announcement – At the conclusion of the ceremony, the officiant introduces the newlyweds to the guests.
• Recession/Recessional – Orderly exit of the wedding party out of the ceremony venue.
The World of Reception Lingo – Wedding Terminology for the Reception
• Cocktail Hour – The period before the reception or between the ceremony and the main reception, where drinks and hors d’oeuvres are served.
• Hors d’oeuvres – (pronounced or-derves’) “Small bite” finger foods served before the meal.
• Reception – The period where the post-ceremony celebrations, dining, and festivities take place.
• Head Table – A special table for the newlyweds and the wedding party, often positioned at the front of the reception area.
• Sweetheart Table – A special table for just the newlyweds.
• King’s Table/Harvest Table – A large, rectangular table for the newlyweds, the wedding party and their plus ones. Unlike a head table, people are seated on all four sides of a king’s/harvest table.
• Room Flip – When the room setup is changed if the ceremony and reception were held in the same room.
• Room Reveal – When the couple get to see their reception room set up before any of the festivities take place or any of the guests have arrived.
• Seating Chart – A display showing guests their assigned tables for the reception.
• Serving Style – The manner in which the food is served.
• Buffet – A serving style where guests serve themselves from a variety of food options arranged on tables.
• Plated Dinner – A formal dining option where guests are served pre-selected meals at their tables.
• Food Stations – Similar to buffets, serving one type or theme of food, such as a Taco Bar, Sushi Station, or a Pasta Station.
• Grand Entrance – When the newlyweds make their entrance into the reception room.
• Toasts – Speeches or well-wishes typically given by the best man, maid of honor, or family members during the reception.
• First Dance – The initial dance of the newlyweds together as a married couple.
• Cake Cutting – A ceremony where the couple cuts their wedding cake together, often followed by the caterers serving it to guests.
• Send Off/Grand Exit – A fun way for the newlyweds leave the reception at the end of the event.
Wedding Party Terminology – Identifying the Key Players
• Bride – The woman getting married.
• Groom – The man getting married.
(Yeah, I know we all know what a “bride” and “groom” are, but I’d be a little remiss if I didn’t include them).
• Nearlywed/Marrier/To-Be Wed – Gender neutral alternatives to ‘bride’ and ‘groom’.
• Wedding Party/Bridal Party/Wedding Attendants – Group of individuals including bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man, etc., who play specific roles in the wedding ceremony.
• Bridesmaid – Close female friends or family members chosen by the bride to support her before and during the wedding.
• Groomsman – Close male friends or family members chosen by the groom to support him before and during the wedding.
• Maid of Honor – The bride’s chief attendant, often a close friend or sister, who assists with various pre-wedding tasks and supports her during the ceremony.
• Matron of Honor – Similar to the maid of honor but refers to a married woman serving in the role.
• Best Man – The groom’s chief attendant, often a close friend or brother, who assists with pre-wedding tasks and supports him during the ceremony.
• Junior Bridesmaid/Ring Bearer/Flower Girl – Young members of the wedding party with specific roles (carrying the rings or flowers) or assisting the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Ushers – Individuals responsible for seating guests at the ceremony and assisting with any needs during the event.
• Bride’s Tribe/Groom’s Crew – More informal terms used to collectively refer to the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Man of Honor/Best Person/Flower Child/Best Woman/Groomsperson – Non-gender specific terms for the people in your wedding party.
• Honorary Attendant – A special title given to someone close to the couple who doesn’t fit traditional roles but is honored for their significance.
Wedding Dress Terminology (and Other Attire) – What You’re All Going To Wear
• Bridal Gown/Wedding Dress – The formal attire worn by the bride during the ceremony.
• Crinoline – Undergarment made of stiff mesh fabric to add volume to the skirt to make it poofy.
• Headpiece – Decorative piece worn on the head, such as a veil, tiara, headband, or hairpins.
• Veil – A lightweight netting worn over the bride’s face or trailing from her head. Specific veil names and lengths (if you have a 2-layer veil these lengths are for the longest layer only) are:
— Shoulder Length Veil – 20″
— Elbow Length Veil – 25″
— Waist Length Veil – 30″
— Hip Length Veil – 36″
— Fingertip Length Veil – 42″
— Waltz Length Veil – 60″
— Floor Length Veil – 78″
— Chapel length Veil: –96″
— Cathedral Length Veil – 114″
• Train – An extra length of fabric extending from the back of a wedding dress which trails behind as you walk.
— Sweep or Brush Train – Extends a foot or less from where the fabric hits the floor.
— Court Train – Extends two feet from where the fabric hits the floor.
— Chapel Train – Extends three to four-and-a-half feet from the waistline.
— Cathedral Train – Extends six to seven-and-half feet from the waistline.
— Monarch or Royal Train – Extends 12 feet or more from the waist.
• Bustle – When the train is gathered and secured, allowing the bride to move about freely. There are different types of bustles (such as an American Bustle or French Bustle). And some bustles have ribbons, others have hooks and eyes. So be sure to ask your wedding gown specialist or seamstress what type is best for your dress.
• Bridal Accessories – Jewelry, hairpieces, and other adornments worn by the bride to complement her attire.
• Formalwear – Clothing, such as tuxedos and evening gowns, for formal social occasions. Formal attire worn by the groom during the ceremony.
• Groom’s Accessories – Tie, bowtie, cufflinks, boutonniere, and other accessories worn by the groom.
• Alterations – Adjustments or modifications (such as adjusting the hem or taking in the waist) made to wedding attire by a seamstress to ensure a perfect fit.
• Wedding Gown Preservation – Process of professionally cleaning, preserving, and storing wedding attire after the wedding.
Decoration Jargon – Wedding Terminology for Your Décor
• Floral Arrangements – Decorative display of fresh or artificial flowers, arranged as centerpieces, bouquets, or décor throughout the venue.
• Centerpieces – Decorative arrangements placed at the center of tables, often featuring flowers, candles, or themed arrangements.
• Garlands – Strands of flowers, greenery, or other materials used for decorating tables, arches, or aisles.
• Table Linens – Fabric coverings for tables, including tablecloths, table runners, and overlays.
• Overlay – Fabric covering for tables, but smaller in size than tablecloths. Used for decorative purposes to add color or texture.
• Table Runners – Long strips of fabric or decorative material placed across tables for added color or texture.
• Chair Covers – Fabric coverings for chairs, often paired with sashes or ribbons for added decoration.
• Napkin Rings – Decorative rings used to hold napkins together, often coordinated with the overall table décor.
• Backdrop – Decorative element, often placed behind the head table or ceremony area for visual appeal and serving as a focal point, often featuring fabric, flowers, or lights.
• Aisle Runner – Fabric or decorative material laid down the center aisle for the bride’s entrance at the ceremony.
• Lighting – Various lighting arrangements, including string lights, pinspots, uplights, and gobos to create ambiance and highlight décor.
• Votives/Votive Holders – Small decorative containers used to hold small candles or tealights.
• Banners/Signage – Decorative signs or banners displaying quotes, directions, or wedding-related messages.
• Bunting – Decorative flags or pennants strung together and used for adding color and charm, often hung across walls or reception areas.
• Ceiling Décor – Hanging elements such as drapes, lights, lanterns, or floral arrangements to adorn the venue’s ceiling.
• Table Numbers – Indicators placed on tables to help guests find their assigned seats.
Cultural and Traditionally Specific Terms – Cultural and Tradition-Related Terminology
• Baraat – In Indian weddings, the groom’s procession to the wedding venue, often accompanied by music, dancing, and family members.
• Sherwani – Traditional attire worn by the groom in South Asian weddings.
• Sangeet/Mehndi – Pre-wedding ceremonies in Indian weddings involving music, dance, and applying henna on the bride’s hands.
• Tea Ceremony – Traditional Chinese ceremony where the couple serves tea to their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude.
• Hora – Jewish traditional dance often performed at weddings, where guests form circles and dance to lively music.
• Kente Cloth – Colorful woven fabric from Ghana, often worn by the bride and groom in African weddings.
• Pithi – In Hindu weddings, a ceremony where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom’s skin for purification and blessings.
• Jumping the Broom – African-American tradition where the couple jumps over a broom together, symbolizing their new life and home.
• Paebaek/Pyebaek – Korean wedding tradition where the bride and groom perform a bowing ceremony to their parents to express gratitude.
• Lazo – In Hispanic weddings, a lasso or cord draped around the couple in a figure-eight shape to symbolize unity.
• Huppah/Chuppah: – Jewish wedding canopy representing the couple’s new home and shared life together.
Modern Trends and Contemporary Language – Wedding Terminology for Modern Trends and Expressions
• Micro-Weddings – Intimate weddings with a smaller guest count, often emphasizing quality experiences for fewer guests.
• Elopement – Couples choosing to get married privately or with minimal guests, often in a unique or picturesque location.
• Sustainable Weddings – Focus on eco-friendly practices, like using locally sourced flowers, reducing waste, or opting for sustainable décor.
• Unplugged Ceremony – Encouraging guests to refrain from using phones or cameras during the ceremony to be present in the moment.
• Virtual Weddings – Livestreaming ceremonies for remote guests to participate in real-time using online platforms.
• Non-Traditional Venues – Choosing unconventional locations such as art galleries, warehouses, or even forests for wedding celebrations.
• Personalized Hashtags – Couples creating unique hashtags for their wedding events, allowing guests to share photos and experiences on social media.
• Interactive Food Stations – Creative food experiences like build-your-own taco bars, gourmet popcorn stations, or dessert buffets.
• Fusion Menus – Blending different cuisines or cultural dishes to create a diverse and unique dining experience.
• Weekend Wedding Celebrations – Extending the wedding festivities over a weekend with pre-wedding events, the ceremony, and post-wedding brunch or activities.
• Greenery and Minimalism – Embracing simplicity in décor with a focus on lush greenery, neutral palettes, and clean, minimalist aesthetics.
• Gender-Neutral Terminology – Using inclusive language and non-gender-specific terms for wedding roles like “wedding party” instead of gender-specific titles like bridesmaids or groomsmen.
Common Wedding Acronyms
AHR – At-home reception
AI – All-Inclusive
BEO – Banquet Event Order (a breakdown including the event timeline, food selections, and other items used by the caterers)
BIL – Brother-in-Law
BM – Best Man, Bridesmaid or Bridesman
BP – Bridal Party
CF – Child Free
DIY – Do It Yourself
DOC – Day-of Coordinator
DW – Destination Wedding
DS – Dear Spouse
EP – Engagement Party
ER or E-ring – Engagement Ring
FBIL – Future Brother-in-Law
FG – Flower Girl
FFIL – Future Father-in-Law
FH – Future Husband
FI – Fiancé, Fiancée or Future Intended
FIL – Father-in-Law
FILs – Future in-Laws
FMIL – Future Mother-in-Law
FNF – Friends and Family
FOB – Father of the Bride
FOG – Father of the Groom
FS – Future Spouse
FSIL – Future Sister-in-Law
FW – Future Wife
GM– Groomsman
HAMU, or HMU – Hair and Makeup
HM – Honeymoon
IHO – In Honor Of
ILs – In-Laws
JP or JOP – Justice of the Peace
LDR – Long-Distance Relationship
LTBM – Living Together Before Marriage
MIL – Mother-in-Law
MOB – Mother of the Bride
MOG – Mother of the Groom
MOH – Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, or Man of Honor
MUA – Make-up Artist
NA or NAB – Non-Alcoholic Beverages
NWR – Not Wedding Related
OOTG – Out-of-Town Guests
OTR – Off the Rack
OTT – Over the Top
RB – Ring Bearer
RD – Rehearsal Dinner
SFOB – Step Father of the Bride
SFOG – Step Father of the Groom
SIL– Sister-in-Law
SMOB – Step Mother of the Bride
SMOG – Step Mother of the Groom
SO – Significant Other
STD – Save the Date
TTD – Trash the Dress
WP – Wedding Party or Wedding Planner
Conclusion
As we draw the curtain on this exploration of wedding terminologies, remember that these words hold the power to transform your vision into reality. Let this glossary be your trusted companion, guiding you through the intricacies of planning, allowing you to communicate your dreams with precision and grace.
So, here’s to fluently speaking the language of love and crafting a celebration that echoes your unique tale for years to come. Cheers to a lifetime of shared moments, all sparked from the understanding of these beautiful wedding terminologies.
Is there another wedding terminology or acronym that I missed, but you’re wondering what it means? Let me know in the comments below or send me a message.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Have questions about your wedding plans? Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!