Your Complete Guide To Wedding Jargon

Weddings are a whirlwind of excitement, tradition, and new experiences - and with that comes a whole new language to learn. From the moment you get engaged, you'll be immersed in a world of unfamiliar wedding jargon, from "fiancé" and "boutonnière" to "micro-wedding" and "room flip." 

It can feel overwhelming, but fear not! Our guide is here to demystify all the wedding terminology you'll encounter on your journey to saying "I do."

Engagement Essentials

Let's start with the basics - the key terms you'll need to know as you embark on your engagement. First up, the all-important "fiancé" and "fiancée" - these French-derived words refer to the man and woman, respectively, who are engaged to be married. 

Another essential is the "wedding hashtag" - a unique, personalised hashtag that allows your guests to share and follow along with your wedding celebrations on social media. And of course, no engagement is complete without a "wedding registry" - the list of gifts the happy couple would love to receive from their loved ones.

Wedding Planning Lingo

As you dive into the world of wedding planning, you'll encounter a whole host of new terminology. "Mood boards" are visual tools that help you communicate your wedding style and inspiration, while a "palette" refers to the carefully curated range of colours you'll use throughout your big day. 

When it comes to the logistics, a "run sheet" is the document that outlines every step of the wedding process, and a "shot list" is the photographer's guide to capturing all the must-have moments.

Ceremony Customs

The wedding ceremony itself is steeped in tradition, and the language reflects that. The "officiant" or "celebrant" is the person who will make your union official, while the "processional" and "recessional" refer to the entrances and exits of the wedding party. 

And let's not forget the all-important "vows" - the heartfelt promises you and your partner will make to one another.

The Reception 

Once the ceremony is complete, it's time to celebrate! The wedding "reception" is where the real party begins, and there's a whole host of terms to get familiar with. 

A "cocktail hour" is the pre-dinner mingling time, while a "signature cocktail" is a custom-created drink that reflects the couple's personality. And of course, no reception is complete without the iconic "first dance" as newlyweds.

Attire Aesthetics

No wedding guide would be complete without a deep dive into the world of wedding attire. From the bride's "silhouette" to the groom's "waistcoat," there's a whole vocabulary to master. 

And let's not forget the all-important "wedding veil" - a signature bridal accessory that comes in a dizzying array of styles.

Wedding Party Roles

The wedding party is the backbone of any celebration, and each member has a specific role to play. 

The "best man" and "maid/matron of honour" are the couple's closest confidants, while the "bridesmaids" and "groomsmen" provide support and camaraderie. 

And let's not forget the adorable "flower girl" and "ring bearer" who add a touch of childlike wonder to the proceedings.

Venue Vocabulary

The venue is the foundation upon which your entire wedding will be built, and there's a whole lexicon to navigate. 

A "venue coordinator" is the on-site expert who will ensure your event runs smoothly, while a "room flip" refers to the transformation of a space from ceremony to reception. And if Mother Nature decides to crash the party, you'll want a "rain plan" at the ready.

Catering

Food and drink are essential elements of any wedding celebration, and the terminology can be just as complex. 

An "open bar" means the happy couple is footing the bill for all beverages, while a "vendor meal" is the sustenance provided for the hardworking professionals who are making your day a success.

Decor

From the grand, sweeping "installations" to the intricate "tablescapes," wedding decor is an art form all its own. 

A "charger" is the decorative base that elevates your place settings, while a "candelabra" adds a touch of elegant ambience. And let's not forget the humble "favour" - the thoughtful takeaways you'll give your guests as a memento of your special day.

Emerging Trends

The world of weddings is ever-evolving, and with that comes a whole new lexicon. An "alternative wedding" breaks the mould of tradition, while a "micro-wedding" is an intimate celebration with fewer than 50 guests. 

And for those looking to create a more inclusive experience, a "sensory-friendly wedding" is designed with accessibility in mind.

The Big Holiday!

Let's not forget the honeymoon - the much-anticipated getaway that caps off your wedding journey. 

The term "honeymoon" itself is a nod to the Scandinavian tradition of drinking mead, or "honey," during the first month of marriage. And for those who want to tie the knot in a far-flung locale, a "destination wedding" is the ultimate romantic adventure.

Diving into wedding terminology can feel like learning a new language, but with this guide, you’ll be chatting like a pro in no time. From your engagement to the big send-off, every part of the wedding journey has its own set of unique and exciting terms to get to know.

So embrace the jargon, lean into the traditions, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!