Wedding Vocabulary - Industry Lingo Demystified

Here are some fundamental wedding vocabulary terms that can help couples who may be unfamiliar with the different aspects of a wedding:

1. Ceremony: The formal event where the couple exchanges vows and gets married.

2. Reception: The celebration that follows the ceremony, usually including a meal, speeches, and dancing.

3. Getting Ready Photos: Photos taken after the bride/groom has finished their pre-wedding prep. Just before they are ready to put on their dress, suit or other outfit for the day!

Question:Wait, so you mean they don't start when we START to get ready?

Answer: No, these are staged photos. They begin AFTER you are all dolled up and ready to throw on your dress!

4. First Look: The first look is a moment before the ceremony when the couple sees one another for the first time on the wedding day.

5. Bridal Party: The group of close friends and family members who support and assist the bride and groom throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. It typically includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man, etc.

6. Wedding Officiant: The person who conducts the wedding ceremony and legally marries the couple.

7. Vows: Promises and commitments made by the couple to each other during the ceremony.

8. Rings: Symbolic jewelry exchanged by the couple during the ceremony as a sign of their commitment.

9. Processional: The entrance of the wedding party and the couple into the ceremony venue.

10. Recessional: The exit of the wedding party and the couple from the ceremony venue after the marriage is officially declared.

11. Wedding Party: The collective term for the couple getting married and their respective bridesmaids and groomsmen.

12. Rehearsal: A walk through of the ceremony that typically happens 1-7 days before the wedding day where everyone is lined up and directed as they would be on the wedding day.

13. RSVP: An abbreviation of the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît," meaning "Please respond." It is used to indicate whether guests will be attending the wedding or not.

14. Save the Date: An early announcement or notification sent to guests to inform them of the wedding date and request that they reserve it.

15. Wedding Program: A booklet or card provided to guests at the ceremony that outlines the order of events and provides information about the couple and the wedding party.

16. After party: An event that begins after the reception ends. Usually there are additional fees for this from your venue and vendors.

17. Budget: The total amount of money you would like to spend on your wedding.

18. Venue: The location where you will hold your wedding ceremony and reception.

19. Room block: Rooms that you request be set aside for you at a hotel. Many times this requires a guarantee that the couple will cover a percentage of the rooms that are not booked because of the special rate you were given.

20. Venue coordinator: A person who works for the venue and manages the venue staff the day of your wedding.

21. Wedding Planner: A professional who assists with the planning, organization, and coordination of all aspects of the wedding.

22. Master Certified Wedding Planner: A professional who has taken their 'Wedding Planner Education' to a supreme level which assists with the planning, organization, and coordination of all aspects of the wedding.

23. Wedding Management: This is also known as 'Wedding Coordination.'

These terms should give you a good starting point for understanding the different components of a wedding and help them navigate the planning process more effectively.