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Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially when you encounter a whole new language of wedding jargon. From acronyms to specialised terms, understanding the vocabulary of wedding planning is essential for engaged couples and newbie wedding suppliers joining the industry. In this blog post, we present to you the ultimate wedding planning dictionary—a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the world of wedding jargon with confidence.
Let's dive in!
Wedding Planning Dictionary
Save the Date (STD):
A save-the-date is an informal announcement sent to guests before the formal wedding invitation. It provides the date and location of the wedding, allowing guests to mark their calendars in advance.
RSVP:
An acronym for the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît," RSVP is a lil request for a response from invited guests to confirm whether or not they will attend the wedding.
Wedding Invitation Suite:
The collection of stationery items that make up a wedding invitation, including the main invitation, response card, reception card, and any additional inserts like accommodation or direction cards.
Wedding Stationery:
All the printed materials used in the wedding, such as save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menus, place cards, and thank-you cards.
Wedding Planner:
A professional who assists with all aspects of wedding planning, including supplier selection, logistics, and coordination, ensuring that the couple's vision is brought to life.
Wedding Coordinator:
A professional who manages the logistics and execution of the wedding day itself, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
Wedding Theme:
A central concept or style that sets the tone for the entire wedding, influencing everything from décor and attire to color schemes and overall ambiance.
Wedding/Bridal/Groom's Party:
The group of close friends and family members who support and stand by the couple on their wedding day, typically including bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid/matron of honor, best man, and flower girl/ring bearer.
Bridal Shower:
A pre-wedding celebration hosted by the bridesmaids or family members to honor the bride-to-be, usually involving games, gifts, and refreshments.
Hen/Stag Party:
Separate parties organised by the couple's friends to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. These events often involve activities, trips, or nights out with the wedding party.
Ceremony Venue:
The location where the wedding ceremony takes place, which could be a church, temple, outdoor garden, beach, or any other space chosen by the couple.
Reception Venue:
The location where the wedding celebration and festivities occur after the ceremony, typically a banquet hall, hotel, restaurant, or outdoor event space.
Officiant:
The person who conducts the wedding ceremony and legally binds the couple in marriage. This can be a religious figure, a judge, or a certified wedding officiant.
Vows:
The promises and declarations of love exchanged between the couple during the wedding ceremony. Vows can be traditional, personalized, or a combination of both.
Ceremony Processional:
The formal entrance of the wedding party and the couple into the ceremony venue, typically accompanied by music.
Ceremony Recessional:
The formal exit of the wedding party and the newlywed couple from the ceremony venue, often accompanied by joyful music.
Cocktail Hour:
The period after the ceremony when guests enjoy drinks and light refreshments while the couple and their families take formal photos.
Wedding Reception:
The main part of the wedding celebration could also be known as the wedding breakfast or wedding meal. Its where guests are seated for a meal, speeches are made, and dancing and entertainment take place.
First Dance:
The special dance between the newlywed couple as the first dance of the reception, often symbolizing their commitment
Supplier:
A general term referring to any professional or business hired to provide services or products for a wedding, such as photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, and wedding planners.
Bridal Suite:
A designated room or area where the bride and her bridal party get ready before the ceremony. It is often equipped with mirrors, seating, and amenities for the bride's comfort.
Groom's Suite:
Similar to the bridal suite, the groom's suite is a separate space where the groom and his groomsmen prepare for the wedding.
Day-Of Coordinator:
A wedding professional who oversees all logistical aspects of the wedding day itself, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
Wedding Rehearsal/Rehearsal Ceremony:
A practice run-through of the ceremony and procession, typically held the day before the wedding. It helps the wedding party and officiant understand their roles and timing.
Call Time:
The designated time that vendors are expected to arrive at the wedding venue to set up their equipment or services.
Load-In/Load-Out:
The process of transporting and setting up equipment, decorations, and other materials at the wedding venue before the event and dismantling and removing them afterward.
Couple Portrait Session:
A dedicated photo session with just the couple (can be single moments too), capturing you in your wedding fits before the ceremony or during the cocktail hour. These photos are often displayed at the reception.
First Look:
A private moment between the couple before the ceremony, where they see each other for the first time, allowing for intimate photos and an opportunity to calm nerves.
Cake Cutting:
The traditional moment during the reception where the couple cuts and shares the first slice of their wedding cake together.
Bouquet Toss:
A fun tradition where the bride tosses her bouquet into a crowd of unmarried women, with the belief that the one who catches it will be the next to marry.
Garter Toss:
A similar tradition to the bouquet toss, where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it to a group of unmarried men.
Grand Exit:
A planned departure by the couple at the end of the reception, often involving sparklers, bubbles, or a getaway car.
Preferred Supplier List:
A list of trusted and recommended vendors provided by a wedding venue or planner to couples seeking professional services for their wedding.
Venue Walkthrough:
A scheduled visit to the wedding venue with the couple and their wedding planner or coordinator to discuss layout, logistics, and any specific requirements.
Contract:
A legally binding agreement between the couple and their chosen vendors, outlining the services, terms, and payment details for the wedding.
Wet Weather/Plan B/Rain-Check:
A backup plan devised by the couple and their planner in case of inclement weather, ensuring a smooth transition for outdoor ceremonies or receptions.
Load-Bearing:
A term used when discussing the structural capabilities of a venue space, particularly when considering the weight or placement of decorations or equipment.
Swatches:
Small fabric samples provided by vendors to help the couple match colors and textures for their wedding décor and attire.
Remember, understanding these terms will help you communicate effectively with wedding professionals and ensure a smooth planning process for your special day.
Happy planning!
Did you find this post helpful? Why not check out our other wedding planning tips below:
Akilah & Co xo
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