As you dive into the world of wedding planning with all of the venues, vendors, and vows, you’ll encounter a host of terms and jargon that might be unfamiliar. Understanding these wedding terms can make the planning process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most common wedding terms every couple should know.
1. RSVP
What It Means:
- Stands for “Répondez S’il Vous Plaît,” which is French for “Please respond.”
Why It’s Important:
- Ensures you have an accurate guest count for seating arrangements, catering, and other logistical aspects of your wedding.
2. Save the Date
What It Means:
- A preliminary invitation sent out well in advance of the wedding to inform guests of the wedding date.
Why It’s Important:
- Helps guests plan ahead, especially if they need to travel or take time off work.
3. Wedding Party
What It Means:
- The group of people chosen by the couple to participate in the wedding ceremony. This typically includes the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.
Why It’s Important:
- These individuals have special roles and responsibilities, such as planning the bachelor/bachelorette parties and supporting the couple on the big day.
4. First Look
What It Means:
- A private moment where the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day, usually before the ceremony.
Why It’s Important:
- Provides an intimate opportunity for the couple to share their emotions and capture beautiful photographs.
5. Processional and Recessional
What It Means:
- Processional: The sequence of people walking down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony.
- Recessional: The sequence of people walking back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony.
Why It’s Important:
- Ensures the ceremony starts and ends in an orderly and meaningful way.
6. Cocktail Hour
What It Means:
- The period between the ceremony and the reception where guests enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Why It’s Important:
- Gives the couple time to take photos and allows guests to mingle and relax before the main reception.
7. Reception
What It Means:
- The celebratory part of the wedding where guests eat, drink, and dance.
Why It’s Important:
- It’s the main event where most of the festivities take place, including dinner, speeches, and dancing.
8. Escort Cards and Place Cards
What It Means:
- Escort Cards: Cards that direct guests to their assigned table.
- Place Cards: Cards that indicate the specific seat assigned to a guest at a table.
Why It’s Important:
- Helps organize seating arrangements and ensures that guests know where to sit.
9. Wedding Favors
What It Means:
- Small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation for attending the wedding.
Why It’s Important:
- Adds a personal touch and serves as a memento of the wedding.
10. Vendor
What It Means:
- A professional service provider hired to assist with various aspects of the wedding, such as catering, photography, floristry, and entertainment.
Why It’s Important:
- Choosing the right vendors is crucial for ensuring that all elements of the wedding are executed to your satisfaction.
11. Officiant
What It Means:
- The person who conducts the wedding ceremony.
Why It’s Important:
- Ensures that the ceremony is legally binding and can tailor the ceremony to reflect the couple’s beliefs and values.
12. Corkage Fee
What It Means:
- A fee charged by a venue for serving wine or champagne that is brought in from an outside source.
Why It’s Important:
- Important to know if you plan on providing your own alcohol to avoid unexpected costs.
13. Wedding Planner vs. Day-Of Coordinator
What It Means:
- Wedding Planner: A professional who assists with all aspects of wedding planning from start to finish.
- Day-Of Coordinator: A professional who ensures everything runs smoothly on the wedding day itself.
Why It’s Important:
- Understanding the difference helps you decide what level of assistance you need. psst, we offer both planning and coordination!
14. Table Numbers and Seating Chart
What It Means:
- Table Numbers: Numbers assigned to tables to help guests find their seats.
- Seating Chart: A visual representation of where guests will sit during the reception.
Why It’s Important:
- Ensures an organized and efficient seating arrangement for the reception.
15. Wedding Website
What It Means:
- A website created by the couple to provide guests with all the information about the wedding, including the schedule, travel details, registry, and RSVP options.
Why It’s Important:
- A convenient and eco-friendly way to keep guests informed and manage RSVPs.
16. Run-Through or Rehearsal
What It Means:
- A practice session for the wedding ceremony, usually held a day or two before the wedding.
Why It’s Important:
- Helps ensure everyone knows their roles and the ceremony runs smoothly.
17. Signature Drink
What It Means:
- A custom cocktail chosen by the couple to be served at the wedding reception.
Why It’s Important:
- Adds a personal touch and can be themed to match the wedding.
18. First Dance and Parent Dances
What It Means:
- First Dance: The first dance shared by the newly married couple.
- Parent Dances: Dances shared between the couple and their parents, such as the father-daughter and mother-son dances.
Why It’s Important:
- Highlights special moments and adds sentimental value to the reception.
19. Honeymoon
What It Means:
- The trip taken by the couple immediately following the wedding to celebrate their new marriage.
Why It’s Important:
- Provides time for the couple to relax and enjoy each other’s company after the wedding festivities.
Conclusion
Understanding these wedding terms can help you navigate the planning process more effectively, ensuring a smoother, less stressful experience. Familiarity with these terms allows you to communicate clearly with vendors, make informed decisions, and fully enjoy the journey to your wedding day. Embrace the planning process with confidence and look forward to creating beautiful memories on your special day.
