Let’s talk Wedding Phrases and Their Definitions

If you’re anything like me, the terms used during the planning of your wedding might be a little confusing and the ‘must haves’ a little overwhelming. I hope that this list of definitions can help you when planning the wedding of your dreams.

Altar

A wedding altar is the space where the most important part of your wedding ceremony is performed. Often where the legal part of the wedding takes place.

Appliqué

You’ll hear this term a lot once you start dress shopping. Appliqués are pieces of lace or other fabric that are sewn onto a base fabric, creating a textured and often 3D effect.

Buttonholes/ Boutonniere

A buttonhole, also known as a boutonniere, is basically a smaller version of a wedding bouquet. They are traditionally pinned to the left lapel of a jacket or blazer and worn by ushers and close family.

Canapés

A canapé (pronounced "can-a-PAY") is a type of hors d'oeuvre and a hors d'oeuvre is an appetizer. Basically, it’s a small dish, often sitting on bread or pastry with a variety of toppings. This is traditionally served to guests along with welcome drinks, whilst the couple are off having pictures taken prior to the wedding breakfast.

Favour

A Favour is a small thank you gift for your guests. These are often placed on the table with the guest’s place setting.

Garland

A garland is a decorative braid, knot or wreath of flowers and or leaves. They can be worn on the head of a flower girl or used in a larger size for decoration. Often used as table decoration, mixed in with candles and table runners.

Head Table

This is where ‘you’ sit. The happy couple and their closest family and friends sit at the top table. This is ideally situated where all guests can see, to benefit most from the speeches.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a very personal thing. Whether you chose something simple and classic like pearls or something new and modern like silver; whatever the case you will look beautiful. Some brides like to wear jewellery passed down from a family member.

Kiss

“You may kiss the bride/groom”, this is something you will hear when the officiant confirms that you are now married. This moment creates a beautiful photo opportunity.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a meal that often follows the wedding ceremony rehearsal. Those invited will include of course the happy couple and anyone who has a part of the ceremony; such as the bridesmaids, ushers and close family.

RSVP

Répondez, s’il vous plaît! Excuse my French. The RSVP is how the guests responds to the invitation, notifying you of their attendance or to decline the invitation. The RSVP will include food choices, accommodation options and plus one details.

Save the Date

Having a Save the Date is the perfect way to make sure the people you really want to share your special day with will be able to attend. This will often include your names and the venue details.

Speeches

The speeches are a lovely way for close family and friends to express their love for the bride and groom.  Traditionally this will start with Bride and groom offering thanks to guests and those who played a part in the wedding as well as a loving gesture from the groom to the parents of the bride. Following this comes a speech from the father of the bride, Best Man and in more recent years the Maid of honour. It’s a lovely idea to include a slideshow of pictures where possible.

Table Plan

A table plan is a visual representation of where each guest will sit during the reception. It is a seating arrangement used to assign guests to specific tables and the placement of people at those tables.

Usher

The Ushers are there to make your life easier, especially on the day of the wedding. These are often close friends and family and are there to help guide and direct the guests at the ceremony and reception. Traditionally these are men, however it is your wedding, so do what you want!

Veil

A Veil is a piece of material worn on the head of the bride. These were traditionally worn over the face however now they are worn more like a hair accessory. They vary in length, style and material. Some include lace and most popular in recent years are veils studded with pearls.

Vows

The Vows are a promise exchanged between the Bride and Groom at the wedding ceremony. Couples can decide whether to use the traditional vows or to write their own.

Videographer

A videographer is someone who captures your special day on film, all the beautiful memories are recorded for you to be able to relive time and time again.

Wedding Breakfast

The wedding breakfast also known as the ‘sit down meal’ is the meal you share with your guests following the ceremony. Your first meal as a married couple!

Wedding Car

The wedding car will often take the Bride and whomever she has chosen to walk her down the aisle, to the ceremony. The wedding car will often take the Bride and Groom to the reception following the ceremony. Traditional cars like a Rolls Royce, Jaguar Sedan or Bentleys are often chosen for this.

I hope that these phrases and their definitions will help you when planning your special day, maybe they have even reminded you of something you have forgotten...oops. Whatever the case, enjoy every minute of planning and have a wonderful wedding day!

Your Girl Laani at,

Capella Photography X