A Guide to Understanding Wedding Industry Terms
Decoding the Wedding Lingo
Decoding the Wedding Lingo
As you embark on your wedding planning journey, you may find yourself encountering a whole new world of terms and jargon specific to the wedding industry or as we call it, wedding lingo. From banquet style to sweetheart table, understanding wedding lingo and terminology is crucial in navigating the planning process and communicating effectively with suppliers and venues. In this blog, we'll demystify some common wedding industry terms and provide you with a handy glossary to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge you need to plan your dream wedding.
Banquet Style
Banquet style refers to a seating arrangement where long tables are set up parallel to each other, allowing guests to sit on both sides. This style encourages socialisation and interaction between guests and creates an elegant and communal atmosphere.
Buttonhole
A buttonhole, also known as a boutonniere, is a small floral arrangement worn by the groom, groomsmen, and other male members of the wedding party. It is typically attached to the lapel of a suit or tuxedo.
Canapes
Canapes are bite-sized appetisers or hors d'oeuvres served during reception drinks or at the beginning of a wedding reception. They are often served on small plates or trays and are designed to whet the appetite and provide a taste of what's to come.
Celebrant
A celebrant is a person who conducts a wedding ceremony, these are independent professionals who specialise in working with you as a couple to create a personalised ceremony. Please note, a celebrant led ceremony is not a legal ceremony and as such you will need to organise your legal ceremony separately at a local registry office.
Favours
Wedding favours are small gifts or tokens of appreciation given to guests as a thank-you for attending the wedding. They are usually placed on each guest's table setting and can range from personalised keepsakes to edible treats.
Master of Ceremonies
The Master of Ceremonies, often referred to as the MC, is the person responsible for hosting and guiding the flow of the wedding reception. They make announcements, introduce speakers, and ensure that the event runs smoothly and according to the timeline.
Reception Drinks
Reception drinks, also known as welcome drinks or cocktail hour, are beverages served to guests upon their arrival at the wedding reception. These drinks provide a warm welcome and set the tone for the celebration ahead.
Registrar
A registrar is an authorised government official who conducts the legal wedding ceremony.
Sweetheart Table
A sweetheart table is a small, intimate table reserved for the newly married couple at the wedding reception. It allows the couple to have a private moment together while still being surrounded by their guests.
Toast
A toast is a speech or gesture made to honour or celebrate someone or something. In the context of a wedding, toasts are typically given by the best man, maid of honour, and other close friends or family members, expressing well wishes and congratulations to the couple.
Top Table
The top table, also known as the head table, is the main table at the wedding reception where the couple and their immediate families sit. It is usually positioned facing the rest of the guests and is a focal point of the room.
Unplugged Wedding
A recently emerged term in wedding lingo is an unplugged wedding, this is a ceremony or reception where guests are asked to refrain from using their phones, cameras, or other electronic devices. The purpose is to create a distraction-free environment and allow professional photographers to capture the special moments without obstructions.
Wedding Breakfast
Contrary to its name, the wedding breakfast refers to the meal served to guests following the wedding ceremony, regardless of the time of day. Wedding Breakfast is easily one of the most confusing terms in wedding lingo as it is typically a formal sit-down meal or buffet-style feast.
Wedding Party
The wedding party consists of the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, best man, and sometimes additional members such as flower girls and ring bearers. They play important roles in supporting and participating in various wedding activities.
Wedding Tasting
A wedding tasting is a session arranged by the caterer or venue where the couple gets to sample and select the menu for their wedding reception. It allows them to experience the flavours, presentation, and quality of the food before making their final choices.
Navigating the lingo in the wedding industry can be overwhelming, especially when confronted with unfamiliar terms and jargon. By familiarising yourself with the glossary of wedding industry terms provided above, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to communicate effectively with vendors, make informed decisions, and ensure that your dream wedding becomes a reality. Embrace the terminology, enjoy the planning process, and let your wedding day be a celebration filled with joy, love, and shared understanding.
Now you know the wedding lingo, it’s time to start planning! Download our wedding brochure today and start planning the day you get married at The Moat.