Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, but it often comes with industry jargon that may leave you wondering what your vendors are actually saying. As wedding professionals, we use these terms daily, but we understand they might not be second nature to you. That’s why we’ve created this wedding glossary—a go-to guide to help you navigate wedding planning with confidence.
Wedding Planning & Coordination Terms
- Full-Service Planning – Comprehensive wedding planning from start to finish, including venue selection, vendor coordination, design, logistics, and timeline creation.
- Partial Planning / Custom Coordination – A planning service designed for couples who have started the planning process but need expert guidance to finalize details.
- Event Management (Day-of Coordination) – Professional coordination of the wedding day to ensure all plans are executed smoothly, typically beginning a few months prior to the event.
- Venue Coordinator – A representative from the venue who oversees venue-specific details, such as catering, setup, and in-house policies, but does not manage all aspects of the wedding day.
- Timeline – A structured schedule outlining the entire wedding day, including vendor arrivals, ceremony timing, and reception flow.
- Walkthrough – A meeting at the venue to go over the logistics, layout, and timeline, typically held a few weeks before the wedding.
- Seating Chart vs. Escort Cards – A seating chart is a large display showing guests where they’re seated, while escort cards are individual name cards directing guests to their table.
- Wedding Website – A personalized website providing guests with event details, RSVP options, and important logistics.
Venue & Layout Terms
- Floor Plan – A visual layout of the wedding space, including tables, dance floor, bar placement, and seating arrangements.
- Exclusive Venue vs. Open Vendor Policy – An exclusive venue requires couples to use in-house catering and preferred vendors, while an open vendor policy allows outside selections.
- Site Fee – A charge for renting the venue, often separate from catering and bar service.
- Rain Plan – A backup plan for outdoor weddings in case of inclement weather.
- Processional & Recessional – The processional is the order in which the wedding party enters the ceremony, while the recessional is how they exit.
- Altar vs. Arch vs. Chuppah – An altar is a structured focal point for the ceremony, an arch is a decorative backdrop, and a chuppah is a traditional Jewish wedding canopy.
Design & Décor Terms
- Tablescape – The arrangement of table settings, centerpieces, linens, and décor to create a cohesive look.
- Floral Installations – Large-scale floral designs, such as suspended arrangements, ceremony backdrops, or floral walls.
- Chargers – Decorative plates placed beneath dinner plates for an added touch of elegance.
- Pinspot Lighting – Focused lighting used to highlight centerpieces or important design elements.
- Uplighting – Colored or white lights placed around a venue to enhance ambiance and highlight architectural features.
- Draping – Fabric installations used to transform a space, often hung from ceilings or walls.
- Sweetheart Table vs. Head Table – A sweetheart table seats just the couple, while a head table includes the wedding party.
- King’s Table – A long, banquet-style table where the couple sits with their wedding party and their significant others, or their family, creating an intimate and regal dining experience.
Catering & Bar Terms
- Plated Dinner vs. Buffet vs. Family Style – A plated dinner serves individual courses, a buffet allows guests to serve themselves, and family style features large shared dishes passed around the table.
- Signature Cocktails – Custom drinks created to reflect the couple’s tastes or wedding theme.
- Passed Hors d’Oeuvres vs. Stationary Appetizers – Passed hors d’oeuvres are circulated by servers, while stationary appetizers are displayed for guests to help themselves.
- Corkage Fee – A charge for bringing in outside alcohol rather than using the venue’s bar service.
- Champagne Toast – A formal moment where guests raise glasses to the couple, traditionally with champagne but often substituted with another beverage.
Reception & Dining Terms
- Flatware – The utensils used at the table, including forks, knives, and spoons.
- Stemware – Glassware designed for serving drinks, such as wine glasses, champagne flutes, and water goblets.
- Champagne Tower – A tiered display of champagne glasses, often used as a statement moment where champagne is poured from the top glass, cascading down.
- Cut Cake vs. Sheet Cakes – The formal wedding cake that the couple cuts during the reception versus additional cakes made to serve guests efficiently.
Photography & Videography Terms
- First Look – A private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony, often captured by photographers.
- Golden Hour – The hour before sunset, known for its soft, flattering lighting that creates stunning photos.
- Unplugged Ceremony – A request for guests to refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony so they can be fully present.
- Shot List – A predetermined list of must-have photos to ensure no special moments are missed.
- Highlight Reel – A short, cinematic-style wedding video showcasing the best moments of the day.
Attire & Beauty Terms
- Trunk Show – A special event where a bridal boutique features a designer’s latest collection, often with discounts or incentives.
- Bustle – A way of gathering and securing a wedding dress train for ease of movement after the ceremony.
- Bridal Trial – A pre-wedding appointment for testing hair and makeup styles.
- Couture vs. Off-the-Rack – Couture gowns are custom-made, while off-the-rack dresses are pre-made and available for immediate purchase.
Entertainment & Guest Experience Terms
- Grand Entrance – The formal introduction of the newlyweds and wedding party at the reception.
- Reception Flow – The planned sequence of events at the reception, from dinner to dancing.
- Guest Favors – Small gifts provided to guests as a token of appreciation.
- Live Band vs. DJ – Live bands offer live music and a high-energy experience, while DJs provide a diverse playlist and seamless transitions.
- After-Party – A late-night gathering after the reception, often with a more relaxed or club-like atmosphere.
Timeline & Event Flow Terms
- Grand Exit vs. Mock Exit – The grand exit is the celebratory send-off at the end of the wedding, while a mock exit is staged earlier for photography.
- Wedding Rehearsal – A run-through of the ceremony before the wedding day.
- Welcome Toast – A short speech welcoming guests to the celebration.
- Toasts / Speeches – Words of love and well-wishes given by close family and friends.
- Anniversary Dance vs. Reverse Anniversary Dance – A dance celebrating married couples, with variations on who remains on the dance floor last.
Contract Terms
- Retainer – A non-refundable fee paid upfront to secure a vendor’s services.
- Force Majeure – A contract clause that relieves liability due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Cancellation Policy – Terms outlining refunds and retained payments if the wedding is canceled.
- Postponement Policy – Terms for rescheduling the wedding, which may include additional fees.
- Final Payment – The last payment due before the wedding.
- Service Fee vs. Gratuity – A service fee covers expenses like staffing, while gratuity is an optional or mandatory tip.
Final Thoughts
Understanding wedding terminology empowers you to communicate confidently with your vendors, ensuring your vision is executed seamlessly. At Luva Events, we believe wedding planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Keep this glossary handy, and let’s create an unforgettable celebration together!
April 30, 2025
Date published
