February 13, 2025
The Must-Know Wedding Terms Guide: Speak the Language of Weddings with Confidence
Planning a wedding is an exciting whirlwind! One moment, you’re dreaming of the perfect dress, and the next, you’re surrounded by unfamiliar lingo—boutonnieres, bustles, and mood boards galore. The wedding industry has its own language, and understanding it can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life.
That’s why we’ve created this Must-Know Wedding Terms Guide to help you navigate the planning process with ease. You don’t need to memorize every detail—your trusted wedding planner and florist (that’s us!) will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Wedding Terms You Should Know
Aisle Runner
A decorative fabric or floral path leading to the altar—think of it as your personal runway to “I do.”
Arbor
A decorative archway, often covered in flowers or greenery, used as a stunning focal point for ceremonies.
Black-Tie (or Black-Tie Optional)
A formal dress code requiring tuxedos for men and floor-length gowns for women. If optional, a dark suit is acceptable, but elegance is key.
Boutonnière
A small floral arrangement pinned to the lapel, typically worn by the groom and groomsmen. Bonus points if it matches the bridal bouquet!
Bustle
A way to pin up the train of a wedding dress after the ceremony, allowing the bride to move freely at the reception.
Cocktail Hour
The time between the ceremony and reception when guests enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while the couple takes photos.
Day-Of Coordinator
A planner who steps in a few weeks before the wedding to handle last-minute details and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Escort Cards vs. Place Cards
Escort cards direct guests to their table, while place cards specify their exact seat. Luxury weddings often use both for a polished touch!
First Look
A private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony—perfect for capturing emotional, intimate photos.
Floral Installation
Lush, oversized floral designs that transform spaces, such as hanging florals over the dance floor or dramatic ceremony arches.
Golden Hour
The dreamy time just before sunset when natural lighting is at its most flattering—ideal for breathtaking wedding portraits.
Grand Exit
The moment the couple leaves the reception in style. Whether with a sparkler send-off, vintage car, or even a horse and carriage, it’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Head Table vs. Sweetheart Table
The head table includes the couple and their bridal party, while a sweetheart table is just for the newlyweds. Many couples choose the latter to enjoy a private moment together during the reception.
Micro-Wedding
An intimate wedding with fewer than 50 guests, often highly personalized and detail-driven.
Mood Board
A collection of images, colors, and textures used to define a wedding’s aesthetic and guide design decisions.
Processional & Recessional
The processional is when the wedding party enters the ceremony, while the recessional is when they exit as a married couple.
Reception Flip
When a venue is transformed between the ceremony and reception—think moving furniture, changing lighting, or swapping florals for a fresh ambiance.
Tablescape
The full table design, including linens, florals, place settings, and candles. A well-designed tablescape sets the mood for an elegant and inviting reception.
Toss Bouquet
A smaller bouquet made specifically for the bouquet toss, allowing the bride to keep her original flowers intact.
Trunk Show
An exclusive bridal event where designers showcase their latest collections, sometimes offering gowns not available in stores yet.
Wedding Weekend
A multi-day celebration that includes welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, and curated experiences for guests—perfect for destination weddings.
Why This Must-Know Wedding Terms Guide Matters
Understanding key wedding terms will help you:
✔ Communicate clearly with vendors
✔ Avoid unexpected costs or surprises
✔ Make confident decisions for your big day
And the best part? You don’t need to learn all these details overnight. That’s exactly why having a wedding planner is invaluable. Whether you’re planning a timeless celebration in Georgia, an elegant soirée in New York, or a dreamy destination wedding beyond, we’ll handle every detail.
With this Must-Know Wedding Terms Guide, you’ll feel confident throughout the planning process, knowing exactly what to expect.
Let’s Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life
Planning your dream wedding starts with the right team. Schedule a call with us today, and let’s create a seamless, stylish, and stress-free experience. Need more expert guidance? Explore our Koutory Kollective Atelier for free wedding resources that will make planning as fabulous as the celebration itself!
With love,
Shuman Koutory Event and Design Team
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