A
Appetizers: Light bites served during cocktail hour to keep guests happy before dinner.
Aisle: Where you walk during the ceremony to your spot.
Arch: The spot you, your lover and the officiant stand during the ceremony.
B
Bouquet: The floral arrangement the bride carries.
Boutonniere: Small floral piece worn by the groom and other important men.
Bridal Party: Your people. Bridesmaids, and anyone standing beside you.
C
Corsage: A small floral piece worn by mothers, grandmothers, or special guests.
Cocktail Hour: The time between ceremony and reception with drinks, apps, and mingling.
Ceremony: The main event where you actually get married.
D
Dance Floor: Where the party happens. Size and placement matter more than people think.
DJ or Band: Your entertainment and the person controlling the vibe all night.
F
First Dance: Your first dance as a married couple.
Family Photos: Formal photos after the ceremony. These need a plan or they take forever.
Floor Plan: The layout of your reception space including tables, dance floor, bar, and more.
G
Guest Book: A place for guests to leave messages. Can be traditional or something creative.
Group Photo Trick: A quick way to get a photo with all guests at once, usually right after ceremony. Saves a ton of time.
H
Head Table/Sweetheart Table: Where the couple sits, sometimes with the wedding party.
L
Linens: Tablecloths and napkins that pull your whole design together.
M
Mock Photos: Practice or inspo photos you share with your photographer so they know your vision.
O
Officiant: The person who marries you.
Open Dancing: The part of the night where guests join the dance floor.
P
Processional: The walk down the aisle.
Place Cards: Assigned seating cards for guests.
Photographer/Videographer: The people capturing everything. Your memory makers.
R
Reception: The celebration after the ceremony. Food, dancing, all the fun.
S
Speeches/Toasts: Usually given by Maid of Honor, Best Man, and parents.
Special Dances: Parent dances like father daughter and mother son.
Strike (Cleanup): End of night breakdown. Who takes decor, gifts, leftover items, all of it. This needs a plan.
T
Timeline: The schedule of your entire day. This is everything.
Table Numbers: Helps guests find their seats.
U
Unplugged Ceremony: A ceremony where guests are asked to put phones away and be present.
V
Vendors: All the pros you hire. Planner, photographer, caterer, florist, DJ, rentals, and more.
Venue: The location where your wedding takes place.
W
Welcome Table: Usually holds guest book, cards, and sometimes favors.
Wedding Party: The entire bridal party, groomsmen, best man, groom and you.
Wedding Party Entrances: The fun intros into the reception.