Wedding Jargon A-Z

Planning a wedding is no small task. From lengthy checklists to tight timescales, ever-increasing budgets to endless designs… turning your vision into a reality can test even the most cool and calm Brides-to-be! Throw in a whole dictionary’s worth of wedding-specific words and phrases you don‘t understand and your stress levels can quickly hit maximum.

If you’re just starting out on planning your big day, you may be a little overwhelmed by the array of wedding jargon you‘re faced with. So, our wedding team have put together a handy glossary to get you started.

An experience, and an education, with love from The Mere…

Aisle Runner
Your own red (well, usually white!) carpet to walk down the aisle on.

Arch
An arched structure, popular at outdoor weddings that you’ll stand underneath to take your vows.

Bomboniere 
An Italian word, meaning your wedding favours.

Boutonniere
A small bunch of flowers pinned to the lapel of a jacket. This would usually be worn by the men in your wedding party.

Bridal Procession
Your grand entrance! The walk down the aisle, usually after your bridesmaids have strolled down before you.

Block of Rooms
A group of rooms exclusively reserved for your guests. Our wedding packages include ten guest rooms at a discounted rate.

Ceremony
The main event! And the bit that makes it legal.

Corsage 
A small bundle of flowers worn by the women in your wedding party.

Dais 
A podium or platform raised from the floor, for the Bride and Groom to sit.

Fish Bowl
A centrepiece made up of floral decorations in a glass fishbowl (these look stunning with battery-powered lights!)

GOBO
A piece of acrylic or metal that is placed in front of a spot light to project a message or pattern. Go with love hearts, your names or something truly unique to you.

Favours
Small gifts for your guests. Go traditional with small bags of sweets, or get creative with miniature gifts that match your wedding theme!

First Look
The First Look traditionally happens before the Ceremony, when the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time. A great time to get some photographs of the moment you see each other all ready to go!

Luminaria
A decorative lantern made from a paper bag, and weighted with sand with a lit candle inside.

Maid Of Honour
Your Maid of Honour has the huge responsibility of ensuring your day goes smoothly! From holding onto your essentials throughout the day, to ensuring your dress  if perfectly ‘pouffed’ for the photographs, it’s her job to keep you calm, collected and perfectly organised. She’ll also plan a fabulous Hen Party!

Officiant
This officiant (or Celebrant) conducts your wedding ceremony.

Place Cards
Small cards bearing each guests’ name to indicate their place on the table.

Processional
The song played as the bride walks down the aisle. Traditional favourites are The Wedding March and Pachabel’s Canon in D, though many brides choose songs that are special to them. The options are endless!

Recessional
Music that plays as you leave the ceremony.

Reception
The Reception takes place after the Ceremony. Your guests will usually enjoy reception drinks, followed by dinner, and then dancing!

Save-The-Dates
Once you’ve decided on your wedding date, let your guests know to keep it free, with ‘save the date’ cards. This will ensure they’re aware of the wedding well before you send out official invitations.

Send-Off
Your grand exit! Whether it’s a bug last dance to your favourite track, guests bursting party poppers or throwing petals, the send-off marks the end to your day and the start of your new life as Mr and Mrs.

Swagging
Lengths of fabric draped from the ceilings, or down walls. The effect is a luxury, marquee-style space.

Sweetheart Table
A table for two! If you fancy a little alone time to enjoy your wedding breakfast,  ask for a Sweetheart Table so that you can eat without too much disruption.

Table Plan
An overview of each table to show guests where they will be sat. Many couples like to give each table a name based on the wedding theme.

Tiers
The many levels of your wedding cake. Usually starting with a larger layer at the bottom, decreasing in size as you go higher. Opt for a traditional fruit cake, or get creative with a different flavour for each tier!

Top Table
This is where you’ll enjoy your wedding breakfast with the main people in your wedding party. Traditionally, you’d sit in the middle, with parents on each side, followed by Bridesmaid’s and the Best Man. Though there are no rules – you might choose to sit with the rest of your guests, or invite your closest friemds to join you ion the top table. It’s completely up to you.

Toastmaster
The toastmaster will introduce the speeches, propose toasts and co-ordinate speakers during your wedding breakfast.

Toss Bouquet
A smaller version of the Bride’s bouquet that is used to “toss” during the reception. Gather all of the ladies onto the dancefloor, and with your back to them, toss the bouquet over your head.

The lucky lady to catch it is said to be the next to get married.

Uplighting
Uplighting can transform the look and feel of your wedding reception space. Choose colours to match your  theme, or a “Color Wash” design to transform your space from daytime to party time!

Votive
A small 2 inch candle that will burn for around 9-12 hours. These candles create a beautiful ambience for both ceremonies and evening receptions.

Wedding Coordinator
Your wedding co-ordinator will book your wedding, discuss your vision for how the day will go, arrange menus, room layout, guestrooms and work hard to bring your dream to reality.