Vendors in the wedding industry have created many unique terms for the wedding world. Many of these terms are spoken without regard to the fact couples may have no idea what they mean! To help you in meetings, research, and general wedding planning, I’ve put together your own personal wedding planning terminology dictionary with a focus on terms that are not necessarily common knowledge.
Al Fresco: A term that means “out in the open air” and is often associated with open air dining. An outdoor reception would be an al fresco reception (my favorite kind!)
Bridal Party: As a photographer, I have noticed some confusion around this term. Most commonly, the term bridal party is meant to refer to the bride and groom, as well as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Typically, this does not refer to the family or general guests, although some might use it to include them as well as the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Charger: I’ll admit that I had no idea what a charger was until 2013. A charger is a decorative plate upon which all other dining plates rest. It’s the ultimate place setting eye candy.
Cocktail Hour: The gap between the ceremony and reception during which guests enjoy libations and dine on appetizers. This time can last an hour or sometimes 90 minutes if more photos or reception set up cannot fit within an hour.
Coordinator: The person or business hired to coordinate the wedding timeline and oversee the wedding day logistics.
Dummy Cake: A faux cake that looks real. A Styrofoam cake shape covered in icing that can be more cost effective than a real cake layer. You can have an entire dummy cake and sheet cake waiting to be served, or a dummy layer on top of a real layer to increase the size of your cake.
Escort Card: Essentially a place/name card, the escort card designates which table a guest will take their seat.
First Look: The moment where a couple sees each other before the ceremony. The first look can happen between the couple, bride and her bridesmaids, or the bride and her father. You can do one or all of the above!
Flatlay: A flatlay refers to a photo taken at an above-view angle that typically is of stationery, accessories, flowers, or other wedding details that have been carefully styled.
Flatware: Dining utensils: forks, knives, spoons.
Flipping the Space (A Flip): When your reception will occur in the same space as your ceremony, the vendors will have to “flip the space” during the cocktail hour to transform it to the reception setup.
Glassware: A fancy way of referring to drinking glasses such as wine glasses or water goblets.
Grazing Table: A table for appetizers such as cheeses and meats or fruits that guests may graze at during cocktail hour or the reception.
Head Table: Typically, the head table does not mean the same thing as a sweetheart table, which only seats the couple. Head tables include either or both the bridal party and families, depending on who the couple wants at their table. Two long tables, or perhaps three, would be seamlessly adjoined to accommodate the group.
Hybrid Photographer: A photographer that shoots both digital and film photos.
Processional: The first walk down the aisle to commence the wedding ceremony.
Recessional: The second and final walk down the aisle after the wedding ceremony concludes.
Sample Sale (Gowns): A bridal boutique will occasionally host a sample sale in which gowns are available off the rack instead of special order. This means they are available immediately, as-is, with no wait time. Sample sales usually offer a discount on the sample gowns.
Second Shooter: A second photographer- not to be confused with the police or military version.
Sheet Cake: A cost effective cake that is made on a large rectangular baking sheet that can be easily cut and served to guests.
Signature Cocktail: A pre-selected cocktail, chosen by the couple, that is presented on a cocktail menu. Signature cocktails can be named to represent the couple or their interests/hobbies/history. Ex: The Catalina (location where the couple became engaged).
Sweetheart Table: A table for just the married couple.
Tablescape: The entire décor of the reception table from the linens to the centerpieces to the dinnerware make up a tablescape.
Tray Pass: Refers to the service in which catering staff walks throughout the reception or cocktail hour space offering appetizers or drinks from a tray.
Trunk Show (Gowns): An event in which a bridal boutique will be hosting a large collection of gowns, not normally in the shop, from a specific wedding dress designer. Trunk shows often feature a temporary discount on these gowns, which disappear from the shop after the event concludes.
Unplugged Ceremony: A ceremony during which no phones or cameras are used for taking photos. Guests will be present at the wedding and the professional photos will be free of phones held in the aisle and above the seats. The term “unplugged wedding” is also meant to refer to the ceremony. Designate this with a sign and always have the officiant announce this before the ceremony for best results.
Uplighting: Lighting that comes from several lighting units places along the perimeter of the space that project light upwards on the walls, trees, etc.
Photography: Cavin Elizabeth Photography
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