GLOSSARY

A COMPREHENSIVE GLOSSARY of wedding terms

Unless you’ve watched a ton of “My Fair Wedding” with David Tutera, wedding-speak can be a little confusing. We broke down some of the most common terms you’ll hear again and again as you plan your big day.

by LINDSAY PACE

APPLIQUE Appliques are decorative motifs needled onto wedding dresses or veils. Commonly, they’re made of lace and include embellishments such as faux pearls.

BUSTLE Bustling a dress refers to the process of hooking or tying fabric from the train to the back of the dress to keep it from dragging throughout the reception.

CANAPE An hors d’oeuvre, a canape is small piece of puff pastry or cracker topped with savory food. They are typically eaten in one bite and are often tray-served during cocktail hour.

CELEBRANT A celebrant is someone who performs a rite or ritual. During a wedding, a celebrant officiates the couple’s vows. DAY-OF COORDINATOR A day-of coordinator ensures the wedding day is perfectly executed. They keep everyone from the bridal to vendors on schedule.

ESCORT CARD Less formal than place cards, which direct guests to a specific seat at the reception, escort cards direct guests to a table.

EXIT This term is largely used by photographers and videographers. It refers to how the couple is celebrated as they leave for their getaway vehicle. Often, guests light sparklers or throw lavender at the couple, who run between rows of friends and family.

FONDANT Fondant is an edible icing used to sculpt cakes or pastries. Unlike buttercream, it can be smoothed completely.

GOBO LIGHTING A gobo is an object placed inside or in front of a light source. The object forces a shaped shadow onto the wall or dancefloor, typically shown at receptions. The pattern is most often the couple’s last name or monogram.

HEAD TABLE A head table is designated for the bridal party to sit at during a formal meal or reception.

INVITATION SUITE An invitation suite refers to a couple’s entire collection of wedding stationery. Basic invitation suites include stamps, wax seals, envelopes, an invitation, and an RSVP card.

LETTERPRESS Letterpress is a printing technique that leaves paper goods with the impression of text, either raised or indented. It is typically more expensive than other printing methods, but is considered a luxury product.

PROCESSION The procession is the first part of the wedding ceremony. Immediate family members, bridal party members and the couple walk down the aisle. The processional refers to the music played during the procession.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL A signature cocktail is a beverage chosen by the couple, served at the reception. Often, the cocktail is named after a hobby, pet or alma mater.

WEDDING BREAKFAST Not literally a morning meal, a wedding breakfast is the first meal served to the couple and their guests following the ceremony. This term is most often used in the United Kingdom.