Planning a wedding is like learning a new language. Suddenly you’re hearing words like processional, charge to the couple, and corkage fee—and everyone assumes you know what they mean. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick crash course in wedding lingo that’ll help you sound like a pro (and feel less lost in the details).
Ceremony Terms
Processional – The order in which everyone walks down the aisle. Usually starts with grandparents and ends with the bride or the couple together.
Recessional – The exit march after the ceremony ends—think “you’re married!” and the upbeat music that follows.
Prelude – The background music played while guests are being seated before the ceremony starts.
Invocation / Opening Words – The officiant’s welcome at the start of the ceremony. It sets the tone and invites everyone to be present.
Charge to the Couple – A brief message from the officiant offering advice or reflection about marriage before the vows.
Vows – The promises you make to each other. You can use traditional ones, write your own, or mix both.
Declaration of Intent – The legal “I do” part. It’s the question the officiant asks (“Do you take this person…?”), and you answer “I do.”
Pronouncement – The magic moment when the officiant says, “I now pronounce you married!”
Unity Ceremony – A symbolic gesture (like lighting a candle, tying a cord, or pouring sand) to represent two lives becoming one.
Officiant – The person who performs your wedding ceremony and makes it legal. (Hi, that’s me!)
Reception & Venue Terms
Cocktail Hour – The social time between the ceremony and reception while you take photos and guests enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Head Table / Sweetheart Table – The special seating spot for the couple or wedding party during the meal.
Corkage Fee – What a venue charges per bottle if you bring your own alcohol instead of using theirs.
Plated Dinner vs. Buffet – Plated means servers bring each course to guests at their tables. Buffet means guests serve themselves.
Open Bar vs. Cash Bar – Open bar = you pay for everyone’s drinks. Cash bar = guests pay for their own.
Day-of Coordinator / Wedding Planner – The person who runs the show behind the scenes, keeps the timeline on track, and solves problems before you even know they exist.
Photography & Vendor Terms
First Look – A private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. Great for nerves (and photos).
Content Creator / Content Wedding Photographer – A new trend! Someone who captures candid, behind-the-scenes moments on phone or video for instant social media content—while your main photographer focuses on the polished shots.
Second Shooter – Don’t be alarmed. That’s a backup photographer who captures different angles and moments your main photographer can’t cover alone.
Retainer / Deposit – The upfront payment that secures your vendor’s services and locks in your date.
Timeline – The detailed schedule of the entire wedding day—from hair and makeup to the last dance.
Miscellaneous Terms
Elopement – Once meant running off secretly; now it usually just means a small, simple wedding with a few guests (or none).
Micro-Wedding – A scaled-down version of a traditional wedding, typically 20–50 guests.
Rehearsal – The practice run before the ceremony where everyone learns where to stand, walk, and cue their part.
Marriage License – The legal document you get before the wedding. Without it, the ceremony isn’t legally binding.
Marriage Certificate – The legal proof you get after your marriage is filed with the county.
Final Thought
Weddings come with their own language, but don’t let the terminology intimidate you. Most of these words are just shorthand for traditions and logistics. The heart of the day—the love, the commitment, and the connection with your guests—is what really matters.
If you ever hear a wedding term and wonder, “What the heck does that mean?”—just ask me. I’ve learned a lot more about weddings than I ever planned to.