The ABC’s of Weddings: A-Z Terms for Planning the Big Day
There’s no denying that weddings are a time for happiness and merriment. In the spirit of adding some playful charm to the world of weddings, we’ve rounded up a list of wedding words to define the common language used to describe elements of the big day.
The ABC’s of Weddings
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This alphabetized list of wedding words that are sure to bring a smile to your face, and might even teach you a thing of two! So, without further ado, let’s define the words of weddings so you can navigate the nuptial process like a pro!
A – Aisle
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The pathway down which the bride walks to reach the altar during the ceremony.
B – Bridesmaids
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Close female friends or relatives of the bride who assist her during the wedding planning process and stand beside her during the ceremony.
C – Centerpieces
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Decorative arrangements placed in the middle of reception tables as a focal point.
D – Destination Wedding
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A wedding that takes place in a location away from the couple’s hometown or residence.
E – Engagement Ring
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A ring given by one partner to another as a symbol of their intent to marry.
F – First Dance
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The first dance shared by the newlyweds at the reception.
G – Groomsmen
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Close male friends or relatives of the groom who assist him during the wedding planning process and stand beside him during the ceremony.
H – Honeymoon
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A vacation taken by the newlyweds immediately after the wedding to celebrate and spend quality time together.
I – Invitations
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Printed or digital cards sent to guests to formally invite them to the wedding.
J – Junior Bridesmaid
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A young girl, usually between the ages of 8 and 16, who takes on a role similar to a bridesmaid in the wedding party. The junior bridesmaid typically walks down the aisle with the bridesmaids and participates in pre-wedding events but may have slightly different responsibilities and attire to suit her age.
K – Ketubah
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A Ketubah is a traditional Jewish marriage contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the bride and groom. It typically includes the couple’s vows, promises, and financial obligations to each other. The Ketubah is often signed by the couple, witnesses, and the officiant and is considered an important symbol of their commitment and love.
L – License
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A marriage license is a legal document obtained from a government authority that grants a couple permission to marry. It is typically obtained prior to the wedding ceremony and serves as proof that the couple meets the legal requirements to enter into marriage. The license is usually signed by the couple, witnesses, and the officiant, and is an essential document for the marriage to be legally recognized.
M – Maid of Honor
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The bride’s chief attendant who provides emotional support, assists with wedding planning, and stands beside her during the ceremony.
N – Newlyweds
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Newlyweds refers to a couple who has recently gotten married and is still in the early stages of their marriage.
O – Officiant
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The person who conducts the wedding ceremony and legally binds the couple in marriage.
P – Processional
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The formal entrance of the wedding party, including the couple, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other honored guests, into the ceremony venue.
Q – Quaint
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Quaint is an adjective that can be used to describe a charming, old-fashioned, or picturesque wedding venue or setting. It suggests a sense of unique beauty and nostalgic appeal.
R – RSVP
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An acronym for the French phrase “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which translates to “Please respond.” It indicates that the guest should inform the couple whether or not they will attend the wedding.
S – Seating Chart
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A plan or diagram that outlines where guests will be seated during the reception.
T – Tuxedo
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A formal suit worn by the groom and groomsmen during the wedding ceremony and reception.
U – Unity Candle
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A symbolic candle lighting ceremony in which the couple lights a single candle together to represent the merging of their lives and families.
V – Vows
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Personalized promises or declarations of love and commitment exchanged between the couple during the wedding ceremony.
W – Wedding Cake
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A multi-tiered cake served at the reception as a traditional centerpiece and dessert.
X – Exchanging Rings
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The act of the couple exchanging wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another.
Y – Yard Games
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While not a traditional wedding term, yard games are becoming increasingly popular at outdoor weddings. These include activities like cornhole, croquet, or giant Jenga, which provide entertainment for guests during the reception.
Z – Zenith
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A term used to describe the highest point or peak of the wedding day, such as the moment the couple says “I do” or the climax of the celebration.
The ABCs of Weddings
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Weddings are all about celebrating love, creating unforgettable memories, and embracing the joy that comes with joining two lives together. And what better way to infuse some extra fun into these heartwarming occasions than by exploring a delightful array of wedding words from A to Z? Now that we’ve journeyed through the alphabet, we hope this list of wedding terms and definitions for each letter of the alphabet helps you navigate the wedding process like a pro!
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