The A-Z glossary of wedding words every couple should know

Feature Image: Styling: Emunah Events at Wynmère Estate. Photo: Wylde Folk Weddings

You may have noticed the wedding world can sometimes speak its own special language. Boutonnière and bonbonnière. MOB and MOG. Crudité and canapé. And what the heck is a Force Majeure? But never fear; we’re here to help untangle some of those trickier words and terms so you’re up to speed when planning your Queensland wedding.

Let’s hit translate on the A-Z glossary of wedding words every couple should know …

After-party


Yep, we’re starting at the end! As the name suggests, this celebration occurs after the ‘official’ wedding has ended. It may be in a different part of your venue or in a completely new after-hours locale.

Altar


Traditionally, this would be a physical platform or structure where the couple stands before a priest to commence their ceremony rituals. In a modern ceremony, the altar is more symbolic but still a focal point for your vows.

Alternate Drop


This reception term refers to two signature dishes being served alternately around the table. Your guests won’t order a preference, but they can swap with their neighbour.

Bonbonnière (or Bomboniere)


Both these words refer to wedding favours: small gifts or keepsakes given to guests at the reception. The only difference? Bonbonnière is the French spelling while bomboniere is the Italian way.

Boutonnière


Not to be confused with bonbonnière, a boutonnière (or buttonhole) is a small floral arrangement pinned to the lefthand jacket lapel, over the heart, of the groom, groomsmen, and father of the bride/groom.

Bridal Table


Getting stuck into the reception seating plan? You’ve probably discussed a bridal table (or head table) already. This special perch is reserved for the couple and their wedding party, usually with the newlyweds seated in the middle.

Bump In & Bump Out


The set times agreed between you (or your planner/stylist) and your venue for setting up your event (bump in) and then packing it down again (bump out).

Canapé


A small, savoury snack that can be eaten in one or two bites.

Charger 


A large plate that forms the basis of your table setting, often sitting beneath the dinner plate.

Cocktail Hour


The time between the ceremony and reception (it doesn’t have to be an actual hour) when guests mingle with drinks and light snacks while the newlyweds are roaming with their photographer. Many couples spice up their cocktail hour with entertainment, live music, and lawn games so it feels like an extension of the festivities rather than a waiting game.

Confetti Toss


Once reserved for the ceremony exit, the modern confetti toss is a fun photo-op you might call on during your bridal party shoot. Check out how to create the perfect confetti toss + 10 or our favourite confetti images.

Content Creator


A photographer who shoots images and short clips with socials in mind. They’ll usually deliver an Insta-ready package within 24 hours so you can post away while you await the official photographs. See also: Sneak Peek.

Corkage


A service fee charged by the venue when you BYO alcohol. This may cover chilling and storage, glassware, ice, removal of bottles, and service of your chosen drops.

Crudité


A colourful assortment of fresh vegetables chopped and presented on a platter with a dip or sauce.

Day-of coordinator


Your right-hand woman (or man) who will liaise with vendors, troubleshoot on your behalf, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

Dietary requirements


The food preferences and allergies of your favourite people — important when planning your menu, choosing your caterer, and creating an optimum guest experience.

Dress code


Rather than pick through the fashion minefield that is wedding dressing here, we’ve dedicated a whole article to cracking the dress code.

Elopement


Traditionally, a secret ceremony with the couple, their officiant, and a photographer/witness. Many modern couples are more open about their just-us plans and may ‘elope’ with their children or even a small group of guests. See also: Minimony.

Escort Cards & Place Cards


Escort cards direct guests to a designated table. Place cards are more specific, sitting on the table to assign a ‘place’ for each guest to sit.

Exit/Send-Off


Whether you mark the occasion with sparklers, bubbles, or burn-outs, your wedding exit marks the official end point — and a cue for guests to leave if they’re not heading to the after-party.

First Dance


When the newly minted couple (that’s YOU!) takes to the floor alone for one song before being joined by other guests. Check out some of our favourite wedding dance videos that have gone viral.

First Look


A ‘first look’ can take many forms, from unveiling your ensemble to your bridesmaids to dad seeing you as a bride for the first time to a private walk-through at your reception site.

First Touch


A moment for the couple to connect before the ceremony without actually seeing one another.

Fixed Expense


A part of your quote that won’t fluctuate with guest numbers, such as photography, a wedding gown, or entertainment.

Force Majeure


One you might see on contracts: a French word translated as ‘superior force or act of God’ referring to emergency or extreme circumstances where a vendor may be unable to fulfil their obligations.

Ganache


A richly indulgent cream and chocolate mixture that can be used to fill or coat a wedding cake.

Golden Hour


Those moments just before sunset when the light hits just right — your photographer will know all about this one!

Gobo 


In wedding terms, a custom stencil where light shines through to create a pattern or motif. Imagine your monogram or names projected onto the dancefloor or to a screen behind the bridal table.

HMUA


Hair/Make-up Artist. Aka: that absolute spellcaster who makes you the best version of you!

Hucks 


You guessed it: hens + bucks = hucks! Think hucks parties for your whole crew or even a hucks honeymoon where you holiday with your besties.

Intimate Wedding


Cosy, small, scaled-back. However you spin it, an intimate wedding usually has 100 guests or less.

Invitation Suite


All the printed elements of your invitation lineup including the invite itself, envelope, return card, and details of the day.

Just In Case Stuff


Think wedding-day emergency kit, saving your vows to your phone, and a wet-weather plan.

Kids


Will you or won’t you (include them in your wedding, that is)? If you’re creating a family-friendly event, ensure kids are well catered for as it can be a long day for little ones. If adults-only is more your style, politely let your guests know from the outset.

Letterpress


A traditional printing method that creates a raised imprint on heavyweight paper, and a luxurious, formal feel for your stationery.

MC


Short for Master of Ceremonies, this is essentially the host of your wedding. They keep everyone in the loop, gather guests for key events, introduce speakers, and keep the whole event moving. This role can be taken by a pro or a friend with the gift of the gab.



Micro Wedding


A small wedding, usually 10 – 30 guests.

Minimony


A cute name for a petite ceremony of around ten guests that may or may not include a traditional reception. Bigger than an Elopement, smaller than a Micro or Intimate Wedding.

MOB, MOG & MOH


It’s easy. MOB = Mother of the Bride. MOG = Mother of the Groom. MOH = Maid or Matron of Honour, usually the chief bridesmaid or person closest to the bride.

Naked Cake


A wedding cake with little to no icing around the sides.

Non-denominational Chapel


Non-denominational chapels are not associated with any religious faith, meaning everyone is welcome to marry there and bring whomever they choose to officiate. Check out 10 of the best non-denominational chapels in QLD.

Officiant


A person legally certified to perform your wedding ceremony. This may be a church or religious leader or authorised marriage celebrant.

Open Bar


A fully stocked bar (wine, beer, cocktail and alcohol-free options) with free-flowing drinks for your guests.

Pet Sitter


This pet professional will help your best dog make their entrance, wait quietly during the official bits, and even head home for a nap.

Plan B 


A second ceremony and/or reception space in case of rain. This all-weather option needs to be handy to your original site and communicated clearly to guests if needed.

Private cake cutting


A personal moment to cut the cake away from your guests.

Processional


The part of the ceremony where everyone starts walking down the aisle in a specific order.

Questions


You will have many and none are too silly or obvious not to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors anything to help understand or clarify what’s possible and what’s in that pesky fine print. A good vendor will always be happy to help.

Receiving line


A wedding tradition in which guests form a line and the happy couple greets each guest individually (à la Kate and Wills at a royal event).



Recessional


With papers signed, the newlyweds walk back down the aisle to their recessional music (a favourite song or musical piece), marking the official end of the ceremony.

Repurposing


The idea of using one element of your décor somewhere else. Think ceremony flowers adorning the reception. Especially important if you want to reduce your wedding footprint or are looking to save money on your wedding (or both!).

Room Block


A group of hotel or resort rooms available to wedding guests at a discounted rate.

Room Flip


Transforming a room at different stages of an event, usually a ceremony space into a reception space. Your venue and stylist will coordinate to create the next chapter of your wedding day story.

Save The Date


The invite you send before the official invitation – especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding and need to give guests time to save for travel and organise time off.

Sheet Cake


A large, simple rectangular cake that is easy to slice, budget-friendly, and feeds a crowd. Often used with a smaller and more elaborate ‘cutting’ cake.

Sneak Peek


A small but gorgeous gallery of photos that capture the spirit of your day, usually shared by your photographer within a week of the wedding. A sneak peek of your full gallery.

Stylist


A wedding stylist/designer is all about the visuals, helping create the look and feel of your big day. They liaise with other vendors, help create a seamless aesthetic, and assist with ideas if you don’t know where to start.

Sweetheart Table


A small table for newlyweds only. This seating style puts you in the spotlight but also gives equal favour to other guests (rather than the bridal party being by your side).

Tablescape


A styled/decorated dining table at your reception that features items such as stationery, cutlery, crockery, florals, and candles in a cohesive and beautiful way.

Trunk Show


A special shopping event in which a bridal boutique offers a limited-time collection of gowns from a particular designer.

Unplugged Ceremony


When you politely request a pause on screen time. The idea is that guests put away their phones and cameras and stay in the moment, also giving your photographer a clear run at the best angles.

Usher


A person assigned to greet, direct, and seat your guests at the ceremony.

Vendor Meal


Served separately from the reception, this meal is a thank-you to your hardworking team (think photographer, videographer, and the band).

Walk Through


This may refer to a venue inspection or a private stroll around your reception setup before guests flood in.

Wedding Website


An online hold-all for your wedding info and comms. Wedding websites take guests beyond the invite with everything they need in one place and up-to-date details as the big day approaches.

Wedding Planner & Wedding Coordinator


We’ve popped these together as many couples ask the difference. A wedding planner takes a project manager role, focusing on logistics and helping navigate the wedding journey (think brainstorming, budgets, and bookings). A wedding coordinator is on board for a shorter time but will get into the details, double-check everything, and oversee and coordinate final preparations.

Witness


A person who watches the ceremony and signs the paperwork afterward. In Queensland, you need two witnesses who are over 18. A perfect opportunity to include Nana.

Xtreme Weather 


When planning a Queensland wedding, you know weather is a factor. Luckily, most wedding venues offer an all-weather or wet-weather alternative for peace of mind.

Yes (and No)


You’ll soon be well-versed in both. Remember: Lock it in when it feels right (a thousand times YES!) but pass on anything that doesn’t feel like you (nah, nope, no thank you).

Zzzzzz


Get some beauty sleep where you can because planning a wedding can be fun, exciting, emotional, and … exhausting!