Weddings - Part 2
When planning a wedding there is much to consider and, for those who haven’t planned a wedding before, it can be quite daunting. The words and terminology surrounding a wedding can be a little confusing. In this blog, we will endeavour to simplify some of the words and phrases used by wedding vendors including caterers, photographers, cake makers, musicians, etc.
We have created an A - Z of the most common words and phrases you will hear when planning your wedding. If the wedding professionals, you are working with use a word you are not familiar with just ask them to clarify what they mean.
Destination wedding – Some couples choose to hold their wedding in another country, often holding their ceremony on a beach. These weddings are usually much smaller than weddings in the couple’s hometown.
Elopement - In the past, some couples held their wedding ceremonies in secret because their parents had refused to give their consent to the marriage. The term now is sometimes used to refer to an intimate wedding ceremony, often abroad, where the couple haven’t invited many family and friends. Often, they will hold a celebration party for the family and friends at a later date.
Favours – Wedding favours are small gifts given to each wedding guest. They are usually placed on the tables at each place setting. These gifts can be a packet of wildflower seeds, a cupcake, a small box of chocolate, sweets, etc.
Fondant – The icing covering on a wedding cake onto which decorative details are added.
Garland – Garlands are strings of greenery and flowers which are used to decorate the tables are the wedding.
Head table or top table – The top table is where the couple and main wedding party sit, usually including the parents and the chief bridesmaid and the best man. The top table is often more elaborately decorated than the other tables.
Hen-do - A pre-wedding party for the bride and her female friends and relatives to celebrate the forthcoming wedding. These can be simply going out for a meal at a restaurant, often involving a limousine, or can be a weekend away or sometimes a trip abroad.
Master of ceremonies or MC – Some venues will provide this. The MC is essential for the smooth running of the wedding day. They will oversee the set-up on the day, making sure everything runs smoothly and on time.
Micro-wedding - Wedding parties with less than 50 guests is often referred to as a micro-wedding. The planning and wedding day will be more or less the same as a larger wedding just with fewer guests.
MOH – Stands for maid or matron of honour. The chief bridesmaid is usually the bride’s sister or closest friend. The MOH is usually the one who plans the hen-do and helps the bride with the wedding planning.
Mood board – This is a collection of pictures, colours and swatches gathered together to help inspire the bride as she works on her wedding design. It will help in working out what elements work best together.
Open bar - The bar at the venue has a selection of wine, beer and spirits available for the guests free of charge. This can be very expensive. It is better to place a sum of money behind the and once this is used up guests will then have to pay for their drinks. Many couples provide a couple of bottles of wine on each table to be consumed with the meal and any further drinks the guests can buy from the bar.
