Bachelorette
A term used to describe the bride while she is engaged and before she is married.
Bridal Shower
A party given for the bride (sometimes including the groom) before the wedding. The party is usually coordinated by the bridesmaids and brides mother to have a fun time and offer gifts for the happy couples new home.
Bubbles
Small bottle of soap with a dip stick, used in place of rice at the wedding send off of the bride and groom.
Best Man
Usually a close friend or relative of the groom. They will have many duties; holding the ring, signing the marriage license, announcing speeches and making a toast at the reception.
Boutonniere
A single flower worn on the lapel of man’s jacket.
Bouquet
This refers to a bunch of flowers, usually carried by the attendants and the bride.
Cake Top
A statue or other collectable used to embellish the top of the happy couples wedding cake.
Corsage
A single flower or a group of flowers usually with ribbon or lace for the hand or on a pin for mothers or close relatives.
Cummerbund
A broad sash worn around a man’s waist on top of his shirt but under the jacket.
Centerpiece
A large decoration in the center of the table at a wedding reception.
Cake Server
A wide knife used in the tradition of cutting a wedding cake.
Dowry
The money, goods, or estate, which a woman brings to her husband in marriage. A gift; an endowment.
Flower Basket
A basket used by the flower girl to hold flower petals to be tossed down the aisle before the bride makes her entrance.
Father of the Bride
The person that usually pays for the wedding and escorts the bride down the aisle.
Favors
Small gifts that are given to your guests at the wedding as a thank you for their attendance.
Fiancé
The groom or husband-to-be between the engagement time and the wedding.
Fiancée
The engaged woman.
Guest Book
A book used at the wedding to collect signatures and addresses of guests attending the wedding.
Garter
Used by the bride to hold up stocking and to be tossed by the groom to the single men at the wedding.
Groom’s Cake
Usually served at the engagement party or the rehearsal dinner. A smaller version of the wedding cake or cake theme to the groom’s interests.
Honor Attendants
This is grooms best man and the bride’s maid or matron of honor.
Maid of Honor
An unmarried woman and the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride herself. One of her duties is to hold the brides bouquet during the vows; and to make sure the brides dress is in its proper place.
Man of Honor
Some brides prefer to have a male friend attending to the duties of the maid of honor.
Matron of Honor
The maid of honor who is already married.
Officiant
The official, cleric, priest, pastor, minister or captain that carries out the wedding ceremony.
Place Cards
Seating cards to let the wedding guest know where they are to be seated at the wedding reception.
Rehearsal Dinner
A dinner held before the wedding for the families to get together and rehearse the ceremony.
Ring Bearer
A young boy who walks down the aisle as part of the bridal procession carrying the small ornamental pillow that has two rings tied to it.
Toasting Glasses
A set of glasses used at the wedding reception for the bride and groom for beverages and to use during the wedding toast.
Tuxedo
A single or double breasted jacket that is paired with matching trousers and worn at a formal or semiformal evening wedding.
Tossing Bouquet
This is a separate bouquet, like the bridal bouquet that is used to throw towards the bridesmaids and other female guests at the wedding reception.
Vows
At the very heart of the wedding ceremony, the vows are exchanged between the bride and the groom. They are promises of love, future loyalty, trust and support. Some couples write their own vows.
Wedding Party
Attendants that are part of a wedding such as Maid of Honor, Best Man, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids.
Wedding Veil
A layer of tulle used by the bride as a headpiece. Sometimes the veil covers the brides face as she walks down the aisle.
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