Brides & Weddings Magazine
ARBOR: An arch of branches, vines and/or flowers that the bride and groom stand under to say their vows. Also sometimes called a “wedding arch.”
BUSTLE: Fastening the wedding dress in back to lift the train off the ground. This is usually done for the reception to allow the bride to move and dance more easily. Bustling the dress is often accomplished with hidden buttons, hooks and/or strings.
DAY-OF PLANNER: A wedding coordinator who works with you primarily on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes smoothly (as opposed to a full-service planner who works with you throughout all of the months leading up to the wedding).
DESTINATION WEDDING: A wedding that takes place away from the couple’s home. Often, a destination wedding takes place in a dream vacation spot.
ELOPE: Long ago, eloping meant getting married without telling your family, usually because they didn’t approve. Now, eloping has evolved to mean any wedding that takes place with only the bride, groom and officiant.
ESCORT CARDS: Cards that display the guest’s name and indicate the table they have been assigned for the reception.
FIRST LOOK: When the bride and groom see each other privately in their wedding attire before the ceremony.
GRAND ENTRANCE: The moment when the bride and groom are announced and enter the reception. The grand entrance often leads directly into the first dance.
PROCESSIONAL: The part of the ceremony in which the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle. This can also refer to the music that plays during this time.
RECESSIONAL: The part of the wedding in which the newly married couple, followed by the wedding party, walk back down the aisle after the ceremony.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: A specialty drink chosen just for the wedding. The recipe or name often has meaning for the couple.
STATIONERY SUITE: All of the stationery for the wedding: save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes. This is sometimes also called an “invitation suite.”
TABLESCAPE: The arrangement of the place settings, centerpieces, table numbers and other decorations on the reception tables.
TROUSSEAU: The clothes, linens and other items that a bride saves for her wedding and new married life. Often includes pretty lingerie.
TRUNK SHOW: A special sale where wedding dress designers travel to a store and offer their gowns directly to the customers. It often includes a discounted price or the ability to purchase gowns that are not otherwise available.
