Weddings - Part 3
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.
Palette – The palette is the selection of colours you have chosen for your wedding. There are usually three colours: the main colour, a complementary colour and an accent colour. It is often a good idea to add different shades of the main colour to add interest. For example, if the main colour is pink adding different shades of pink, such as blush pink, hot pink, pale pink and fuschia, will create a fuller look. This colour scheme will work throughout all the elements of the wedding from the bridal flowers, room décor, bridesmaid’s dresses and invitations.
Place card – Cards with each guest’s name written on it, showing each guest where to sit when they have located their table. Sometimes the guests are allocated a table but can choose where they sit on the table, in which case the place card will not be needed.
Place setting – All the cutlery, charger, plates, water glass and wine or champagne glass will be set on the table ready for each guest.
Plus one – If a wedding guest doesn’t have a partner they can bring a friend so they aren’t alone, especially if they aren’t likely to know many of the other wedding guests. The wedding invitation will have their name on and “plus one”
Procession – The bridal party members walk down the aisle and then the bride will make her entrance.
Processional – The processional is the music, chosen by the bride which is played when the bridal party walk down the aisle followed by the bride. This music or song officially marks the beginning of the ceremony.
Rain plan – We all would like nice weather for the wedding, but this isn’t always possible, the weather is unpredictable. If elements of the wedding are to be held outside, it is a good idea to have a backup plan for these elements to be held undercover if the weather is bad.
Recessional – the music played when the bride and groom make their exit.
Rehearsal dinner – this pre-wedding event often takes place the night before the wedding. After the wedding rehearsal the wedding party will have a dinner.
Usher – The ushers are present before the ceremony begins and are there to show people where to sit and offer any assistance required. They were traditionally male family or close friends of the couple but now are often both male and female family or close friends.
Videographer – In the past, a photographer would be present at the wedding to catch all those special moments but, increasingly, a videographer will be present as well to video the ceremony and key moments.
Wedding planner – Often couples will plan their own wedding from venue hire to flower suppliers. It is very time-consuming and knowing where to start can be daunting. But some couples choose to hire a wedding planner who will help orchestrate the whole wedding. They can advise on what is required for the wedding, from start to finish. They will know the best wedding suppliers in your area and set up meetings with them so all the couple needs to do is turn up for the meetings and choose what they think will be best for them. For example, if you live in Manchester they will know the best wedding cake makers in the area and recommend visiting one of these cake makers to discuss the design for the cake and choose cake flavours. Everything to do with the cake can be decided at this meeting including the delivery and set up of the cake.