Wedding Terminology

If you've been online reading through articles or even through bridal magazines - you may have come across some words that you've never even heard before. We understand!

Below is a great big list of Wedding Terminology and Definitions - to help you understand exactly what it is that you are reading about.

If there are any words that you aren't sure of, please contact us and we'll add them to the list!

Ascot - a necktie or scarf with broad ends, tied and arranged so that the ends are laid flat, one across the other, sometimes with a pin to secure them

Backpiece - a comb that sits on the back of a bride's head and is used for attaching her veil.

Ballet - a veil length below the bride's knees, but above her ankles - also known as a waltz length.

Basket Weave - a textile weave consisting of double threads interlaced to produce a checkered pattern similar to that of a woven basket. Very popular on wedding cakes.

Blusher - a short, single layered veil that covers the bride's face before the ceremony.

Bomboniere - (Italian) also known as "favors," are gifts given out on special occasions to the guests.

Boutonniere - a flower or small bouquet worn, usually by a man, in the buttonhole of a lapel.

Bridal Procession - the bride's accompanying entourage - can be as lengthy as venue and cost permits

Cornelli - a complicated decorative form of icing resembling lacework on the wedding cake.

Corsage - a small bouquet worn at the waist, on the shoulder, on the wrist, etc., by a woman.

Cummerbund - a wide sash worn at the waist, esp. a horizontally pleated one worn with a tuxedo.

Dais - A podium or platform raised from the floor. In wedding receptions, it is where the bride and groom are seated. The word is also used to indicate the flower display on the couple's table.

Damask - a reversible fabric of linen, silk, cotton, or wool, woven with patterns.

Dotted Swiss - a method of decorating the wedding cake which involves small random dots of icing.

Dowry - Also, dower. The money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.

Dragees Round - the edible and brightly colored balls of sugar seen on wedding cakes.

Embellishments - These are extra adornments on a bridal gown. They may include; embroidery, lace, glass or crystal beads, ribbons, bows, sequins, fringes, pearls, etc.

Euro Tie - Often worn with a spread collar, this is a long tie that is more formal than a regular necktie, but less so than an ascot.

Flyaway - a many layered veil that will barely reach to the shoulder.

Fondant - a sweet creamy sugar paste used in candies and icings.

Fountain - a veil style - part is gathered up atop the bride's head and the remainder is loose to fall around her face. A fountain veil will reach to either the shoulder or the elbow, depending on preference.

Ganache - a whipped frosting or filling made with semisweet chocolate and cream, used for cakes, pastries, and candies.

Garlands - a wreath or festoon, especially one of plaited flowers or leaves, worn on the body or draped as a decoration.

Latticework - icing pattern on a wedding cake that zigzags.

Mantilla - a silk or lace head scarf arranged over a high comb and falling over the back and shoulders, worn in Spain, Mexico, etc

Oasis - Hard foam used by florists in bouquet holders or vases with water. Place flower stems into, as an oasis (as its name suggests) to preserve for a long time. This will naturally allow for fresher looking flowers at the wedding.

Officiant - The cleric or official that performs the ceremony. He or she might even be a justice of the peace, magistrate or even the Captain of a ship (when onboard).

Pages or Page Boys - Small children (usually boys) who follow the bride down the aisle carrying some of her train. Also known as train bearers.

Pomander - A round ball covered by flower blooms. Carried by flower girls in the bridal procession who hold them by a ribbon.

Trousseau - French, from Old French, diminutive of trousse bundle. The personal possessions of a bride usually including clothes, accessories, and household linens and wares.

Tulle - A fine mesh used for the bridal veil and sometimes the wedding gown. Tulle is made from nylon, silk or rayon.