Wedding vocabulary and phrases in English

If you’re attending a wedding in an English-speaking country or communicating with English-speaking guests, it’s essential to be familiar with the most popular wedding vocabulary and phrases. In this article, we will introduce you to 62 common wedding-related words and 37 phrases that will help you understand and participate in wedding celebrations with ease.

Popular wedding words in English

1. Aisle: The passage where the bride walks towards the altar.
2. Altar: A decorated platform where the wedding ceremony takes place.
3. Best man: The groom’s closest friend who assists him on the wedding day.
4. Bouquet: A collection of flowers held by the bride during the wedding ceremony.
5. Bride: The woman getting married.
6. Bridesmaid: The bride’s female friends and family members who assist her on the wedding day.
7. Cake: A large decorated dessert served at the wedding reception.
8. Ceremony: The formal part of the wedding event where the couple exchange vows and rings.
9. Champagne: A sparkling wine often served in toasts during the wedding reception.
10. Engagement: The time between the proposal and the wedding.
11. Flower girl: A young girl who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering flowers.
12. Groom: The man getting married.
13. Groomsman: The groom’s male friends and family members who assist him during the wedding.
14. Honeymoon: The vacation taken by the newlywed couple after the wedding.
15. Invitation: A card or letter sent to guests, inviting them to attend the wedding.
16. Marriage License: A legal document obtained before the wedding to legalize the marriage.
17. Maid of Honor: The bride’s closest female friend or sister who supports her during the wedding.
18. Matrimony: The act of getting married.
19. Officiant: The person who leads the wedding ceremony, such as a priest, rabbi, or judge.
20. Photographer: A professional who takes photos of the wedding.
21. Proposal: The act of asking someone to marry you.
22. Reception: The party after the wedding ceremony, typically including food, drinks, and dancing.
23. Registry: A list of gifts that the couple would like to receive.
24. Rehearsal: A practice session for the wedding ceremony, usually held the day before the wedding.
25. Ring: A piece of jewelry that symbolizes the commitment of the couple.
26. RSVP: A request for guests to confirm their attendance at the wedding.
27. Speech: A talk given by the best man or other members of the wedding party at the reception.
28. Toast: A short speech given in honor of the couple, usually followed by raising a glass to their health and happiness.
29. Tuxedo: Formal attire worn by the groom and his groomsmen.
30. Veil: A piece of fabric worn by the bride over her face during the ceremony.
31. Vows: Promises made by the couple during the wedding ceremony.
32. Wedding: A celebration that represents the union of two people in marriage.
33. Wedding planner: A professional who assists in the planning and organization of a wedding.
34. Wedding dress: The gown worn by the bride during the ceremony.
35. Wedding party: The group of people involved in the wedding, including the bride, groom, best man, and bridesmaids.
36. Wedding ring: A band of metal worn by the couple as a symbol of their commitment.
37. White wedding: A traditional wedding featuring a white gown and formal attire for the wedding party.
38. Rehearsal Dinner: A formal dinner held the night before the wedding for close family members and friends.
39. Save the Date: An announcement sent well in advance of the wedding, notifying guests of the wedding date and location.
40. Usher: A person who helps seat the guests at the wedding ceremony.
41. Corsage: A small bouquet of flowers worn by the women in the wedding party.
42. Boutonnière: A single flower or small arrangement worn by the groom and his groomsmen, typically on the lapel of their suit or tuxedo.
43. First dance: The initial dance performed by the bride and groom together at the reception.
44. Father-daughter dance: A special dance between the bride and her father during the reception.
45. Mother-son dance: A special dance between the groom and his mother during the reception.
46. Centerpiece: A decorative piece that is placed in the center of the dining tables at the wedding reception.
47. Canapés: Small appetizers served at the beginning of a wedding reception.
48. Escort cards: Cards used at receptions to guide guests to their assigned seats at the dining tables.
49. Guestbook: A book in which guests write messages, wishes, and memories for the newlywed couple to keep.
50. Place card: A card placed at each seat that contains the guest’s name and indicates their assigned spot at the table.
51. Table setting: The arrangement of dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery at each seat during the reception.
52. Bridal suite: A designated room or area where the bride and her attendants get ready before the ceremony.
53. Garter: A decorative elastic band worn around the bride’s thigh, traditionally removed and tossed by the groom to unmarried male guests.
54. Cutting the cake: A tradition during the wedding reception in which the bride and groom cut the first slice of the cake and feed each other a small piece.
55. Signature drink: A unique alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage created and served specifically for the wedding, often representing the couple’s personality or tastes.
56. Programs: Printed materials handed out to guests at the ceremony, containing the order of events, participants in the wedding party, and other important details.
57. Processional: The entrance of the wedding party, including the bride and groom, during the wedding ceremony.
58. Recessional: The exit of the wedding party, including the bride and groom, following the completion of the wedding ceremony.
59. Seating chart: A visual guide used at wedding receptions to indicate the arrangement of guests at their respective tables.
60. Theme: A particular style or motif chosen to plan and decorate the wedding and reception around.
61. Wedding arch: A decorative structure, usually in the shape of an arch or circle, under which the couple exchange vows during the ceremony.
62. Wedding cake topper: A decoration placed on top of the wedding cake, often representing the bride and groom.

Popular wedding phrases in English and their meanings

1. “Will you marry me?” – A marriage proposal.
2. “I do.” – An affirmative response to a marriage proposal or during the wedding vows exchange.
3. “You may now kiss the bride.” – Permission by the officiant for the couple to share a kiss.
4. “Let’s celebrate!” – A phrase to begin the celebration after the wedding ceremony.
5. “To have and to hold, in sickness and in health…” – A part of the traditional wedding vows.
6. “We’re getting married – Announcing plans to get married.
7. “We’d love for you to be our bridesmaid/groomsman.” – Invitations to family and friends to join the wedding party.
8. “Please join us in celebrating our union.” – Invitation text for the wedding ceremony and reception.
9. “Congratulations on your engagement!” – A celebratory message for a recently engaged couple.
10. “Best wishes for your future together.” – A positive message for the newlywed couple.
11. “Save the date for our upcoming wedding!” – A reminder sent to guests in advance of the wedding.
12. “We request the honor of your presence at our wedding.” – A formal invitation phrase.
13. “Let’s raise a toast to the happy couple!” – Initiating a toast during the wedding reception.
14. “We’re planning the perfect wedding.” – Describing efforts to create a memorable wedding day.
15. “They make such a beautiful couple.” – A compliment about the couple’s appearance or compatibility.
16. “It’s time to cut the cake!” – Signaling to the guests that it’s time to enjoy the wedding cake.
17. “Please join us on the dance floor.” – Inviting guests to participate in dancing during the reception.
18. “Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness.” – A sentiment shared during a toast or speech.
19. “We’re so excited for our honeymoon.” – Expressing anticipation for the post-wedding vacation.
20. “Thank you for sharing our special day.” – Gratitude from the couple for their guests’ attendance.
21. “Their proposal was so romantic!” – Describing a heartfelt moment when one partner asks the other to marry them, expressing their love and commitment.
22. “They’re in the engagement period right now.” – The time between the proposal and the wedding, signifying commitment and intention to marry.
23. “Did you see her beautiful engagement ring?” – A precious symbol of love and commitment, usually worn on the ring finger.
24. “He got down on one knee and asked, ‘Will you marry me?'” – The classic question expressed by the man who wishes to spend the rest of his life with his beloved.
25. “My fiancé/fiancée and I are planning the wedding.” – Used to refer to engaged couples as they prepare for their forthcoming union.
26. “She had a lovely bridal shower!” – A celebratory event held in honor of the bride-to-be before the wedding day, featuring gifts and well wishes from loved ones.
27. “He had a wild stag!” – A celebration of the groom’s last days of bachelorhood with his male friends, filled with fun and laughter.
28. “The ringbearer did a great job of carrying the wedding rings.” – The young boy or girl responsible for bringing the couple’s rings during the ceremony.
29. “She wore a stunning veil.” – A delicate fabric worn by the bride, often covering her face before walking down the aisle.
30. “Breaking glass is a symbolic act in their wedding ceremony.” – A symbolic act, primarily found in Jewish weddings, that involves the groom smashing a glass with his foot, followed by celebratory shouts.
31. “The bride tossed the bouquet into the crowd.” – A tradition where the bride throws the bouquet to a group of single women, with the belief that the one who catches it will be the next to marry.
32. “Their first dance was a romantic waltz.” – The traditional dance performed by the newlyweds as their first dance together as a married couple.
33. “The wedding party was filled with love and support.” – The group of people involved in the wedding, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man, and other close friends and family members.
34. “After the wedding, they went on a fantastic honeymoon.” – A romantic getaway taken by the newly married couple after the wedding.
35. “He is now her husband, and she is wife.” – The titles given to the male and female partners in a marriage, signifying their love and commitment to each other.
36. “The flower girl sprinkled petals as she walked down the aisle.” A young girl scattering flower petals before the bride during the wedding ceremony.
37. “The ceremony took place in a registry office.” – Couples can legally marry at a registry office, where they exchange their vows and officially register their union.

Weddings are joyous occasions filled with love, laughter, and celebration. Familiarizing yourself with the most popular wedding vocabulary and phrases in English will ensure that you can fully participate in the festivities and enjoy every moment. Whether you’re a guest, a member of the wedding party, or the couple themselves, this guide will help you communicate clearly and confidently on the big day.