Altar: The focal point of the ceremony, where the couple exchanges vows and promises.

Black Tie: A formal dress code typically reserved for evening weddings, indicating guests should wear tuxedos or formal evening gowns.

Boutonnière: A small floral decoration traditionally worn by the groom/bride and/or members of the bridal party on the lapel of their suit jackets.

Bridal Party: Close friends and family members chosen by the couple to support them on their wedding day.

Bustle: A method of bustling up the train of the wedding dress to make it easier for the bride to move around after the ceremony.

Cake Cut: The moment when the couple ceremoniously cuts their wedding cake together.

Corsage: A small bouquet of flowers worn on the wrist or pinned to the dress of female members of the bridal party.

Centrepiece: Decorative arrangements placed in the center of dining tables at the reception.

Colour Palette: The chosen range of colours that sets the tone for the wedding's aesthetic.

Content Creator: A professional who specializes in creating visual content through photo and video for weddings, usually using their phone.

Charger: A decorative plate placed under the dinner plate to add elegance to the table setting.

Champagne Wall: A display where guests can help themselves to glasses of champagne.

Cocktail Hour: The period after the ceremony when guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres before the reception.

Day of Coordinator: A wedding planner who manages the details of the wedding day itself, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Detail Photos: Photographs that capture the small details of the wedding, such as the rings, invitations, and decorations.

Dress Reveal: The moment when the bride reveals her wedding dress to her bridal party and loved ones.

Engagement Session: A pre-wedding photoshoot to commemorate the couple's engagement.

First Dance: The inaugural dance shared by the newlyweds at the reception.

First Look: A private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time.

Flower Wall: A decorative backdrop made entirely of flowers, often used for photo opportunities.

Floor Plan: A layout of the venue showing the arrangement of tables, chairs, and other elements.

Golden Hour: The hour before sunset, known for its soft, flattering light ideal for photography.

Grand Entrance: The formal entrance of the newlyweds into the reception venue.

Head Table: A table reserved for the newlyweds, and bridal party at the reception.

Installation: A large-scale decorative element, such as a floral arch or hanging installation.

Junior Bridesmaid/Groomsman: Young members of the bridal party who are too old to be flower girls or ring bearers but too young to be bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Kiss Game: A game where guests must perform a task (such as telling a joke or singing a song) to earn the privilege of seeing the couple kiss.

Letterpress: A printing technique that creates a raised surface, producing elegant and tactile wedding invitations.

Place Card: A card indicating a guest's assigned seat at the reception.

Plus One: An invitation allowing a guest to bring a date or companion to the wedding.

Private Vows: Personal vows exchanged privately by the couple before or after the ceremony.

Makeup Trial: A trial session where the bride tries out different makeup looks before the wedding day, ideal to do for the engagement photos.

Matron of Honour/Maid of Honour/Man of Honour: The bride's closest female/male friend or family member who assists her throughout the wedding planning process and stands by her side on the big day.

Marriage License: A legal document required for a marriage to be recognized by the government.

Month of Coordinator: A wedding planner who assists with final preparations in the month leading up to the wedding.

Mood Board: A collage of images and ideas used to convey the desired aesthetic and atmosphere for the wedding.

No Look First Look: A first look where the couple does not actually see each other but exchanges gifts or letters.

Open Bar: A bar service where guests can order any drink without charge.

Photo Dash: A quick session of capturing essential group photos after the grand entrance into the ceremony. This is often played out as a game or “race” to do while a song is played and before it ends.

Procession/Processional: The formal entrance of the wedding party, including the bride's walk down the aisle.

Recession/Recessional: The formal exit of the wedding party following the ceremony.

Reception: The post-ceremony celebration where guests dine, dance, and celebrate the newlyweds.

Rehearsal Dinner: A dinner held the night before the wedding for the bridal party, close family, and friends.

RSVP: A request for guests to respond with their attendance status for the wedding.

Save the Dates: Announcements sent to guests in advance, indicating the date of the wedding and allowing them to mark their calendars.

Signature Cocktail: A special drink chosen by the couple to represent them and served at the reception.

Signing Album: A decorative album used for guests to sign as a keepsake of the wedding.

Sparkler Exit: A dramatic exit from the reception where guests hold sparklers as the couple departs.

Sweetheart Table: A small table reserved for the newlyweds at the reception, allowing them to share a private moment or eat their dinner if no head table is present.

Throw Away Bouquet: A bouquet tossed by the bride during the reception, traditionally caught by single female guests, symbolizing who will be the next to marry.

Train: The extension of fabric trailing behind the bride's gown, adding drama and elegance to her silhouette.

Up Lighting: Lighting placed on the floor to illuminate walls or other elements of the venue from below, creating a dramatic effect.

Usher: A person responsible for escorting guests to their seats at the ceremony.

Wedding Rehearsal: A practice run of the ceremony, ensuring that everyone knows their roles and the proceedings run smoothly.

Wedding Website: A personalized website created by the couple to provide information about the wedding, including venue details, accommodation options, and RSVP instructions.

With this comprehensive glossary in hand, couples and photographers alike can communicate effectively and ensure that every moment of the wedding day is captured beautifully. From the first look to the sparkler exit, each term represents a unique aspect of the celebration of love and commitment.

Written by Canadian Wedding Photographers founder Joel Boily