A friend recently told us about a slightly embarrassing moment with a prospective vendor for her wedding.
During a text conversation, she asked the hair and makeup artist about getting a “makeup preview.”
After a pause, the vendor responded, “Are you interested in a makeup trial?”
Oops. Close, but not quite right. (A makeup trial, by the way, is a chance for you to get made up in advance to see if you want to fine-tune your look a bit before your big day.) Our friend confirmed with a LOL, and the vendor answered her questions politely. Not a big deal.
It’s not at all uncommon for couples to find the slew of terms used in the wedding industry a bit confusing. Having definitions of some of the most common ones could save you some time and help ensure that you and those you’re communicating with are on the same page
Here are a few other wedding terms you may encounter during your planning process.
Contracts
Force Majeure: This refers to situations or events beyond anyone’s control that free parties from their contractual obligations without penalty. Examples include severe weather, fire, and acts of war or terrorism.
Indemnity: If you agree to indemnify a wedding service or product survivor, you are agreeing not to hold them liable for something that goes wrong.
Retainer: The money you pay when you sign your contract to put it into effect. Generally, a retainer is not refundable
Photography
Engagement session: A photo shoot, ideally with the same photographer you’ll work with at your wedding, for your engagement photos.
First look: A relatively new trend, this refers to a couple seeing each other for a few moments before their ceremony. You can ask your photographer to take photos during this time.
Shot list: Everything you want your photographer to capture at your wedding.
Tables
Charger: Hint: It has nothing to do with your cell phone. A charger is a large plate that acts as a placemat. Other dishes with various courses, from salads to the main course, are placed on it and removed as the meal progresses. Chargers are usually used at formal events.
Place setting; This refers to the items laid out for each guest at the reception table. A place setting likely will include dishes, silverware, glasses, and linens, along with any special touches, from a place card to a flower, you’d like to add.
Sweetheart table: A table just for you and your partner.
Venues
BEO: The banquet event order is a formal agreement between you and your venue (and/or caterer) with the details of what they’ll be providing including ballroom set up, bar orders, food selections, and staff.
Food and beverage minimum: If your venue provides in-house catering, it may specify an amount you’ll need to spend on your catering.
Walk-Through: This refers to touring a venue. You can arrange to do this before committing to holding your event there and again, during your wedding planning, to finalize details.
Wedding Food/Catering
Cocktail hour: A pre-dinner reception where drinks and light appetizers are served. Usually takes place after the ceremony.
Family style: Food is served on large platters for guests to pass around and serve themselves. More informal than plated dinners.
Plated dinner: Each guest is served an individual plate with preset courses. More formal than family style.
Buffet: Food is set up on long tables and guests serve themselves. Allows guests to choose what they want.
Food station: A table or booth dedicated to serving one particular type of food, like a pasta station, slider station, or mac-and-cheese station. Stations add variety and interactivity to the reception.
Late-night snack: Light bites served late in the evening after dinner, like pizza, sliders, or fries.
Signature cocktail: A customized drink created specially for the wedding. Often incorporates flavors or ingredients meaningful to the couple.
Wedding Dress Terms
A-line: A dress silhouette that is fitted at the top and flares out at the waist resembling an "A" shape. Universally flattering.
Ballgown: A dramatic silhouette with a fitted bodice and full skirt that flares out. Traditionally used for formal weddings.
Sheath: A straight, slim-fitting silhouette that follows the curves of the body. Sophisticated and elegant.
Mermaid: Fitted through the hips and thighs, then flares out dramatically at the knees, resembling a mermaid's tail.
Sweetheart neckline: A dress neckline with a wide curved scoop resembling the top of a heart shape.
Trumpet: Fitted through the hips then gradually flares out at the knees. In between mermaid and A-line shapes.
Train: Extra length of fabric flowing behind the gown. Can be short or long.
Videography
Feature film: Also known as highlight film, this is a collection of the key events that take place on your wedding day.
Raw footage: Everything that was shot by your videography team with no edits made.
Wedding trailer: A short, shareable film, three to five minutes, that provides a look at your day. It generally is set to music and could include interviews with your loved ones.
The Bell Tower on 34th is an elegant wedding venue with valet parking, onsite security and full event-planning services.
Our venue, near Conroe, TX, serves the greater Houston area.