Your A-Z Wedding Glossary: Key Wedding Terms Explained

Planning a wedding can feel like learning a new language. Suddenly, you're surrounded by terms like "save the date," "cost per head," "canapés," and "RSVP," while your venue coordinator asks about an "open bar." We've gathered all the essential wedding terms in one place and explained them in simple, straightforward language — no fluff, no nonsense. Each entry is just a sentence or two, and for the bigger topics, you'll find a link to a more detailed guide.

We've split the glossary into four sections: Formalities & Invitations, Guests & The Reception, Traditions & The Ceremony, and Budget & Logistics. You can read it from top to bottom or use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) to find a specific term.

Formalities, Invitations & RSVPs

RSVP

RSVP is a request for your guests to confirm their attendance. It's an abbreviation of the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." You include it on your invitation to find out how many guests will be coming. These days, most couples collect RSVPs digitally using a form on their wedding website. Learn more in our guide to RSVP.

Save the date

A save the date is a brief, early announcement of your wedding date, sent long before the official invitation. It doesn't include all the details — its only job is to get your guests to mark the day in their calendars. They're usually sent out 6–12 months before the wedding. See how to create the perfect save the date.

Wedding invitation

A wedding invitation is the official announcement of your wedding and reception, containing all the key information: who's inviting, when and where the ceremony and reception are taking place, and the RSVP request. It can be a traditional paper card, a digital invitation, or a hybrid — a paper invite with a QR code linking to your wedding website.

Digital invitation (e-invite)

A digital invitation is an invite sent electronically — via a link or QR code — instead of a printed card. Guests open it in their web browser and can often confirm their attendance instantly through an online RSVP form. It's more affordable and easier to update than a paper version.

Banns of marriage

The banns are a public announcement in a church of your intention to marry. They are a legal requirement for Church of England weddings and are read out in the parishes of both you and your partner for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This allows for any legal objections to be raised.

Legally-binding religious ceremony

In many countries, a religious ceremony can also be legally binding, meaning you don't need a separate civil ceremony at a registry office. For example, Church of England, Catholic, and Jewish weddings in the UK can be legally recognised, provided certain legal requirements are met beforehand.

Prenuptial agreement (prenup)

A prenup is a legal agreement made by a couple before they marry, which sets out how their assets would be divided if they were to divorce. Without one, assets are typically considered shared marital property.

Guests, Seating & The Reception

Cost per head

"Cost per head" (or "price per person") is the venue and catering price for a single wedding guest. It's the most important figure in your budget, as multiplying it by your guest count will give you the single biggest expense of your wedding. Find out more in our article on how much a wedding costs per head.

Seating plan

A seating plan is a diagram showing where each guest will sit at the reception. A well-thought-out plan helps the catering run smoothly, encourages guests to mingle, and avoids any potentially awkward situations. You can create one by hand or use an online tool linked to your RSVP list — check out our online seating plan tool.

Place card

A place card is a small card with a guest's name on it, placed on the table to show them their specific seat. It's different from a table number, which just directs guests to the right table; a place card points to an individual seat. For tips, see our guide to wedding place cards.

Plus one

A "plus one" is an invitation for a guest to bring a partner or companion, even if that person isn't named on the invitation. This makes it easier for the couple to plan the guest list, especially when using an RSVP form that asks about a guest's companion.

Open bar

An open bar is when you, the hosts, cover the cost of all drinks for your guests, who can order what they like without paying. The opposite is a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks, or a limited bar, where you provide a set amount or selection of drinks. Our guide can help you figure out how much alcohol to buy for a wedding.

Day-after party

A day-after party is a casual get-together the day after the wedding, usually with close family and friends, to continue the celebration in a more relaxed setting. It's often a brunch or barbecue hosted at a parent's house, making use of leftover food and drink.

Guest book

A guest book is an album (or a digital alternative) where guests can leave messages, well wishes, and signatures. After the wedding, it becomes a cherished keepsake for the couple to look back on for years to come. Find inspiration in our article on guest book messages.

Traditions & The Ceremony

Oczepiny (The Unveiling)

A traditional Polish and Slavic wedding ritual that takes place around midnight, symbolising the bride's transition into marriage. Historically, her veil was removed and replaced with a coif (a married woman's cap). Today, it's often replaced by the bouquet and garter toss, followed by games for the guests. We cover more customs in our article on wedding traditions.

Parental blessing

A parental blessing is a moment before the ceremony where the parents of the couple offer their blessing for the marriage. It's one of the most touching parts of the day and a cherished tradition in many cultures.

Bread and salt welcome

In another Eastern European tradition, the parents of the newlyweds greet them after the ceremony with bread and salt. The bread symbolises prosperity, hoping they will never go hungry, while the salt represents the difficulties they must overcome together. It's often accompanied by a glass of wine or vodka.

First dance

The first dance is the dance that opens the reception, performed by the newly married couple. After their dance, other guests are invited to join them on the dance floor. Many couples take lessons or have a choreographer help them, but a simple, slow dance to a favourite song works just as well.

Witness

A witness is a person who is present at the wedding ceremony and signs the marriage register to certify that the marriage has taken place. Two witnesses are legally required for both civil and religious ceremonies in the UK. These roles are typically filled by the best man and maid of honour. See a full list of tasks in our guide to the best man's duties.

Toast / Wedding speech

A toast is a short speech, usually with a glass in hand, that ends with a wish for the couple's health and happiness. A wedding speech is a longer, more personal version. They are most often given by the parents, the best man, the maid of honour, and the couple themselves. Learn how to write one in our guide to wedding speeches.

Budget, Suppliers & Logistics

Wedding planner

A wedding planner is a professional consultant who helps you plan and coordinate your wedding — from managing the budget and choosing suppliers to overseeing everything on the day itself. They can be a huge help, especially for large or complex weddings.

Venue

The venue is the location where your wedding reception takes place. It usually includes catering and staff. It's the biggest single item in your wedding budget, so it's one of the first things you should book.

Catering

Catering is the service of preparing and serving food and drinks at your wedding. It might be included in your venue's "cost per head" package or hired separately, especially for marquee or outdoor weddings.

Wedding rings

Wedding rings are the rings exchanged during the ceremony as a symbol of marriage, which are then worn every day. It's best to choose them well in advance, as custom-made rings can take time to create. Get tips in our guide to wedding rings.

Wedding timeline (Order of the day)

A wedding timeline is a schedule for the day, listing the times for key events: the ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, cake cutting, first dance, and evening party. It helps your suppliers and guests know what's happening and when. You can create yours with our wedding timeline generator.

Dress code

A dress code is a guideline for your guests' attire, usually included on the invitation or wedding website (e.g., "black tie," "cocktail attire," "garden party"). It helps guests choose what to wear and ensures a cohesive look in your photos.

How to make all this jargon easier for your guests

The more new terms there are, the easier it is for communication with your guests to get confusing. The simplest solution is to gather all the key information — directions, the order of the day, dress code, and RSVP — in one central place: your wedding website. Instead of a guest texting you to ask "what time does it actually start?", they can just check the site and find everything they need. With souveil, your wedding website, RSVP, seating plan, and photo gallery all work together seamlessly, and your guests can use it all without installing an app.

If you're just getting started, begin with our complete guide on how to plan a wedding — it will walk you through every stage where these terms come up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does RSVP mean on an invitation?

RSVP is a request for guests to confirm whether or not they will attend the wedding. It comes from the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît" ("please reply"). Upon receiving an invitation, the guest lets the couple know their plans — traditionally by post or phone, but now most commonly via an online form on a wedding website. This helps the couple finalise numbers for catering and arrange the seating plan.

What does "cost per head" mean for a wedding?

"Cost per head" is the industry term for the price a venue charges for one guest's food and drink. In practice, it's the "per person" rate your venue will quote you. When multiplied by your number of guests, it typically becomes the largest single expense of the wedding. In 2026, this can range from around €60 in more affordable venues to €150 and upwards for premium packages.

What's the difference between a save the date and an invitation?

A save the date is just an early heads-up about your wedding date, while an invitation is the formal announcement with all the details. Save the dates are sent 6–12 months in advance so guests can book time off and make travel arrangements. The official invitation, with the venue, times, and RSVP request, usually follows around 6–8 weeks before the wedding.

What are "oczepiny"?

"Oczepiny" (the unveiling) is a traditional Polish wedding ritual that happens around midnight to symbolise the bride's transition into married life. Historically, her veil was removed and replaced with a cap worn by married women. Today, the tradition has evolved and is often combined with the bouquet toss and fun games for the guests.

How many witnesses do you need at a wedding?

You need two witnesses for a wedding ceremony in the UK, for both civil and religious marriages. A witness must be old enough to understand the ceremony (usually 16 or over, though legally there's no upper or lower age limit) and must be present to sign the marriage register. Your witnesses can be anyone you choose, of any gender, and they don't have to be related to you.