Wedding vocabulary

proposal

when the man asks the woman to marry him

engagement

the period between deciding to marry and the wedding

engagement ring

a ring showing the woman has accepted a marriage proposal (sometimes also worn by a man)

fiancée

someone who has agreed to be married (also note bride-to-be)

bride

the female partner in a wedding

groom

the male partner in a wedding

register

the book where the marriage is officially recorded

wedding rings

bands that are exchanged during the wedding ceremony

best man

the groom’s main aide

maid of honour

the bride’s main aide

bridesmaids

the women who support the bride in the ceremony

groomsmen

the men who support the groom in the ceremony

flower girl

a girl who carries the bouquet for the bride

page

a boy who helps in the wedding ceremony, sometimes carrying the ring or the bride’s gown

ring bearer

someone who carries the rings

to be given away

when a family member delivers the bride to the groom

walk down the aisle

the bride’s entrance to the ceremony, also generally used as a synonym for getting married

welcome drinks

drinks provided as people arrive to the wedding

bouquet

the bunch of flowers carried (and later thrown) by the bride

reception

the party following the wedding ceremony

toastmaster

someone who makes announcements and organises schedules during the reception

have cold feet

or jitters - to become afraid to marry

newlyweds

a couple who have recently married

just married

an expression used to label newlyweds, usually seen in a car

honeymoon

the holiday taken by the married couple after the wedding