Weddings Vocabulary in English

The ceremony is the formal part of the day where the couple are officially married, often in a church, a registry office, or another licensed venue. The reception is the celebration that follows, usually with a meal, speeches, and dancing. In short, the ceremony is when the marriage happens, while the reception is the party that celebrates it. Many couples hold both on the same day, sometimes in different places.

The best man is usually the groom's closest friend or relative. On the day, he supports the groom, often looks after the wedding rings, and helps make sure everything runs smoothly. He is also expected to give a speech at the reception, which is traditionally light-hearted and a little funny. In British weddings, the best man's speech is one of the most anticipated moments of the celebration.

Vows are the promises a couple make to each other during the ceremony. They may use traditional words set by a church or registrar, or they may write their own personal vows to read aloud. The vows usually include promises to love, support, and stay with each other. Exchanging vows is the heart of the ceremony and the point at which the couple commit to their marriage.

A registry office wedding is a civil, non-religious ceremony held in a government building. A registrar acts as the officiant and legally marries the couple, often in a short and simple ceremony. Registry office weddings are popular with couples who want something quiet, low-cost, or not connected to a particular religion. Many couples have the legal ceremony at the registry office and then hold a larger celebration elsewhere.

A proposal is the moment when one person asks the other to marry them, often in a special or romantic way. An engagement is the period that follows, once the couple have agreed to marry but before the wedding takes place. In other words, the proposal begins the engagement. During the engagement, couples usually plan the wedding, choose a venue, and set a date.

The aisle is the central path in a church or venue that the bride walks along at the start of the ceremony. Traditionally, the bride's father walks her down the aisle and gives her away. Today, however, many brides choose to walk with their mother, another relative, a friend, or even on their own. It is a personal choice, and there is no single correct way to do it.

A marquee is a large tent put up outdoors, often on a lawn or in a garden, for an event such as a wedding reception. A marquee wedding gives couples plenty of space and a blank canvas to decorate as they wish. It is a popular choice for summer celebrations in the British countryside. Because the weather can be unpredictable, couples often add flooring, heating, and lighting to keep guests comfortable.

Confetti is made up of small pieces of coloured paper or dried petals that guests throw over the couple as they leave the ceremony. The tradition is a way of wishing the newlyweds happiness, good luck, and a fruitful life together. It also creates a lovely moment for photographs as the couple step outside. Many venues now ask for natural, biodegradable confetti so that it is easy to clear up afterwards.

Wedding favours are small gifts that the couple give to their guests as a thank-you for coming to the wedding. They are often placed at each person's seat at the reception. Popular favours include sweets, small candles, packets of seeds, or tiny boxes of chocolates. The gift is usually inexpensive, but it is a thoughtful way to make guests feel appreciated and to add a personal touch to the table.

The most effective way is to link each word to a real part of the day. Picture the bride walking down the aisle, the couple exchanging vows, and the toast at the reception as you learn the terms. Watching wedding scenes in British films or reading invitations and speeches also helps you see the words in context. Practise the 20 words on this page with Flash Cards on LexFizz, then test yourself with the Quiz to make them stick.