Weddings Vocabulary in English
20 essential wedding words with definitions and example sentences — ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations for B1–C1 ESL learners.
Wedding vocabulary is useful for anyone who wants to talk about marriage, attend a celebration, or describe one of life's biggest events in English. These words come up when you receive an invitation, plan a special day, or simply chat with friends about a wedding you have been to. For B1 to C1 learners, mastering this vocabulary helps you join in conversations about ceremonies, receptions, and family traditions with confidence.
This page covers 20 key wedding words and phrases that you will meet in real situations — watching the bride walk down the aisle, listening to the vows at the ceremony, or raising a glass during the toast at the reception. Each term comes with a clear definition and a natural British example sentence so you can see exactly how it is used in context.
If you would like to broaden your everyday English, take a look at our related Fashion Industry vocabulary, Food and Drink vocabulary, and Art and Music vocabulary pages. Together, these lists give you the confidence to describe outfits, catering, and entertainment at any celebration in English.
Word List
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ceremony | the formal part of a wedding where two people are officially married | The ceremony took place in a small village church on a sunny afternoon. |
| reception | the party held after the wedding ceremony, with food, drinks, and dancing | After the photos, the guests moved to a hotel for the reception. |
| bride | the woman who is getting married | The bride wore an elegant white gown that her grandmother had made. |
| groom | the man who is getting married | The groom looked nervous as he waited at the front of the church. |
| best man | the groom's closest friend or relative, who helps him and gives a speech | The best man kept the rings safe and gave a very funny speech. |
| bridesmaid | a woman or girl who supports the bride during the wedding | Each bridesmaid carried a small posy of pink roses. |
| vows | the promises a couple make to each other during the ceremony | They wrote their own vows and read them aloud to one another. |
| registry office | a government building where couples can marry in a civil, non-religious ceremony | They had a quiet wedding at the registry office with just close family. |
| marquee | a large tent put up outdoors for an event such as a wedding reception | A white marquee was set up on the lawn for the evening party. |
| toast | the moment when guests raise their glasses to wish the couple well | The father of the bride proposed a toast to the happy couple. |
| honeymoon | the holiday a newly married couple take together after the wedding | They flew to Italy for their honeymoon the morning after the wedding. |
| bouquet | the bunch of flowers the bride carries during the ceremony | The bride threw her bouquet to the crowd of waiting guests. |
| aisle | the central path in a church or venue that the bride walks down | Her father walked her down the aisle as the music began to play. |
| officiant | the person who leads the ceremony and legally marries the couple | The officiant welcomed everyone and explained how the ceremony would run. |
| engagement | the period when a couple have agreed to marry but have not yet done so | Their engagement lasted a year while they saved up for the big day. |
| proposal | the moment when one person asks the other to marry them | He planned a romantic proposal on the beach at sunset. |
| anniversary | the yearly date that marks how long a couple have been married | For their first anniversary, they returned to the restaurant where they met. |
| confetti | small pieces of coloured paper or petals thrown over the couple in celebration | The guests threw confetti as the newlyweds left the church. |
| venue | the place where a wedding or reception is held | They chose a country house as the venue for both the ceremony and the party. |
| wedding favours | small gifts given to guests as a thank-you for coming to the wedding | Each place setting had a little box of sweets as a wedding favour. |
Practice These Words
Flash Cards
Review weddings vocabulary with spaced repetition
Wordsearch
Find weddings words hidden in the grid
Quiz
Test your weddings vocabulary knowledge
Practice What You've Learned
LexFizz has 30 free interactive exercises — no sign-up needed.
Browse All Exercises →Related Vocabulary Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a ceremony and a reception?
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.
What does the best man do at a wedding?
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.
What are wedding vows?
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.
What is a registry office wedding?
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.
What is the difference between an engagement and a proposal?
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.
Who walks the bride down the aisle?
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.
What is a marquee wedding?
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.
Why do guests throw confetti at weddings?
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.
What are wedding favours?
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.
What is the best way to learn wedding vocabulary?
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.