Glossary for weddings

Bridal Shower - A party given for the bride before the wedding. Usually coordinated by the bridesmaids to offer gifts to the bride and groom for their new home.

Bomboniere - This is an Italian term which refers to weddings favours which are passed out to wedding guests as a keepsake in appreciation of their attendance.

Boutonniere - Otherwise known as a buttonhole. A single flower or flower bud or a small groups of flowers or buds worn by the groom, best man, ushers and male relatives of the bride and groom.

Chantilly Lace - Delicate bobbin lace of scrolls and florals on a soft mesh background.

Corsage - A single or small spray of flowers usually with ribbon or lace for the hand or on a pin. Orchids and gardenias are popular choices for close female friends and relatives.

Dais - The head wedding table where the bride and groom are seated.

Euro Tie - A long tie that is more formal than a regular necktie.

Fiance - The term used to denote the groom or husband-to-be between the engagement and the wedding.

Fiancee - An engaged woman

Garter - Used by the bride to hold up a stocking and to be tossed by the groom to the single men at the wedding reception.

Garland - A woven rope or strand of strand flower arrangement often used to adorn pews, staircases and doorways.

Groom's Cake - A smaller version of the wedding cake or cake theme to the groom's interests. Usually served at the engagement party or rehearsal dinner.

Honour attendants - The wedding's best man and the maid of honour.

Maid of Honour - An unmarried woman also known as the chief bridesmaid. She is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride herself. Also holds onto the bouquets during the vows and sees that the bride's dress is properly turned out.

Matron of Honour - The maid of honour who is already married.

Posies - Small, round shaped flower bouquets that are tightly packed and also will include greenery.

Pages or Page Boys - These are small children (usually boys) who follow the bride down the aisle carrying some of her train.

Rehearsal Dinner - The dinner held before the wedding to invite the families to get together and rehearse the ceremony.

Ring Bearer - This is usually a small boy, who walks down the aisle as part of the bridal procession carrying an ornamental cushion that has two rings tied to it.

Ring Pillow - A pillow carried by the ring bearer used to hold rings to walk down the aisle preceding the bride.

‘Save the Date' Card - Informal announcements that precede the wedding invitations and are sent several months ahead to allow your guests to make the necessary arrangements to attend your wedding.

Train - An extensive to a wedding gown or other dress that trails down along the floor behind the wearer.

Vows - At the very heart of the wedding ceremony, the vows exchanged between the bride and groom are promises of future loyalty, love, trust and support.