As an event planner, wedding industry terminology comes as second nature. However, some brides may not understand or have questions about what things mean. I’ve put together a list of some common industry terms with their meaning to help you out. After reading these, you’ll be speaking the lingo in no time!

Industry Terms

Banquet Event Order (BEO) 

A document typically created by a caterer or venue that outlines the details of your event. It serves as a guideline for them to execute and communicate logistics to all necessary team members.

Black Tie

A very formal wedding dress code including tuxedos and dressy gowns.

Black Tie Optional

Less formal wedding dress code than black tie. Guests can wear formal attire, but cocktail attire is also appropriate.

Charger

A large decorative plate that’s placed under a dinner plate to bring color, texture and elegance to the table.

First Look 

A first look is a moment typically staged by a wedding photographer for the bride and groom to see each other prior to the ceremony.

House Party

A common traditional for southern brides. If a bride has family or close friends that she wants to include into the wedding day, but they aren’t in the bridal party, she often has a house party. They will take part in all the wedding day festivities, except for the ceremony.

Escort Cards

Informs a guest which table they are to sit at.

Month of Wedding Coordinator (MOC)

Every Month of Coordinator is a little different but typically a MOC focuses solely on pulling all the final details and logistics together towards the end of the wedding planning process, and ultimately executes everything for the bride and groom on the day of their wedding.

Officiant

A person who performs the wedding ceremony.

Prelude

Background music played as guests arrive prior to the ceremony beginning.

Processional

Music played as the families, wedding party and bride walk down the aisle.

Recessional

Music played at the end of the ceremony as the bride and groom exit.

Save the Dates (STD)

Announcements sent out prior to the wedding to alert guests to keep the wedding date free.

Seating Chart

A visual plan with your wedding reception layout to organize what tables your guests will be seated at during the wedding reception.

Signature Cocktail

A unique drink created for guests that usually has some representation of the couple.

Stationery Suite

All parts of the invitation put together in one cohesive design.

Venue Coordinator

An employee of the wedding reception venue that acts as a liaison between the bride and groom and the venue’s operations team. Every venue’s Coordinator’s roles may vary, but oftentimes their focus is solely to deliver their contracted services and oversee the building.

Sweetheart Table

A table for just the bride and groom to sit at for their wedding reception. (Used in place of a bridal party table.)

Did you find all these wedding industry terminology definitions helpful? Be sure to share them with any brides you know! For more advice, be sure to follow Alexa Kay Events on Instagram and don’t forget to check out our wedding planning services to see how I can help!