wedding vocabulary listAs mentioned in my free eBook post, I am getting married this weekend. In fact, tomorrow (and on Saturday). So for today (and I’ll put this here in lieu of a Twitter vocab blast tomorrow), I’ll round off this week’s blog with a brief wedding vocabulary list. Here’s some of the common English words associated with weddings, with definitions and example sentences:

  • proposalwhen the man asks the woman to marry him – His proposal was a grand romantic gesture. (also note to propose­, the act of asking for marriage)
  • engagementthe period between deciding to marry and the wedding – Their engagement lasted only 2 months. (also note engaged – when you are to be married)
  • engagement ringa ring showing the woman has accepted a marriage proposal (sometimes also worn by a man)– She had a huge diamond in her engagement ring.
  • fiancéesomeone who has agreed to be married – While they were engaged, she was a doting fiancée. (also note bride-to-be)
  • bridethe female partner in a wedding ­– The bride should always be the most beautiful woman on the day.
  • groomthe male partner in a wedding – The groom did little to help prepare the ceremony.
  • registerthe book where the marriage is officially recorded – They signed the register after the ceremony. (also note registrar – the official who signs the book)
  • wedding ringsbands that are exchanged during the wedding ceremony – They had simple wedding rings, made from precious metals.
  • best manthe groom’s main aide – It was difficult to choose a best man because the groom had so many friends.
  • maid of honourthe bride’s main aide – The maid of honour did all the work for this wedding.
  • bridesmaidsthe women who support the bride in the ceremony – The bridesmaids all wore matching dresses.
  • groomsmenthe men who support the groom in the ceremony – The groomsmen were a rowdy bunch, but they did a good job.
  • flower girla girl who carries the bouquet for the bride – The flower girl looked sweet, following the bride.
  • pagea boy who helps in the wedding ceremony, sometimes carrying the ring or the bride’s gown – He was asked to be a page, because he was too young to be a groomsman.
  • ring bearersomeone who carries the rings – The best man was the designated ring bearer.
  • to be given awaywhen a family member delivers the bride to the groom – Her father gave her away.
  • walk down the aisle the bride’s entrance to the ceremony, also generally used as a synonym for getting married – You’ve been engaged for years, when are you going to walk down the aisle?
  • welcome drinksdrinks provided as people arrive to the wedding – The bride’s father paid for hundreds of wedding drinks.
  • bouquetthe bunch of flowers carried (and later thrown) by the bride – Whoever catches the bouquet will be the next to marry!
  • receptionthe party following the wedding ceremony – The reception lasted for six hours, with food and dancing.
  • toasts/speechesspeeches given about the bride and groom – The best man gave a hilarious speech about the groom.
  • toastmastersomeone who makes announcements and organises schedules during the reception – Her brother acted as toastmaster.
  • cold feet / jittersto become afraid to marry – I thought she had cold feet, but she was just late for the ceremony.
  • newlywedsa couple who have recently married – The newlyweds bought a house together.
  • just marriedan expression used to label newlyweds, usually seen in a car
  • honeymoon – the holiday taken by the married couple after the wedding – They went to Thailand for their honeymoon.
Want to master English?

Want to master English?

Join the ELB Reader's Group to receive FREE English learning material sent directly to your inbox. I send out at least two emails a month sharing new articles and curating existing lessons, and if you sign up now you'll get a set of grammar worksheets, too.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This