Congratulations are in order! We see all you quarantine couples popping the question. And with a plethora of time inside, you’ve got a chance to jumpstart the planning process. It can be daunting joining the world of wedding planning, but that’s why we’re here! There are a few terms all future brides and grooms should know post-proposal. Here’s a comprehensive list breaking down the tricky phrases and abbreviations you need to know after getting engaged so that you and your fiancé are always in the know.

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BEO/Banquet Event Order

A written agreement outlining food and beverage, timeline, room setup, staffing, and other event needs. In the world of hospitality, this is the complete playbook on game day.

BOH/Back of House

The behind the scenes production staging grounds for everyone and everything required to make a wedding happen. Vendor villages are a must for big build-outs where bands can break and vendors can store necessary equipment. We refer to this hidden logistical space as the back of house or the BOH for short.

Bustle

Not to be confused with the online digital media website, “bustle” is the term for the fabric of a wedding gown being pinned off the ground. You can say a dress has a bustle, but it’s also the process in which you secure a train of fabric so that a bride can dance on her wedding day without worrying about it dragging along behind her. Around here, we use “bustle” primarily as a verb.

Charger

Also referred to as a base plate, a charger is the decorative plate that acts as a base setting for other dinnerware. It’s a large piece that stylistically that can be used to bring an entire design together visually. We don’t set a table without one!

Escort Cards vs. Place Cards

A place card rests exactly at the place setting someone is expected to sit, while an escort card is displayed in a common area, generally during cocktail hour, and is the method in which a guest is told which table to be seated at.

First Look

Prior to the wedding ceremony, the First Look is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day in full wedding attire for the first time. This modern tradition is a private moment that’s usually accompanied solely by a photographer or videographer.

Flat Lay

A style of photograph taken from a birds-eye view of items laid out on a flat surface. For weddings, this refers to invites, flowers, jewelry, and more. This practice is a unique way of displaying all the details and telling a well rounded photographic story of your Big Day.

FOB/Father of the Bride

Somewhat self-explanatory, it’s the term used to refer to the father of the bride.

Hors D’oeuvres / Canapés

A small savory dish served as an appetizer, typically during cocktail hour. These can be passed or plated.

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Insurance

Wedding Insurance might sound like a foreign concept to some, but it’s incredibly important. It protects a couple’s investment from instances out of their control, i.e. weather, change of heart, or unexpected cancellations, etc.

Letterpress

This form of printing is where the text is stamped onto paper by a copper plate. Have you ever picked up a piece of paper and felt the deep grooves around the ink? Then you’ve held letterpress!

MOB/Mother of the Bride

Not a large crowd of people, but instead the bride’s mother!

MOH/Maid of Honor

Maid or Matron, both refer to the highly regarded person selected to stand next to the bride as she says I Do.

Rider

The band document which details specifications from stage size and power needs, to required beverages and stage side towels. It’s everything you need to know to keep your band happy.

Shot List

This is a list your photographer likely requires. You and your partner need to decide who you’d like photos with on your wedding day. Not only does this help expedite the process but ten years down the line you won’t want to realize you forgot to get a picture with your great-grandmother! This list lets your photographer know which photos they need to take in order to make you a satisfied customer.

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STD/Save The Date

Don’t let this abbreviation make you squeamish, a wedding STD is simply a letter sent ahead to guests letting them know the date you’re planning to get married. This ensures that they don’t make any other plans for that day. It’ll likely end up pinned on all your in-laws’ fridges.

Tablescape

Similar to a flat lay, a tablescape is an artistic arrangement of tableware. In short, it’s the display you’ll see on a set table.

Hopefully, you’re a wiz now when it comes to wedding vocab! We understand that the amount of terminology can be intimidating. So, most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions! That’s what the experts are here for.

Photography by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay

All The Bridal Terms You Need To Know After Getting Engaged