I’m a wedding photographer based in Melbourne, I noticed some bride and groom would get confused on numerous wedding glossaries. The Melbourne wedding industry is filled with lots of jargons and terminologies, unless you’re a wedding expert or you are having extended wedding planning experiences, it’s quite normal for most of brides to lack the knowledge about specific wedding glossary.
You might hear some uncommon wedding glossary words in wedding field or some words has two meaning and has ambiguous definitions. All those wedding terminologies would lead the misunderstand and yield the language barrier between the wedding couples and wedding suppliers, such as wedding photographer, venue managers, wedding planners and etc in Melbourne.
In this complete wedding glossary guide, there are two ways to represent of wedding glossaries:
- Utilize the alpha A-Z to list the wedding glossary
- List the wedding glossary based on wedding day timeline and logic meaning
The former method is an easy and conventional way to write wedding glossaries. However, I don’t like the wedding glossaries blog to be seemed as a dictionary and the wedding glossary would be scattered disorderly, some bride and groom would not get clear and logic mindset to read the wedding glossary.
I proclaim the second method to list the wedding glossary by the wedding day timeline, that means I will gather all the possible wedding glossaries you would encounter during the certain wedding section, for instance, bride and groom preparation, ceremony, location and reception.
You can review my wedding day timeline guide [2020] again at the above link, it would aid you to understand the wedding glossary even better.
If you still have some wedding knowledge you get lost, you would go back to check each section wedding glossary rather than reading the whole A-Z wedding glossary like a dictionary.
Personally, I want you (wedding couples, wedding bloggers) to have a better experience to learn the wedding glossaries and create your own way to absorb wedding knowledge rather than swallowing in one gulp.
Wedding Glossary in Groom Preparation Section
Groom: The man who will get married on the wedding day.
Groomsmen: The companion of the groom and the groomsmen can be single or plural. The constitution of groomsmen is often groom’s friends, siblings and cousins.
Best man: The groom’s most important companion and in charge of groomsmen party and responsible certain duty on the wedding day, such as taking care of the rings, helping groom wearing the suit, presenting the speech at the wedding reception and etc.
Groom preparation: The word of groom preparation can be also named groom get ready. The groom preparation occurs prior to the wedding ceremony, the process includes the groom and groomsmen wearing dress, family photo and departure home to the wedding ceremony.
Groom accessories: The groom accessories include his shoes, cufflinks, belt, watch, pocket square, sunglasses, tie or bowtie, socks, suspenders and etc.
Tuxedo: Tuxedo verse suit, sometimes it is difficult to distinct the different between those two types of groom outfits.
In generally, tuxedo has satin details on area of face lapel, buttons, side-stripe down the pant leg which the suits don’t have. Tuxedo fits the formal event, such as wedding, charity gala and etc.
The average price of groom wear in Melbourne is $1558.
Wedding rings (wedding bands): Wedding rings represent symbol of marriage. There are two rings, one is for the bride and another is for the groom. The best man would keep the wedding rings in the morning and give the rings to bride and groom at the ceremony commitment.
Pocket flower: The small flower pinned on the groomsmen’s lapel, the pocket flowers are always prepared for groom, groomsmen and father of groom.
Corsage: similar to pocket flowers, corsages are to be worn on woman’s dress or around her wrist on the wedding day. the bride and groom will usually prepare corsages for their mums and grandparents.
Candid wedding photography: Candid wedding photography is also called natural wedding photography. The wedding photographers capture the authentic moments without too much interruption, the wedding photos would look more natural and spontaneous.
Letter to Groom: The bride writes a romantic letter to groom on the wedding day and groom would read the letter in the morning prior to wedding ceremony (groom preparation section)
Gift: In order to thank the groomsmen’s support on the wedding day, the groom then prepare the gifts to the groomsmen party, the gifts can also reflect the groom’s personal touch and wedding theme.
Family photo: There are generally two family photo session on a wedding day, one occurs after the wedding ceremony, another one would occur at the end of bride and groom’s preparation. Here, we discuss the latter.
The family photo at the groom preparation is usually arranged before the groom leaving home. When the groom wears the suit, he would take photo with parents and siblings.
Wedding Glossary in Bride Preparation
Bride: The lady who would get married on the wedding day.
Bridesmaid: The companions of bride which usually consist of bride’s sibling, cousins, friends and etc. The bridesmaids would provide necessary assistances for bride from the start to the end of the wedding day.
Maid of honour: Maid of honour would play quite similar role as the best man. She would be in charge of bridal party, helping the bride to wear wedding dress, organizing family photos, represent the speech at the reception and provide practical solution when the bride encounters any emergency on the wedding day.
Makeup and Hair: The bride, bridesmaid and mother of the bride will do makeup and hair in the morning. It is advised to be finished before the wedding photographer and videographer arriving the bride’s house.
A rule of thumb of makeup time: 30-45 minutes per bridesmaid or mother of the bride,
60-90 minutes for the bride.
Hair: 30-45 minutes for bridesmaid and mother of the bride, 60-90 minutes for the bride
Sometimes, the makeup artist and hairdresser might hire an assistant, it can save time for bridal party during the busy morning time.
The average of wedding makeup and hair cost in Melbourne is $777.
Pyjamas and robe: Even through pyjamas and robe have slightly different meaning in dictionary. However, those two items have quite similar function for the bride’s get ready.
The bride and bridesmaids would wear either of pyjamas or robe to take candid wedding photography before they get changed into wedding gown.
The pyjamas and robe are normally made of soft and light fabric and cloth and it represent the elegance and beauty of bride.
Champagne: A bottle of drink, bride would put in the fridge and celebrate by popping the champagne before she jumps into her wedding dress.
Wedding invitation card: The wedding invitation card is a formal written letter inviting the guests to come join the wedding day, a wedding invitation card consists of information of wedding ceremony and reception time and address.
A wedding invitation card reflect couples’ personal touch and wedding theme.
The average wedding invitation cost in Melbourne is $807.
Wedding gown silhouette: The wedding gown (dress) silhouette is shape and outline of the wedding dress. There are major wedding silhouettes in Melbourne, ball gown, A-line, Mermaid, sheath/column. However, in the modern wedding gown silhouettes have the subtle variance in different shapes.
The average wedding gown cost in Melbourne is $2806 according to William.H Melbourne wedding cost in 2021.
Mannequin: There are two tools to display wedding gowns, hanger or mannequin. Apparently, the delicate form of mannequin can display the wedding dress’s silhouette and texture in details.
Bride’s accessories: Engagement ring, jewelleries, bridal shoes, headpiece, perfume, garter, veil and etc.
Garter: A garter is a white article of fabric to be fastened on the bride’s thigh, normally the bride would wear the garter above the knee. The symbol of garter represents luck and purity, the groom would take off the garter from the bride’s leg at the end of wedding reception.
Veil: The veil is white clothing or lace made material to cover the bride’s head.
In the western culture, the white wedding veil symbolizes modesty and obedience before God.
Bridal bouquets: A bridal bouquet is a flower collection in a creative arrangement for handholding.
On the wedding day, the bride would hold the bouquet when she walks down the aisle and as well as during the wedding photo location, it is great add-on accessory to create contrast or supplementary colour for the wedding theme.
The average of wedding flowers in Melbourne is $1652.
Portrait photo: When the bride wear the wedding gown, the wedding photographer would take some bride’s single portrait photo during the preparation, the photo includes full body shot, half body shot, closeup photo.
Wedding car: Quite of lot of bride would hire transporting service, the wedding car includes vintage car, limousine (limo), sport and etc.
The chauffeur would come to bride’ house when the bride and bridesmaid are fully ready and drive the bride to the ceremony.
The average cost of hiring wedding car is $1290.
Tea ceremony: There are traditional Asian tea ceremonies amongst East Asian, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, East Timor, Malaysian and etc. The tea ceremony is normally held prior to the civil ceremony.
During the tea ceremony, the bride and groom would serve tea to both parents and elder relatives. The symbol of tea ceremony means the union of two families.
Wedding Glossary in Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremony: There are two major wedding ceremony categories: civil wedding ceremony and religious wedding ceremony.
The civil ceremony can be held at garden, beach, function room, private property and etc. The civil wedding ceremony represents the binding with law commitment.
The religious wedding ceremony includes Catholic, Greek orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and etc. The religious wedding ceremonies are held at the church or venue.
Wedding Celebrant: For Australian wedding couples who are not getting married at the church, wedding celebrants are the persons who conduct the wedding ceremony and possess the legal authority to give the commitment of the marriage according to Australian law (Marriage Act 1961)
The average wedding celebrant cost in Melbourne is $796.
Witness: A legal marriage requests two witness to sign their name on the marriage certificate paper at the end of wedding ceremony, the witness can be any family member or friends who is at least 18 years old.
The celebrant and priest can’t be the witness.
Usher: The usher is the people responsible for directing the guest to get seat at the ceremony and greet with guests. A good usher is also easing the wedding flow and create a relaxed atmosphere for the bride and groom on the wedding day.
Aisle: the middle path of wedding ceremony where the flowers girls, page boy, bridesmaids and the bride walk down to the altar.
Arch: Arch and arbour is a unique designed backdrop for the outdoor wedding ceremony. Typical wedding arch structure is constructed by timber wood, metal or mesh. The decoration on the arch consists of flower, foliage, branches and fabric.
The bride and groom would stand in front of the arch during wedding ceremony.
Altar: In a religious world, the altar is the place or table to offer the gift and sacrifice to God.
In a wedding world, the wedding altar is where bride and groom exchange their vow and rings.
Orchestral music: In a formal wedding, the wedding couple would invite the orchestra to play music before the starting of the wedding ceremony, the multiple instruments includes violin, cello, harp, flute and etc.
In a country and rustic wedding ceremony, acoustic guitarist and singer would be a popular option to play music during pre wedding ceremony.
The average cost of wedding orchestra band in Melbourne is around $2400, the price would vary based on coverage time and number of players.
First look: In conventional world, the first look means the bride and groom see each other when the bride walks down the aisle.
However, in the modern world, some couples plans to see each other before the ceremony due to different reasons (easing some nerves or they want to do bridal party photos prior to wedding ceremony).
The first look prior to the wedding ceremony can be arranged in a private and intimate location, a garden with hedge tree will make the perfect backdrop for wedding photography.
Vow exchange: The vows represent solemn promise in-between of bride and groom (partners) in front of their family members and friends at the wedding ceremony.
The wedding vows make couples think more seriously about their responsibility and relationship before they commit to the marriage.
The wedding vows normally are presented by groom first and the bride would speak her vows after the groom.
However, the vows normally occur at the civil ceremony and catholic wedding ceremony.
In the traditional Greek orthodox wedding ceremony, couples are not required to speak their vows.
First kiss: The first kiss normally happens after the couples exchange their rings and vow, the wedding celebrant or priest would say ‘you may kiss the bride’
If the marriage is seemed as a contract, the first kiss would be an important legal act and meaning symbol to seal the contract in practice.
Flower petals: flower petal symbolize fertility, the ancient meaning of flower petals on the wedding day is to protect the bride and ward off the evil spirit.
Flower petals often use for the flower girl scattered on the aisle to symbolize the happy path to wedding and the guest throw the flower petals on the couples at the end of wedding.
Confetti: The confetti are made from the streamer of colourful paper, grain and small sweet to throw at the bride and groom to celebrate the newly marriage by the end of wedding ceremony.
The throwing of confetti shares similar meaning to throwing the flower petals.
Group photo: The group photo is a photo to invite all of the guests to take a big group photo after the wedding ceremony.
Family photo (after the ceremony): The wedding couples are expected to take formal photo with their intimate, extended family and friends after the wedding ceremony.
Mingling: The wedding couples and guests have causal chatting after the wedding ceremony and it is also good time for guests to congratulate the bride and groom.
Backup plan: The term of backup plan on the wedding day means that the outdoor wedding ceremony has alternative indoor or sheltered location if the weather turns to be wet.
Wedding Glossary in Wedding Photo Location in Melbourne
Wedding location shoot: The wedding location photo is also known as bridal party photo.
In Melbourne traditional wedding, the wedding photo location is usually allocated between the ceremony and reception.
The wedding photo location is considered as the first time for bride and groom to take uniting photo on the wedding day. While the bridesmaid and groomsmen also accompany and support the couple during the section of wedding photo location.
However, there is still some exemption, for instance, the wedding photo location can be also allocated before the ceremony if the time between ceremony and wedding reception is not sufficient.
Top 10 Wedding Photo Locations in Melbourne and Address
Parliament House
Address: Spring Street, East Melbourne
South Melbourne Town Hall
Address: Fishley St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
RMIT University
Building 20, RMIT
Address: 325-343 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
RMIT design hub address
Address: Building 100, Victoria St, Carlton VIC 3000
Melbourne University
Contact: 8344 4490
Old Arts: building 149 University of Melbourne
Old Arts Building, College Cres, Parkville VIC 3052
Fitzroy Town Hall
Address: 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Victoria Barracks
Address: 256 – 310 St Kilda Road Melbourne
Contact: 1300 333 362
Labassa Mansion
Address: 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North VIC 3161
Contact: (03) 9527 6295
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Contact: (03) 9270 5000
Royal Botanic Gardens
Location: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 3141
Albert Park Lake
33 Lakeside Dr, Albert Park VIC
St Kilda Botanical Garden
Address: 11 Herbert St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Contact: (03) 9209 6777
Luna Park Melbourne
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Sunset photo: sunset refers to the time where the sun levels at the horizon of earth. The time in the evening when sun light just disappears and daylight fades out.
In terms of sunset photo in wedding photography’s perspective, the definition of the sunset photo changes its original meaning to the period of time when the daylight starts to get darker.
If the section of sunset photo is not to limited to an instant time, rather a course of daylight fading, the sunset photo provides romantic lighting and smooth colour transition during the sunset photo time.
In addition, Master John proposed the definition about sunset photo in 1993, he claimed the section of sunset photo can be also defined the time of golden hour which is 30-60 minute before the sunset or 30 -60 after the sunrise.
In 2019, William.H from Tree studio endorsed Master John’s view point in his article wedding photography guideline.
Wedding Glossary in The Wedding Reception
Wedding reception: The wedding reception has two meaning on a wedding occasion.
The wedding reception can be considered as a location where the couples held the party after the ceremony, thereby the wedding reception is also named wedding venue when we consider the wedding reception as a location.
On the other hand, the wedding reception can be also considered a period of time when the bride and groom as the married couple have celebration and hospitality with guests after the ceremony. The wedding reception provide food, drink and entertainment for the guests.
The average wedding reception cost in Melbourne is $15964.
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Rustic wedding theme: rustic wedding theme or style embraces nature as well as the simplicity country life. A rustic wedding would usually incorporate lots of natural elements such as timber, metal and raw surfaces.
Modern wedding theme: a modern wedding showcases fresh, fashion forward aesthetic with also a touch of minimalistic approach. Modern weddings would typically feature monochromatic colour palette, on trend florals, geometric lines and pared down decorations.
Classic wedding theme: classic wedding theme features timeless and minimalistic designs and elements that will stand the test of time.
Lavish wedding theme: lavish wedding theme features characteristics designs and colour, as well as unique choice of the wedding venue. A lavish wedding would also feature dramatic effect in the night including firework and dry ice.
Canapé: The term of canape is also named finger food, it means the small finger food making on the bread, cracker and toast or puff pastry with a variety of toppings, the savoy of food including meat, cheese, fish, caviar and etc.
On the wedding day, the canapes are provided before the wedding reception and during the cocktail hours.
MC: MC is the abbreviated term of master of ceremonies. The duty of wedding MC includes ensuring the wedding run smooth, introduce the bridal party, introducing speakers, checking with participants, constructing the wedding reception agenda.
The average wedding MC cost is $300-$500.
DJ: DJ is abbreviated term of disc Jockey. A more specific wedding DJ definition is the person who is in charge of wedding entertainment via playing appropriate music to match the party vibe.
The average of wedding DJ cost in Melbourne is $895 (5 hours package)
Bands: Bands refers in particular to the group of instrumental players and musician on the wedding day. The bands on the wedding night consist the guitar, bass, keyboard, drum, saxophone player and singers.
The average of wedding music bands cost in Melbourne is $1716.
Photobooth: The photobooth is a small room with a vending machine which the guests can take photo automatically, while the photobooth operator would prepare some props to encourage the guests to take some fun shots effortlessly.
The average of wedding photobooth cost is $863.
Wedding coordinator: also known as a wedding planner, wedding coordinator can be outsourced or provided by the reception venue. They are wedding professionals that assist the bride and groom pre-wedding and on the wedding day to ensure everything is well-organized.
Wedding photographer: the person who takes photos for the couples on the wedding day. However, in the wedding field, a professional wedding photographer is referred to a person who has extended experiences and knowledge not only on wedding photography as well as the wedding industry.
According to Master John, ‘a professional wedding photographer not only takes wedding photos, he is also the bride and groom’s local guide, best companion on the day and problem solver.’
The average wedding photographer cost in Melbourne is $2914.
Tree studio | Melbourne wedding photography
Address is 246 Coventry st south Melbourne
Contact: 0401539338
Wedding videographer: a person who is in charge of recording the footage of the bride and groom and later create beautiful short films. Depending on the formalities on the wedding day, professional wedding videographers usually provide a 4-5 minutes wedding highlight reel as well as a longer video which consists of all of the footages captured on the day.
The average of wedding videography cost in Melbourne is $2598.
Tree studio | Melbourne wedding videographer
Vinyl floor: The vinyl floor is customized floor made by Vinyl material and its decal sticker can attached the original floor seamlessly. The bride and groom’s name or initial can be printed on the surface. The vinyl floor adds extra style of wedding vibe and showcase the wedding couple’s personal touch.
The Vinyl floor and setup cost in Melbourne starts at $1000
Wedding guest board: the guest board is a piece of stationary that has wedding guests name and table order printed on it. The wedding guest board is usually placed near the entrance of the wedding reception so guests can find out their seating position.
Wish well: wishing well is a term from European folklore to describe wells where it was thought that any spoken wish would be granted. In wedding, couples would leave a box container as wishing well so guests can put in letters as gifts.
Furniture: Hiring furniture at the wedding reception can emphasize the wedding theme and bring out extra personal touch and wedding vibe. The extra items of furniture include bar table, stool, chair, sofas and etc.
Bridal table: also known as wedding party table, it is usually located front and center at the reception at a long rectangular table. The bridal table is where the bride, groom and their bridal party members sit.
Centrepiece: The centrepiece is one of the major decorations at the wedding reception, the centrepieces are placed on the table, consist by flower, candle and foliage.
Flower wall: a flower wall is a great way to highlight a particular area on the wedding day, couples usually arrange a flower wall as the backdrop for bride’s getting ready place, ceremony venue as well as behind the bridal table at the reception.
Hanging flower: hanging flower consists of a cluster in the form of fresh floral and foliage installations to be hanged in the centre of the wedding venue as a centrepiece.
The cost of handing flower in Melbourne can be $1200-$2500
Wedding cake: wedding cake is usually presented at the centre of the reception and to be cut by the bride and groom. Wedding cake symbolizes good fortune and the cutting by the bride and groom means bring good fortune to their marriage.
The average of wedding cake cost in Melbourne is $537.
Festoon lights: festoon lights are big bulb garland lights that emits warm colour and usually hung at the outdoor area of the wedding reception. Festoon lights creates a warm ambience for wedding and are perfect light source for night shots.
Table setting: table settings consist of floral centrepieces, crockery, glassware, cutlery and table linen on the bridal tables as well as the guests’ tables. Table setting bring functionality, styling as well as characteristics to the wedding.
Bonbonniere: the French word for wedding favour box, it is the gift given by the bride and groom to their guests for thanking them for joining their wedding party.
Bridal party introduction: At the beginning of a wedding reception, the newlywed, bridal party and important members will be formally introduced to the wedding reception by the wedding MC.
Grand entrance: It is usually referred to Lebanese and Arabic wedding entrance; the grand entrance is also named as grand march. The professional zaffet dancer and drummer would dance surrounding the bride and groom and then lead the couple to the centre of dance floor. The guests would clap and dance around the wedding couple.
Drummer: The drummers are commonly found on Lebanese and Arabic weddings as entertainers who accompany the bride and groom to have the grand entrance at the beginning of wedding reception. The drummers also entertain and play drum throughout the wedding reception when the guests have traditional dance on the dance floor.
The average drummer in Melbourne guideline:
4x Drummers from $1,500+GST – 15-minute entrance
6x Drummers $2,100+GST – 15-minute entrance
8 Drummers, $2,700+GST – 15-minute entrance
First dance: First dance is also named as bridal waltz. The first dance on the wedding day is the bride and groom have the initial dance in front of guest at the wedding reception. The first dance is also considered to open the dancing.
Father and daughter, mother and son dance: a dance between the bride and her father, it is a moment during wedding where the bride honours and shows gratitude for her father as she enters a new chapter of life. After the father and daughter dance, the groom can have a dance with his mum as well.
Dry ice: Solid form of carbon dioxide which it is used for fog machine. The dry ice is normally used for the bridal waltz to create romantic and dramatic wedding vibe.
The average dry ice service cost in Melbourne is $350.
Firework: A device contain the gunpowder and other chemical material which create specular effect and explosive and loud noise when it is ignited. The firework is widely used for the wedding at grand entrance, bridal waltz, cutting cake and etc on the wedding day.
The average cost of firework in Melbourne can be around $2000.
Bouquet toss: During the medieval, after the wedding women guests would come to rip off the bride’s dress as her dress means good luck, so the bride would toss the bouquet to appeal and run away from the crowd. Nowadays, the bouquet toss involves the bride tossing her bouquet to a crowd of single ladies on the dance floor and whoever catches it, is thought to be the next one to get married.
Garter toss: usually arranged after the bride’s bouquet toss, the garter toss involves the groom taking off the garter from the bride’s leg with his teeth or hands, and throwing it to a crowd of single male wedding guests. The garter means good fortune and fertility, and throwing the garter also symbolizes the bride and groom’s farewell to their single lives.
Night shot: during the reception, wedding photographers will also take some photos for the couple outdoor. The photographer will light up the guests with the festoon lights, flashlight or led lights. The night shots show a romantic vibe of the couple under the night sky.
Sparkler Exit: At end of wedding reception, the guests will light up the sparklers to send off the bride and groom.
Summary
I am glad you have made it all the way to the bottom of the complete wedding glossary guide. These are the words that are heavily used by wedding photographers and other vendors in Melbourne, however, I do believe there will be some words that are not covered in this article.
If you have ideas or questions about one particular wedding glossary, you could contact TREE Studio here.
I’m a wedding photographer based in Melbourne, I noticed some bride and groom would get confused on numerous wedding glossaries. The Melbourne wedding industry is filled with lots of jargons and terminologies, unless you’re a wedding expert or you are having extended wedding planning experiences, it’s quite normal for most of brides to lack the knowledge about specific wedding glossary.
