To a novice, planning a wedding can feel like stepping into a strange new world. Not only is it the biggest event that most of us will ever organize, there is a whole special lingo associated with weddings. Get up to speed quickly with this wedding resource of wedding planning terms you need to know.

Bridal party: This is the bride and groom, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers (if used in addition to groomsmen), flower girl, ring bearer, and junior bridesmaids.

Wedding coordinator and planner: Most people know this is a professional that is hired to oversee the wedding arrangements, but did you know there are different types? There is the full time coordinator who is your go-to resource for every aspect of your wedding, and then there is the hourly planner, who might help out with only a limited number of key tasks. The day-of-wedding planner comes only for the big day itself, to coordinate vendors and keep everything running smoothly.

Sample size: Most bridal stores carry sample wedding gowns, which are there only to be tried on. The customer then places an order for her very own gown based upon her favorite sample. “Sample size” refers to the size which is usually stocked by stores, either an 8 or 10. Bridal sizing runs about a size smaller than standard clothing, so the samples will fit more like size 6 or 8. Being a sample size can come in really handy, as it is easier to tell how a gown will look when it fits fairly well. Sample size brides will also have the best luck when shopping clearance sales where floor models are being sold at the end of the season.

Mini-moon: An emerging trend in which the newlyweds take a very brief vacation immediately following the wedding, and then plan a longer honeymoon for several months later. The mini-moon is usually only one to three days long, and typically takes place close to home. It can be a great solution when the wedding has left the couple either too strapped for cash to take a big trip right away, or out of vacation days from work. Having the mini-moon allows the newlyweds a few days to bask in the glow of being just married before returning to the daily grind.

Vintage Champagne: This is a high quality sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. What makes a Champagne vintage is that it is made from grapes harvested in one particular year (this is done when the vineyard has an especially good harvest in a given year). Vintage Champagne is more costly than non-vintage, which is blended from grapes harvested during several years. The vast majority of Champagne is non-vintage.

Vendors: These are the people who pull your wedding together. Most weddings need vendors like caterers, florists, bakers, and rental agencies. You might also have a tent vendor and a lighting vendor. For a complicated wedding, a coordinator can be very helpful in organizing vendors during the delivery and set up on your wedding day.

Off-the-rack, Made-to-order, and Couture: An off-the-rack bridal gown is one which has been mass produced in large quantities. Brides can walk right into a store, try on the dress, and take it home that same day. A made-to-order gown is a designer wedding dress which is special ordered after trying on a sample in the bridal salon. They are still made in standard sizes, but made-to-order gowns offer the possibility of many custom pattern changes, and generally take about four to six months to order. A couture gown is technically a one-of-a-kind creation which is made right on the bride by a fine seamstress or designer. Couture is frequently misused when referring to made-to-order wedding dresses.

Now that you know what everyone is talking about, it will be easier to get out there and plan the perfect wedding. Happy planning!

Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding resources, style, and society. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/, we handcraft beautiful wedding jewelry for every member of the bridal party. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping, so visit us today!

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