ESCORT CARDS: Not to be confused with place cards! Displayed at the entrance of the reception to direct guests to their assigned dinner table.
EVENT DESIGNER: The creative mind behind your wedding aesthetic, from color palette to decor. Contrary to a wedding planner, an event designer focuses on visuals rather than logistics.
FIRST LOOK: A private moment before the ceremony where couples see each other for the first time and share a few minutes together.
FIRST TOUCH: Similar to the first look, but without seeing each other, couples reach out to hold each other to ease their nerves.
HEAD TABLE: A long table where the couple sits with their wedding party and family members.
IN-HOUSE CATERING: When food and beverages are handled by the venue and not a third-party vendor.
INVITATION SUITE: Includes everything guests need to know, from save-the-dates and invitations to RSVP cards.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: Government appointed or elected official that performs civil, nonreligious ceremonies.
LETTERPRESS: Popular printing technique that gives invitations a textured, elegant finish.
NOSEGAY: Small handheld bouquet of flowers often carried by bridesmaids to complement the bride’ s larger bouquet.
PETIT FOURS: Sweet version of the hors d’ oeuvres that is usually served after the main course.
PLACE CARDS: Tells your guests exactly where to sit once they’ ve gotten to their tables.
PROCESSIONAL: Part of the ceremony where the wedding party members walk down the aisle and ends with the bride’ s grand entrance.
RECESSIONAL: When the newlyweds walk down after the ceremony, marking the end of the ceremony and beginning of the cocktail hour or reception.
SWEETHEART TABLE: Small table, center-stage reserved just for the couple.
USHER: Designated person( could be a wedding VIP or family member) who helps escort guests to their seat before the ceremony begins.
WEDDING COORDINATOR: Not to be mistaken for a wedding planner! A wedding coordinator manages logistics, oversees set-up, and keep the timeline on track day of the wedding so you can focus on saying“ I do.”
WELCOME PARTY: An informal prewedding party for all guests that can be paired with the rehearsal dinner or done separately.
WEDDING PLANNER: Every Type A’ s dream. The ultimate orchestrator. They manage the whole planning process from start to finish— budgets, spreadsheets, rentals, caterers; you name it!
Looking for even more wedding terms? Visit engagedsne. com for a full A-to-Z glossary of everything you’ ll need to know before the big day.
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Your Journey Begins Here
PLEASE NOTE:
This timeline is based on a one-year engagement. Vendor booking needs can vary widely depending on popularity and availability, so do your research! If you have the time to spare, remember that the earlier you book, the better.
12 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR
■ Set date and time.
■ Begin an organization system for your planning needs.
■ Browse engagedsne. com for local resources and vendor suggestions.
■ Determine a budget( and who is responsible for costs).
■ Decide on a theme / style and color palette.
■ Book reception venue, officiant and ceremony location.
■ Create a rough guest list.
■ Determine your wedding party.
■ Interview and select a wedding planner( if applicable).
■ Set up a wedding website and include relevant info for guests.
■ Book your engagement photo session( if applicable).
■ Announce your engagement on engagedsne. com.
■ Have an engagement party( if so inclined).
■ Book appointments to find wedding attire.
ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026 | 21