Friday, January 02, 2009

Wedding Glossary Pt. III

(Looking for Pt. I or Pt. II of our wedding glossary?)

If we've learned anything in the past few days, it's that weddings can be confusing! You thought you left studying behind in college, right? Us, too, but twas not to be. Knowing the terminology of wedding planning can help you make good decisions when you're buying wedding accessories and get the best deal when dealing with your wedding vendors. After all, no one can scam a bride-to-be who knows her stuff! We want to make sure that you have all the knowledge you need to plan the perfect wedding, which is exactly why we've put together a comprehensive wedding glossary for you to refer back to when things get confusing. This is Part III:

Cornelli
A complicated decorative form of wedding cake icing that resembles ornate lacework.

Corsage
A single flower bloom or a small spray of blooms that are attached to lace (or greenery) and pinned to the front of a woman's dress or worn at her wrist. Orchids are among the most popular flower choices for wedding corsages, and at weddings they are usually only worn by female relatives of the bride and groom.

Crown
One of the things a bride may choose to wear, the crown is a fully circular gemstone or bead adorned head piece that is larger than both a half crown and tiara. In Greek Orthodox Christian weddings both the bride and groom have crowns placed on their head by the Koumbaro, who then swaps the crowns between the couple three times. (See Koumbaro)

Cummerbund
This is a broad sash worn around a man's waist on top of his shirt but under the jacket. They are usually black, but may match the wedding colors.

Dais
This is a podium or platform raised from the floor. In wedding receptions, it is where the bride and groom are seated. The word is also used to indicate the flower display on the happy couple's table.

Damask
This is a linen or other fabric with raised patterns woven into it. Brocade is similar but of a heavier weight. The word is derived from Damascus, the capitol of Syria.

Dotted Swiss
A method of decorating the wedding cake that involves small random dots of icing.

Double Tier (veil)
A two layered veil. Usually one layer will be longer than the other.

Dragees
These are the edible and brightly colored balls of sugar seen on wedding cakes.

Elbow (veil)
A length of veil that reaches down to the bride's elbows.

Embellishments
These are extra adornments either sewn or glued onto a bridal gown. The additions may include embroidery, lace, glass or crystal beads, ribbons, bows, shiny plastic circular pieces called sequins, fringes, pearls, and other things.

Euro Tie
Often worn with a spread collar, this is a long tie that is more formal than a regular necktie, but less formal than an ascot. (See Ascot).


Click to access the entire wedding glossary