Wedding Glossary: 13 Terms You Need to Know

Wedding Glossary: 13 Terms You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered what on earth your wedding planner or florist was talking about when he or she used the word "dragee" or "nosegay"? Before you get started with your planning, read our glossary of wedding terms to see what you need to know and brush up on before your big day. You'll be a wedding expert in no time!

Photo: Bryan Gardner

Dragees
Chocolate-and candy-covered almonds that are often served at wedding receptions or given out as favors. The treats are often packaged in groups of five to represent happiness, health, longevity, wealth, and fertility.

See More: 13 New Wedding Cake Trends We Love

D'Orsay
A style of woman's shoe that reveals the arch of the foot.

Photo: Johnny Miller

Nosegay
A small bouquet or flower arrangement usually given as a gift to the mothers of the bride and groom before the wedding ceremony.

Millinery
Fabric or ribbon details used on hats, cakes, or wedding decor.

Bezel Setting
A metal rim that encircles the entire gemstone and is an alternative to prongs.

Photo: Bryan Gardner

Ecru
A French word that means "raw" or "unbleached." The natural beige hue has become a traditional color for wedding invitations.

Related: 12 New and Unexpected Wedding Food Ideas

Pomander
A ball of flowers that is used as a decoration or an accessory (flower girls often carry them in lieu of baskets). They can be suspended from ribbons or hooks, or placed on top of vases.

Photo: Lucy Schaeffer

Fondant
A hard frosting made of sugar and water that's mixed together, cooked, and cooled. Like buttercream, it is traditionally used on wedding cakes.

Blusher Veil
A short veil that extends to just below the chin (so as not to interfere with the bouquet).

Reply Card
A card that's mailed with the invitation for guests to fill out and return with any or all of the following information: whether or not they will be attending, how many people will be in attendance, and sometimes, their entree choice for the reception.

Photo: Raymond Hom

Vellum
Heavy, transparent paper that is often used as an overlay on wedding invitations. It can also be used for a variety of other things, including these favor boxes.

Appliqué
A decorative dress design made of one material sewn over another.

Typography
The art of arranging type; type design.


See more need-to-know wedding terms at Martha Stewart Weddings.

More from Martha Stewart Weddings:
The New Wedding Rules
Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Registries
21 Gorgeous Engagement Rings of Real Brides
How to Give a Great Wedding Toast