UK wedding terms explained, in two sentences each

The groom’s closest friend or relative, who keeps the rings, gives a speech and helps on the day. The bride’s equivalent is usually the chief bridesmaid or maid of honour.

The fee a venue or caterer charges to let you bring your own bottles, often £5 to £15 a bottle. On a hundred guests it can be worth several thousand pounds, so ask at the viewing.

A service that makes the schedule run on the day: greeting suppliers, keeping to the timings, handling surprises. It is sold on its own to couples who planned the rest themselves.

Guests invited to the party after the meal, but not to the ceremony or wedding breakfast. It is a common way to keep the day-time numbers, and the catering bill, down.

The couple’s dance that opens the evening party. It is worth choosing the song early: the DJ or band will want to know for the sound check.

The celebrations organised for each partner before the wedding, usually a weekend or an evening with close friends. They are paid by the guests, rarely by the couple.

The printed or online programme of the ceremony: the order of readings, music and vows. It helps guests follow the ceremony and is usually handed out at the door.

A calendar counted backwards: you start from the wedding date and place each task on it, from twelve months ahead to the day after. It turns a list of a hundred tasks into three or four a week.

The local authority office where a civil ceremony can take place. Whichever venue you choose, you give notice of the marriage at the registry office beforehand.

From the French « répondez s’il vous plaît »: the guest’s reply, yes or no, with numbers, dietary needs and any special requirements. Caterers usually need final numbers ten to fifteen days ahead.

The document given to each supplier, with their timings, access and useful contacts for the day. One sheet per supplier avoids sending everyone one long schedule.

A short message sent five to six months ahead to hold the date before the invitation goes out. It asks for no reply: it gives the date, the place and a promise of an invitation.

The arrangement of guests by table, shown at the entrance to the room. It is built from final replies, taking account of relationships, dietary needs and children.

Any person or company you hire for part of the wedding: venue, caterer, photographer, DJ, florist. The most in demand book twelve months or more ahead.

The table where the couple sit at the wedding breakfast, traditionally with their parents and best man. Many couples now choose a sweetheart table for two.

The sit-down meal after the ceremony, whatever the time of day. Its cost per head is the biggest single line in most UK wedding budgets.

A small gift for each guest, often placed at the table. Sugared almonds, seeds and small jars of local food are the classics; expect a few pounds a head.

The text on the invitation: who is marrying, the date, the place, the time and how to reply. Details such as hotels and directions belong on a page you can correct.

The professional who organises all or part of a wedding: finding suppliers, the budget, coordination. They can work from the first meeting to the day itself, or only on the day.

The web page for the wedding that guests open from the invitation: programme, addresses, transport, accommodation, replies. It is what Weddtap makes, with no app to install.