01of 67
Place Setting
The table service for a single diner: a napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, service plate or charger, soup bowl, bread-and-butter plate, butter spreader, dinner knife, teaspoon, soup spoon, water goblet, red wine glass, and white wine glass.
02of 67
Charger
A large decorative plate that's placed under the dinner plate to bring color and texture to the table.
03of 67
Tablescape
Another word for table arrangement or centerpiece. It's most often used when each table has multiple components.
See 50 Great Wedding Centerpieces
04of 67
Nosegay
A small bouquet or flower arrangement usually given as a gift to the mothers of the bride and groom before the wedding ceremony.
See More Bridesmaid Bouquets from Real Weddings
05of 67
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.
See More Flower Girls from Real Weddings
06of 67
Handle Wrap
The ribbon, fabric, or handkerchief that wraps around the stems of a bouquet.
07of 67
Cascade Bouquet
An elongated bouquet with a trail of vines, ribbons, or leaves (also referred to as a "waterfall bouquet").
See More Bouquets from Real Weddings
08of 67
Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor
A sister or friend of the bride who stands closest to her at the altar. Although this role is traditionally given to one person, it can be given to two or even three. The maid of honor title is given to a woman who is not married, while the matron of honor title is given to one who is.
See More Bridesmaids from Real Weddings
09of 67
Usher
A man—or men—selected by the groom, whose main responsibility is to seat guests as they enter the ceremony. This task can also fall to the groomsmen.
See More Stylish Groomsmen from Real Weddings
10of 67
Escort Cards
Printed cards that inform guests of what table they'll be seated at. They are typically displayed as guests enter the reception, or at co*cktail hour.
See More Classic Seating Cards and Displays
11of 67
Place Cards
Printed cards that are placed at each seat at the reception to let guests know which chair they will be sitting at.
12of 67
Stationery Suite
A term to describe all of the stationery, including the save-the-dates, invitations, reply cards, reception cards, and any other invitation enclosures.
13of 67
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 in some cases, their entree choice for the reception.
14of 67
Letterpress
A centuries-old printing technique where blocks or plates of raised type are inked and pressed deep into the paper, giving words and images a grooved texture.
15of 67
Embossing
The process of creating a three-dimensional image or design, such as a monogram, on wedding invitations, programs, menus, and thank-you notes.
16of 67
Engraving
The most traditional form of invitation printing. Text is etched onto a copper plate, which is then coated with ink and wiped clean, leaving ink only in the indentations. When paper is pressed against the plate, it produces raised text. On this stationery, a drawing of a ranunculus bloom is engraved in deep pink.
17of 67
Ecru
A French word that means "raw" or "unbleached." The natural beige hue has become a traditional color for wedding invitations.
See More Classic Wedding Invitations
18of 67
Card Stock
Paper stock that is thicker and more durable than normal writing paper, but thinner and more flexible than other forms of paperboard. It is often used for wedding stationery including invitations, menus, programs, and escort and place cards.
See More Menu Cards from Real Weddings
19of 67
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.
See More Boxed Wedding Favors
20of 67
Typography
The art of arranging type; type design.
See More Modern Wedding Invitations
21of 67
Serif
A short line at the end of the main strokes of a character.
22of 67
Sans Serif
Sans, which means "without," is a typeface in which characters have no serifs.
23of 67
Cathedral Veil
A dramatic veil that extends at least 9 feet. Because of its volume, it demands the wide aisles of a cathedral (hence the name) and deft maneuvering on the part of the bride, as well as the assistance of at least one of her attendants.
24of 67
Mantella Veil
A Spanish-style tulle veil with a wide lace border that lays over the head instead of attaching with a comb.
25of 67
Blusher Veil
A short veil that extends to just below the chin (so as not to interfere with the bouquet).
26of 67
Fascinator
A hair accessory that's worn to the side and is often made of feathers, flowers, or wisps of fabric. It's often embellished with crystals, beads, or loops of ribbon, and attached with a comb, headband, or bobby pins.
27of 67
Fingertip Veil
A traditional veil that reaches the bride's fingertips when her hands are at her sides.
28of 67
Bouffant Veil
A cloud of tulle that rises high above the bride's head. This style gained popularity in the 1950s, when brides wore it combined with a tiara or satin headband. Today's bouffants are more understated and are typically worn without a headpiece for a cleaner, more modern look.
29of 67
Flyaway Veil
A multilayered veil that brushes the shoulders and is perfect for dresses with open or intricate backs.
30of 67
Three-Piece Veil
A short blusher, wrist-length drop, and sweeping chapel-length veil in one.
31of 67
Millinery
Fabric or ribbon details used on hats, cakes, or wedding decor.
32of 67
Bustle
A type of framework used to expand the fullness of the back of a woman's dress. Many modern gowns contain hidden strings and buttons made for tying up the bustle after the ceremony so the bride can dance more freely at the reception.
33of 67
Applique
A decorative design made of one material sewn over another.
34of 67
Tulle
A fine netted fabric used for veils, tutus, or gowns.
35of 67
duch*ess Satin
A luxurious fabric with a high thread count that's shiny on one side. It's sometimes referred to as "silk satin."
36of 67
Grosgrain
A silk or silk-like fabric with a ribbed appearance. It's often used in trims, belts, and handle wraps—like this one.
See 10 Instant Bouquet Upgrades
37of 67
Organza
A thin, sheer, plain-weave fabric that's traditionally made from silk.
See More Gorgeous Wedding Gowns
38of 67
Faille
A ribbed woven fabric of silk, rayon, or cotton that drapes very well.
39of 67
Bateau
A high-neck silhouette that extends horizontally from shoulder to shoulder. It gained popularity in the 1960s, and is also referred to as a "boatneck."
40of 67
Sweetheart Neckline
A heart-shaped neckline.
41of 67
Drop Waist
An elongated waistline that is positioned a few inches below the natural waist.
42of 67
Trumpet
A dress silhouette that is fitted through the bodice and hips and flares out toward the bottom. Shaped like a mermaid's tail, it is sometimes referred to as a "mermaid" or "fit and flare" style.
43of 67
Ruched
Fabric that is gathered into figure-flattering ruffles or pleats.
44of 67
Shapewear
Undergarments with built-in support that smooth, slim, and create a beautiful silhouette.
45of 67
D'Orsay
A style of woman's shoe that reveals the arch of the foot.
See More Wedding Shoes and Accessories Worn by Real Brides
46of 67
Dyeables
Shoes or fabric that can be dyed to match a specific color swatch.
47of 67
Primer
A lightweight gel that creates an invisible layer of protection under foundation. It literally primes skin for photographs by creating a smooth surface, preventing oil and shine, and helping makeup last longer.
See Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Makeup Last
48of 67
Palette
A palette describes the range of colors used in work. Whether you use one color or several, the colors used in your wedding make up your palette.
See More Wedding Color Palette Ideas
49of 67
Clip Art
Ready-made pieces of computerized graphic art that can be downloaded, printed out, and used to decorate a document such as a wedding invitation, menu, thank you card, or program.
See More Wedding Clip Art
50of 67
Template
A predesigned file with editable text boxes for details such as names and wedding dates. We offer several templates for escort cards, stationery, and table numbers.
See More Wedding Templates
51of 67
Craft Punch
A craft tool used to create a decorative hole or punch in paper.
52of 67
Signature co*cktail
A specialty co*cktail chosen by the bride and groom or caterer to be served at the reception. It can be either a traditional drink that has personal sentiment to the couple or a new drink created for the couple.
See More Wedding Signature Drink Recipes
53of 67
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.
See More Fondant Wedding Cakes
54of 67
Ganache
An icing made from chocolate and cream that's used to cover, decorate, or fill cakes.
55of 67
Gum Paste
A mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin that is used to create realistic-looking garnishes—such as flowers, fruits, and birds—for cakes.
56of 67
Sugar Flowers
Delicate, exceptionally detailed and realistic-looking flowers made from sugar. They are often hand-painted.
57of 67
Royal Icing
A hard white icing made from egg whites and powdered sugar, used to decorate cakes. Here, royal icing roses are piped onto this fondant-covered cake.
58of 67
Channel Setting
A type of ring setting where the stones are inlaid directly into the band, without prongs.
See More Engagement and Wedding Ring Settings
59of 67
Bezel
A metal rim that encircles the entire gemstone and is an alternative to prongs.
60of 67
Pave
A cluster of diamonds that completely covers, or paves, a piece of metal.
61of 67
Micro Pave
A cluster of tiny diamonds or diamond chips that completely covers, or paves, a piece of metal.
62of 67
Marquise Cut
A diamond-shaped stone.
See More Engagement Ring Cuts
63of 67
Cushion Cut
A stone that's square with rounded corners.
64of 67
Emerald Cut
A rectangle-shaped stone.
65of 67
Princess Cut
A square-shaped stone.
66of 67
Prong Setting
Metal tines—usually four or six—that secure a gemstone. Top ring by Tiffany & Co.; bottom ring by Asprey.
67of 67
Cluster Setting
A grouping of several small diamonds that flank a larger center stone. Ring by Kwait.