Every wedding industry term, defined.

A decorative fabric or paper runner laid down the wedding aisle before the processional. Traditionally white, modern aisle runners often feature monograms, florals, or the couple's initials.

An AI-powered process that ranks incoming wedding inquiries 1 to 100 based on factors like budget, date specificity, and inquiry quality. Built into Zennvue for vendors to prioritize high-intent couples.

Equipment and services covering sound (microphones, speakers, mixers) and visuals (projectors, screens, lighting) at events. Often outsourced for ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events with significant tech needs.

A reception tradition where the bride tosses her bouquet over her shoulder to a group of unmarried guests. Folklore says whoever catches it will marry next.

A small floral arrangement worn on the lapel by the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and other male wedding party members. Pronounced "boo-tin-air."

A reception meal style where guests serve themselves from a food display. Less expensive than plated service, but typically requires more food per guest because portions are unrestricted.

A contract provision specifying what happens if either party cancels: deposit forfeiture, refund schedule, rebooking terms. Standard wedding cancellation clauses typically retain the full deposit if canceled within 90 days of the event.

A decorative structure (wood, metal, draped fabric, florals) under which the couple stands during the wedding ceremony. Provides a focal point for photos and frames the vows visually.

The transitional 60 to 90 minute period between the ceremony and reception, typically featuring drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and mingling. Often used for couple portraits while guests are entertained.

A per-bottle fee charged by venues or caterers for opening and serving alcohol you have brought yourself. Typically $15 to $30 per bottle. Some venues prohibit outside alcohol entirely.

A wedding vendor focused exclusively on running the wedding day itself: vendor coordination, timeline execution, troubleshooting. Less expensive than full-service planning, typically $1500 to $3500.

A non-refundable upfront payment that secures a vendor's services for your specific date. Typically 25% to 50% of the total contract value. Legally distinct: a "retainer" is for reserving services, while a "deposit" is partial payment.

The setup area for the DJ at a reception, typically including turntables, mixer, laptop, microphones, and speakers. Some venues have built-in booths; otherwise, the DJ supplies their own setup.

A pre-wedding photography session featuring the engaged couple, often included in wedding photography packages. Used for save-the-dates, social announcements, and as a "trial run" with the photographer before the wedding day.

"Food & Beverage Minimum." A required minimum spend on food and drinks at a venue, regardless of actual guest count. Saturday weddings often have minimums of $10K to $25K. Built into Zennvue's venue tools for tracking and proposals.

A reception meal style where dishes are placed on shared platters at each table, and guests serve themselves and pass to neighbors. More casual than plated, more communal than buffet.

A pre-ceremony private moment where the couple sees each other in their wedding attire for the first time. Allows for portraits before the ceremony and can ease nerves. An alternative to the traditional "see each other at the altar" approach.

A contract clause excusing one or both parties from performing their obligations due to extraordinary events outside their control: natural disasters, government action, pandemics. Critical for wedding contracts post-2020.

A wedding planner involved from engagement to wedding day, handling vendor selection, design, logistics, and day-of execution. Typically 10% to 15% of total wedding budget. Often $8K to $15K+ for full-service.

The final guest count provided to the venue or caterer 14 to 21 days before the event. This number locks in food prep, staffing, and pricing. Caterers typically charge for this number even if fewer guests attend.

Tips for service staff, often automatically added to catering and venue contracts as a "service charge" of 18% to 22%. Always confirm whether the service charge IS the gratuity or in addition to it.

A pre-wedding session where the bride works with her stylist to test wedding day hair and makeup looks. Typically scheduled 4 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Trial fees vary from $80 to $250.

Small appetizers served during cocktail hour, either passed by servers or set out at stations. Pronounced "or-derv." Industry standard is 4 to 6 different options at 2 to 3 pieces per guest.

The percentage of incoming wedding inquiries that turn into signed contracts. Industry average is 15% to 25% for solo vendors. Zennvue's AI lead scoring typically lifts this by 20% to 40%.

Insurance protecting against claims for property damage or bodily injury. Most venues require $1M to $2M in liability coverage from outside vendors. Available as event-specific policies starting at $150 to $300.

Broadcasting the wedding ceremony and/or reception in real time over the internet for remote guests. Became mainstream during 2020 and remains popular for elderly relatives, international guests, and hybrid weddings.

A vendor's profile on a wedding platform that couples browse to find services. Zennvue's marketplace includes free base listings with optional Silver and Gold tiers for boosted placement and AI matching priority.

A small, intimate wedding with 20 to 50 guests, focused on close family and friends. Distinct from "elopement" (typically just the couple) and "minimony" (very small ceremony with reception planned later). Average cost 50% lower than traditional weddings.

A payment term meaning the invoice is due 30 days from the issue date. Common for vendor-to-vendor invoicing (e.g., a planner billing a couple, a venue billing a corporate client). Less common for couple-to-vendor wedding contracts.

The person who performs the wedding ceremony and legalizes the marriage. Can be a religious leader, judge, or anyone licensed in the state. Many couples have a friend or family member become a one-day officiant through online ordination.

Open bar: hosts pay for all guest drinks. Cash bar: guests pay for their own drinks. "Limited bar" or "beer-and-wine bar" are common compromises. Open bars typically cost $35 to $85 per guest for a 4-hour reception.

A reception meal style where each course is plated in the kitchen and served to seated guests. The most formal option, requires more wait staff than buffet, and works best with confirmed entrée selections from RSVPs.

An invitation extended to a single guest's date or partner. Universal etiquette: married, engaged, and cohabiting couples always get plus-ones; single guests' plus-ones depend on the couple's preference.

A list of vetted vendors maintained by a venue or planner, often required to be used. Some venues only allow preferred vendors; others charge a fee for outside vendors. Vendors typically pay for placement on these lists.

The opening of the wedding ceremony, when the wedding party walks down the aisle in a specific order. Traditional order: officiant, groom and groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girl/ring bearer, then the bride.

The closing of the wedding ceremony, when the newly married couple and wedding party walk back down the aisle. Typically set to a more upbeat song than the processional, signaling the celebration begins.

An assigned arrangement of guests at reception tables, balancing relationships, dietary needs, and accessibility. Zennvue's AI seating chart generates optimized arrangements with explanations.

An automatic fee added to catering and venue bills, typically 18% to 22%. May or may not include gratuity for staff. Always read the contract carefully to determine whether tipping is also expected on top.

The cost to rent a venue space, separate from food and beverage charges. Site fees range from $1K (community spaces) to $25K+ (luxury weddings) and may include tables, chairs, basic linens, or charge extra.

A small reception table seating only the newly married couple, usually positioned facing the rest of the room. Alternative to the traditional "head table" with the entire wedding party.

A pre-wedding session where the couple samples menu options from their caterer and finalizes selections. Most caterers include one tasting in the package; additional tastings or guest samplings cost extra.

A speech given at the reception to honor the couple. Traditional order: best man, maid of honor, parents of the couple, then the couple's own thank-you. Standard length is 2 to 4 minutes per toast.

Decorative lighting placed at the floor and aimed upward to wash walls and architectural features in color. Typically provided by the DJ or a dedicated lighting vendor, $300 to $1500 depending on the number of fixtures.

A wedding video professional. "Videographer" implies more documentary-style coverage; "cinematographer" implies a more cinematic, edited approach. Wedding video packages range from $2K to $10K+ depending on coverage and deliverables.

A wedding designed for remote participation. "Virtual" means fully online (rare post-pandemic). "Hybrid" combines in-person attendance with live streaming for remote guests, the more common modern format.

The group of close friends and family who stand with the couple during the ceremony: bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid/matron of honor, best man, flower girl, ring bearer. Modern weddings increasingly use mixed-gender wedding parties.