105+ Event Terms Explained

Event & InvitationGlossary

New to event planning? Our comprehensive glossary covers everything from RSVP etiquette to dress codes. Learn the terminology that will help you plan the perfect event.

Etiquette & Manners

12 terms

RSVP

RSVP stands for "Repondez s'il vous plait," a French phrase meaning "please respond." It's a request for guests to confirm attendance.

Save the Date

A save the date is an advance notice sent before formal invitations, asking guests to reserve a specific date for an upcoming event.

Plus One

A plus one is an additional guest that an invited person may bring to an event, typically a romantic partner or companion.

Thank You Card

A thank you card is a note of appreciation sent to guests after an event or to acknowledge receipt of a gift.

Regrets Only

Regrets only is an RSVP style where guests respond only if they cannot attend, with no response assumed as acceptance.

Gift Etiquette

Gift etiquette refers to the social customs and guidelines surrounding giving and receiving gifts at events.

Formal Invitation

A formal invitation is an official request to attend an event, typically printed on quality paper with traditional wording.

Invitation Suite

An invitation suite is a coordinated set of stationery including the invitation, RSVP card, and additional enclosures.

Enclosure Card

An enclosure card is a small insert included with invitations providing additional event details like directions or accommodations.

Host Line

The host line on an invitation indicates who is hosting and paying for the event, traditionally the parents of the bride.

Receiving Line

A receiving line is a formal arrangement where hosts greet guests individually as they arrive at an event.

Toasting Etiquette

Toasting etiquette refers to the customs and guidelines for giving and receiving toasts at celebrations.

Wedding Specific

18 terms

Wedding Party

The wedding party consists of the couple's chosen attendants, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other honored roles.

Maid of Honor

The maid of honor is the bride's primary attendant, responsible for supporting the bride and leading the bridesmaids.

Best Man

The best man is the groom's primary attendant, responsible for supporting the groom and leading the groomsmen.

Bridesmaid

A bridesmaid is a female attendant who supports the bride and participates in wedding ceremonies and events.

Groomsman

A groomsman is a male attendant who supports the groom and participates in wedding ceremonies and events.

Flower Girl

A flower girl is a young girl who walks down the aisle before the bride, often scattering flower petals.

Ring Bearer

A ring bearer is a young boy who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

Officiant

An officiant is the person legally authorized to perform a wedding ceremony and pronounce a couple married.

Wedding Vows

Wedding vows are the promises couples make to each other during the ceremony, either traditional or personally written.

First Dance

The first dance is the newlyweds' initial dance as a married couple, typically the first dance of the reception.

Parent Dance

Parent dances are traditional dances at receptions where the couple dances with their parents, usually following the first dance.

Bouquet Toss

The bouquet toss is a tradition where the bride throws her bouquet to unmarried female guests, with the catcher predicted to marry next.

Garter Toss

The garter toss is a tradition where the groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it to unmarried male guests.

Wedding Cake

A wedding cake is a decorative cake served at the reception, traditionally cut together by the newlyweds.

Marriage License

A marriage license is the legal document that permits a couple to be married, required before the wedding ceremony.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour is the time between the wedding ceremony and reception when guests enjoy drinks and appetizers.

Processional

The processional is the ceremonial walk down the aisle at the beginning of a wedding ceremony.

Recessional

The recessional is the ceremonial exit of the newlyweds and wedding party at the end of the ceremony.

Event Types

27 terms

Wedding Reception

A wedding reception is the celebratory party held after a wedding ceremony where guests enjoy food, drinks, music, and dancing.

Ceremony

A ceremony is the formal ritual or official proceedings of an event, most commonly referring to a wedding ceremony where vows are exchanged.

Rehearsal Dinner

A rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding celebration held after the wedding rehearsal, typically hosted by the groom's family.

Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is a pre-wedding party honoring the bride-to-be, typically featuring gifts, games, and refreshments.

Couples Shower

A couples shower is a co-ed pre-wedding celebration honoring both the bride and groom together with mixed-gender guests.

Baby Shower

A baby shower is a celebration for expectant parents featuring gifts, games, and well-wishes for the new baby.

Gender Reveal Party

A gender reveal party is an event where expectant parents announce the sex of their baby, often with a creative surprise reveal.

Baby Sprinkle

A baby sprinkle is a smaller, less elaborate shower for parents expecting a second or subsequent child.

Engagement Party

An engagement party is a celebration held to announce and honor a couple's recent engagement and upcoming marriage.

Bachelor Party

A bachelor party is a celebration for the groom-to-be, organized by the best man and groomsmen before the wedding.

Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party is a celebration for the bride-to-be, organized by the maid of honor and bridesmaids before the wedding.

Birthday Party

A birthday party is a celebration held to commemorate the anniversary of someone's birth.

Milestone Celebration

A milestone celebration is an event marking a significant birthday, anniversary, achievement, or life event.

Anniversary Party

An anniversary party is a celebration marking a couple's wedding anniversary, often focused on milestone years.

Retirement Party

A retirement party is a celebration honoring someone who is ending their career after years of work.

Graduation Party

A graduation party is a celebration honoring someone who has completed an educational program or degree.

Holiday Party

A holiday party is a celebration held to mark a holiday season, often featuring festive decorations, food, and activities.

Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is an evening social gathering featuring drinks and light appetizers, typically lasting 2-3 hours.

Housewarming Party

A housewarming party is a celebration held when someone moves into a new home.

Open House

An open house is a casual event where guests can come and go within a specified time window.

Surprise Party

A surprise party is a celebration where the guest of honor doesn't know about the event until they arrive.

Destination Wedding

A destination wedding is a wedding held in a location away from the couple's hometown, often at a vacation or resort destination.

Elopement

An elopement is a marriage ceremony performed with few or no guests, often privately and sometimes spontaneously.

Micro Wedding

A micro wedding is an intimate wedding celebration with a small guest list, typically under 50 people.

Vow Renewal

A vow renewal is a ceremony where a married couple reaffirms their commitment to each other, often for a milestone anniversary.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is a ceremony honoring someone who has passed away, held with or without the deceased's remains present.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life is an uplifting memorial event focusing on honoring the deceased's life rather than mourning their death.

Event Planning

21 terms

Guest List

A guest list is a compiled list of all individuals invited to attend an event, used for planning and managing RSVPs.

Headcount

Headcount is the total number of guests expected at an event, crucial for planning catering, seating, and supplies.

Seating Chart

A seating chart is a diagram or plan showing where each guest will sit during an event, typically displayed at the entrance.

Escort Card

An escort card displays a guest's name and assigned table number, guiding them to their seat at an event.

Place Card

A place card is a small card at a table setting indicating where a specific guest should sit.

Registry

A registry is a list of desired gifts created by a couple or honoree, typically at specific stores, to guide gift-giving guests.

Venue

A venue is the location or space where an event takes place, ranging from hotels and ballrooms to outdoor gardens and private homes.

Site Visit

A site visit is an in-person tour of a potential event venue to assess its suitability and visualize the event.

Catering

Catering is the professional service of providing food and beverages for events, often including setup and service staff.

Menu Tasting

A menu tasting is a session where hosts sample potential dishes from a caterer before finalizing the event menu.

Open Bar

An open bar is a bar service where all drinks are paid for by the host, allowing guests to order freely without charge.

Cash Bar

A cash bar is a bar service where guests purchase their own drinks, either with cash or card, rather than the host providing free drinks.

Signature Cocktail

A signature cocktail is a custom drink created specifically for an event, often reflecting the hosts' personalities or event theme.

Wedding Favor

A wedding favor is a small gift given to guests as a token of appreciation for attending and celebrating with the couple.

Event Coordinator

An event coordinator is a professional who plans, organizes, and manages events to ensure they run smoothly.

Event Timeline

An event timeline is a detailed schedule of all activities and logistics for an event, ensuring everything runs on time.

Day-Of Coordinator

A day-of coordinator manages event logistics on the actual day, ensuring the timeline is followed and handling any issues.

Vendor

A vendor is a business or professional hired to provide specific services for an event, such as photography, catering, or flowers.

Rain Plan

A rain plan is a backup strategy for outdoor events in case of inclement weather.

Event Decor

Event decor encompasses all decorative elements used to transform a space and create atmosphere for an event.

Florist

A florist is a professional who designs and arranges flowers for events, including bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decor.

Dress Codes & Attire

14 terms

Dress Code

A dress code is a set of guidelines specifying what type of attire guests should wear to an event.

White Tie

White tie is the most formal dress code, requiring tailcoats for men and formal ball gowns for women.

Black Tie

Black tie is a formal dress code requiring tuxedos for men and formal evening gowns or dressy cocktail dresses for women.

Black Tie Optional

Black tie optional indicates formal attire is encouraged but dark suits and cocktail dresses are also acceptable.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire is a semi-formal dress code featuring cocktail dresses for women and suits or blazers with dress pants for men.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal is a dress code between casual and formal, typically meaning cocktail dresses for women and suits for men.

Business Casual

Business casual is a dress code that combines professional and relaxed elements, typically featuring khakis or dress pants with collared shirts.

Smart Casual

Smart casual is a relaxed yet polished dress code that combines casual comfort with neat, presentable pieces.

Casual Chic

Casual chic is a stylish yet relaxed dress code emphasizing fashionable casual wear that looks effortlessly put-together.

Garden Party Attire

Garden party attire is an outdoor-appropriate dress code featuring floral prints, light colors, and comfortable yet elegant clothing.

Beach Formal

Beach formal is a dress code for seaside events combining elegant attire with practical considerations for sand and ocean settings.

Festive Attire

Festive attire is a dress code for holiday events encouraging celebratory clothing with seasonal colors and sparkle.

Resort Casual

Resort casual is a relaxed dress code appropriate for vacation settings, featuring stylish but comfortable warm-weather clothing.

Themed Attire

Themed attire is a dress code where guests dress according to a specific theme chosen by the event hosts.

Corporate Events

5 terms

Corporate Event

A corporate event is a gathering organized by a company for employees, clients, stakeholders, or industry professionals.

Conference

A conference is a formal meeting or event where people gather to discuss specific topics, often featuring speakers and presentations.

Networking Event

A networking event is a gathering designed to help professionals meet and build business relationships.

Team Building Event

A team building event is an activity designed to strengthen workplace relationships and improve collaboration.

Company Retreat

A company retreat is an off-site gathering for employees focusing on team building, strategy, and relaxation.

Digital & Modern

8 terms

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