Episode 166b What To Expect At A British Wedding Reception (Party) And Wedding Vocabulary

Today on the podcast we're completing the conversation about weddings. I'll talk what you can expect at the wedding reception, which is the party that comes after the marriage ceremony. In addition, I'll talk about some differences between British weddings and American weddings, which includes some events and also a major difference in the legal side of the wedding. And, of course, we still have some essential English wedding vocabulary to cover. Vocabulary I think it's on the rise - 'on the rise' used to describe something that is increasing in popularity or use. It's really down to the bride and groom - 'really down to', we can also use 'really up to', they have exactly the same meaning! They mean it's someone's choice. Crudities - mixed raw vegetables served as an hors d'oeuvre. In fact at the wedding we had hors d'oeuvres, in English this is pronounced 'OR DERVS'. In British English we'd call them both 'starters' which doesn't sound nearly as exciting. I guess that's why we stole the French words! I think the Americans would call them canapes. stick with - to continue with something ritualistic - something that has ritual, either because of religion, superstition or tradition. rehearsal dinner - An American tradition where the Bride and Groom and Maid of Honour and Best Man practise the wedding ceremony the day before the wedding and then have dinner. choregraphing - the act of creating, planning, practising and delivering a specific dance. Hen night - the party for the bride before the wedding, usually with her friends. Stag night - the party for the groom before the wedding, usually with his friends. to go awry - things do not go to plan, and in fact can end in disaster. wholly devoted - completely and totally devoted the bouquet toss - when the bride throws her flowers to the bridesmaids or audience. Tradition says the person who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married. confetti - the small pieces of rice, paper or petals that are thrown over the bride and groom as they exit the church or wedding venue. bride - the woman getting married groom - the man getting married bridesmaid - often younger siblings or relations of the bride or sometimes the groom, can also be friends of the bride maid of honour - the friend or sister of the bride who often works together with the bride to organise the wedding best man - the brother or friend of the groom who will stand beside the groom at the wedding. It's usually the best man's job to bring the rings and hold them for the groom. groomsman - this is a more modern position. Some men have many brothers or friends who stand next to the best man and support the groom. upon her person - a formal way to say that you should be carrying something with you garter - a small piece of material that goes around the thigh. Historically garters were used to hold up stockings. These days it has become traditional for brides to have a wedding garter, whether or not she is wearing stockings.