Glossary
Wedding words, explained.
Every tradition has its own language. Here's a plain-English guide to the events, rituals and terms you'll come across.
Hindu
- Mandap
- The decorated canopy under which the Hindu wedding ceremony (Vivah) takes place, where the couple performs the sacred rites.
- Baraat
- The groom's joyful procession to the wedding venue, with music and dancing, where he is welcomed by the bride's family.
- Vivah
- The Hindu wedding ceremony itself, held at the mandap, including the exchange of garlands and the pheras around the sacred fire.
- Mehndi
- A celebration where henna is applied to the bride and her guests in intricate designs, usually the evening before the wedding.
- Haldi
- A pre-wedding ritual where turmeric paste is blessed onto the couple for good luck and glowing skin.
- Sangeet
- A lively evening of music, dance and performances from both families before the wedding.
- Roka
- The formal engagement of a Hindu couple, where the two families commit to the match.
- Vidaai
- The bride's emotional farewell as she leaves her family home to begin married life.
Sikh
- Anand Karaj
- The Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning 'blissful union', held at the Gurdwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Laava
- The four hymns sung during the Anand Karaj; the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib once for each.
- Milni
- The warm meeting of the two families on the wedding morning, usually with garlands and breakfast, before the ceremony.
- Langar
- The community meal served free to all guests at the Gurdwara after the ceremony.
- Maiyan
- A turmeric paste blessing applied to the bride or groom at home in the days before a Sikh wedding.
- Doli
- The bride's farewell as she departs with her new family after a Sikh wedding.
Muslim
- Nikah
- The Islamic marriage contract and ceremony, where the couple give consent before witnesses and the nikah-nama is signed.
- Mahr
- A gift given by the groom to the bride as part of the marriage contract, agreed between the families.
- Walima
- The reception feast that follows the Nikah, traditionally hosted by the groom's family.
- Rukhsati
- The moment the bride departs with her husband after the Nikah.
- Mehndi
- A henna night for the bride and her guests before a Muslim wedding, often with music and celebration.
- Dholki
- An evening of drumming, singing and celebration in the run-up to a Muslim wedding.
Jewish
- Chuppah
- The canopy under which a Jewish couple is married, symbolising the home they will build together.
- Ketubah
- The Jewish marriage contract, setting out the couple's commitments, signed and witnessed before the chuppah.
- Bedeken
- The veiling of the bride, which takes place before the chuppah ceremony.
- Sheva Brachot
- The seven blessings recited over the couple during the ceremony and again at the festive meal.
- Yichud
- The couple's first private moments together immediately after the chuppah ceremony.
- Hora
- The celebratory circle dance at a Jewish wedding reception, often with the couple lifted on chairs.
Western & civil
- Wedding breakfast
- The main seated meal after the ceremony, with speeches. Despite the name it is not a morning meal.
- Drinks reception
- The gap after the ceremony where guests enjoy canapés and drinks while the couple has photos taken.
- Order of the day
- A short running order shared with guests and suppliers so everyone knows where to be and when.
- Giving notice
- The legal step of registering your intention to marry at your local register office, usually at least 29 days ahead.