ATTN: ENGAGED COUPLES!

WOO HOO! You’re engaged. You’ve celebrated and now you are ready to start planning - or - maybe with the current, COVID-19 situation at hand, you are thinking of putting your wedding date on hold for the time being. AND THAT IS OK! Reach out to your wedding venue (hopefully, The Commons 1854) and chat about your options!

For the current March - April couples directly affected, there is no shame in the game for pushing your wedding back to a later 2020 date. A date in April versus a day in November does not take away from your love and the celebration that lies ahead! We understand your frustration, trust that we feel for you. We have dates available for your convenience and look forward serving you and your guests no matter the date you host your wedding!

“It is important to remember that a celebration is still a celebration, even with a delay.” - Kate Murtaugh

Check Kate Murtaugh's Instagram’s post for more inspiration.

Though these updates are constantly changing, our promise to deliver an exceptional experience remains no matter what.

You’re probably thinking, “now what?” So you turn to “Google” and start researching all. things. wedding. You’re overwhelmed. Random wedding terms and ideas start popping up and your head is officially s p i n n i n g. You have officially gone down the Pinterest “rabbit hole.” Hold the phone, well literally, but just stop right there.

Take a deep breath. We mean it. We all need to once in a while.

Since there is a little extra down-time, take your time to plan.

Lets start over, shall we?

Here is your guide to wedding terms and their meanings:

Boutonniere
This is provided by your florist. A small bunch of flowers pinned to the lapel of a jacket. This would usually be worn by the men in your wedding party or close VIP family members. At The Commons 1854, your coordinator will make sure to pin each groomsmen/family member with a boutonniere!

Hotel Room Block
A group of rooms exclusively reserved for your guests. We have a list of our preferred hotel vendors on your FAQS & Details sheet found in your Client Portal. Most hotels are within a 15 minute distance from The Commons and are quite convenient for your guests.

GOBO Light
A piece of acrylic or metal that is placed in front of a spot light to project a message or pattern. Go with love hearts, your names or something truly unique to you. Work with your DJ Entertainment to arrange this special feature. At The Commons, we often see these projected on the dance floor or the ceiling! It is a nice personalized touch!

First Look
The First Look traditionally happens before the Ceremony, when the couple see each other for the first time. A great time to get some photographs of the moment. This allows the couple to take all photos before the ceremony and to join cocktail hour!

Planning-moon
There is a ‘moon’ for everything! The Planning-moon is that blissful time between first getting engaged and the first argument about color swatches… Enjoy!

Escort cards

These cards will determine what table the guests are sitting at, once they arrive at their table they may then chose their own seat.

Place Cards
Small cards bearing each guests’ name to indicate their exact seat at the table. Assigned seating at the guest table is considered more formal than escort cards.

Swagging
Not something the teenagers do… Swagging is the colored drapes (usually white) that sway down from ceiling to floor, usually inside a gazebo. At The Commons, we have a beautiful outdoor pergola to adorn. Work with your florist to design it!

Up-lighting
Up-lighting can transform the look and feel of your wedding reception space. Choose colors to match your theme, or a “Color Wash” design to transform your space from daytime to party time! We have these up-lights in-house at The Commons. For $50 per light, we recommend 8-10 in our space! This will bring a WOW factor and only enhance the rest of your beautiful decor.

Votive
A small 2 inch candle that will burn for around 9-12 hours. These candles create a beautiful ambiance for both ceremonies and evening receptions. However, at The Commons 1854, these are only allowed if they are LED battery-powered.

Prelude

This is the softer music played as your guest are arriving and being seated at the ceremony. A sophisticated term for background music.

Processional

This is the intimate music played as the wedding party walk down the aisle. Typically provided by your Music Entertainment! Start practicing your posture and walking, s l o w l y. Don’t forget to take a deep breath.

Recessional

This is after you are officially married! Typically, this is upbeat music and indicates that the party begins shortly!

Signature drinks

Signature drinks allow you to create a unique custom cocktail that represents you, for all of your guests to enjoy! At The Commons 1854, these are served on a consumption base bar: tallied and billed to a credit card based on how many of these specific drinks were consumed by guests.

Sweetheart table

This table is where the couple will sit alone usually at the head of the room away from all of the other tables. At The Commons 1854, this table is typically placed in the front of the ballroom fireplace or in front of the stage (off to one side).

Table-scape

This is going to be the overall look and feel of your tables this can range from floral arrangements, to linens, decor, and so much more. At The Commons 1854, our house ivory satin linen & napkins are beautiful and included for your guest tables. For an additional fee, you may work with rental companies to change out different colors and textures linens and decor.

Unplugged Ceremony

This when the couple kindly makes a request that you keep all electronic devices away during the ceremony. You are paying a lot of money for a photographer! Let the photographer grab the natural and candid professional photos of your wedding day. It allows your guests to really be in-the-moment and experience this beautiful celebration with you! We get it, your guests love you or else they wouldn’t be there BUT there is nothing worse than a guest standing in the aisle with their cell phone in the air.

Black Tie Attire

A Black Tie dress code should always be indicated on your invitations to let your guests know what to expect of your special day! Such a formal affair typically takes place after 6 p.m., and men should be dressed in a tuxedo. Women are welcome to wear a formal cocktail dress or a long evening gown for the occasion.

Black Tie Optional

For Black Tie Optional, the dress code indicates that something slightly more casual than black tie will do. Women can still opt for long or short gowns and men have the option of wearing a nice tailored suit (they are still welcome to wear a tuxedo). This allows your guests to have a better understanding of the level of formality of your wedding. Indicating these suggestions on your invitations can be quite helpful when guests are choosing their wedding attire.

Bustle

First comes bustle, then comes the dancing. The bustle gathers up the wedding dress train with buttons or ribbons to prevent the train from dragging and helps the bride move around. Short for “bust a move.”This tailoring trick features loops, buttons, or ribbons used to pull up and tuck the train of a dress to make moving easier. A French bustle attaches on the underside of the fabric, tucking it under so most of the train is hidden. An American bustle, on the other hand, attaches on the outside of the skirt, pulling fabric up toward the waist to create a pretty and visible drape.

Chuppah

Jewish ceremonies are performed beneath a Chuppah. This structure consists of a cloth canopy and four poles. The four sides are left open to represent hospitality to wedding guests! At The Commons, we have a n outdoor pergola. Most times, Jewish couples will work with their designer or florist to embellish this structure. For an indoor ceremony, couples will work with their florist to design a perfect Chuppah in our ballroom.

Golden Hour

Photographers often refer to the time just before sunset as "golden hour." During this time, the light is soft and perfect post-ceremony formal photos. So gorgeous!

Invitation Suite

A suite typically includes a save the date, invitation, and RSVP card, and may also feature an additional information card (calling out things like your wedding website URL or travel information), a map, or a weekend itinerary. Further add-ons include coordinating menus, programs, escort cards, and place cards

Ketubah

This is the Jewish wedding contract, used to formalize vows and celebrate their commitments. Newlyweds sign the Ketubah following their vows. Many modern couples choose to turn to artists to incorporate their contracts into permanent pieces of art.

Usher

No, not the pop-star. Ushers serve an important role during the ceremony, helping escort guests to their seats and keeping things organized before the processional begins. Often friends or family members of the couple, let guests know which seats are reserved and whether there is a bride’s and groom’s side of the aisle. Sometimes, they also hand out ceremony programs.

We hope this list helps a bit! Don’t forget, we are always here to help answer any questions you may have! We understand that wedding planning is overwhelming, so bounce ideas off of us and let us make your planning process as smooth as possible.

Cheers!

Event Team

The Commons 1854