Wedding Glossary

A

Aperitivo

The Spanish drinks-and-canapés reception straight after the ceremony, often an hour or more in the gardens or on a terrace. Similar to a British cocktail hour, but usually more generous with food.

Apostille

An official stamp that certifies a document, such as a birth certificate, so it is recognised in another country. Spanish registries often ask for apostilled documents when couples marry legally in Spain.

B

Barra libre

Spanish for open bar. Wedding packages usually include a set number of hours, typically two to four, after dinner.

Booking fee

The payment that secures your date with a venue, supplier or planner. It is usually non-refundable and set out in your contract.

C

Celebrant

A professional who writes and leads a personalised, non-legal ceremony, often in your own language.

Ceremony arch

A frame, often dressed with flowers or fabric, that marks the spot where you say your vows.

Certificate of No Impediment

A document from your home country confirming you are free to marry. Some countries ask for one if you marry legally abroad.

Chiringuito

A beach bar or beach restaurant, found all along the Spanish coast. Some host relaxed beach weddings and welcome parties. Learn more

Cigarral

A country estate on the hills around Toledo, traditionally with gardens, orchards and views of the city.

Civil ceremony

A legal, non-religious marriage carried out by a registrar or official. In Spain, a legal civil wedding usually needs at least one partner to be resident, so many couples from abroad marry legally at home first.

Cortijo

A traditional Andalusian farmhouse, usually whitewashed and built around a courtyard. Many have been restored as wedding venues.

Curfew

The time music must stop or the party must end. In Spain it varies from about 11pm to no curfew at all, depending on the venue and local rules.

D

Day-after party

A relaxed get-together the day after the wedding, often a pool party, brunch or paella lunch, popular at destination weddings.

Destination wedding

A wedding held away from where the couple live, usually abroad, with guests travelling and often staying for several days.

Dry hire

Hiring a venue on its own, without catering, drinks or staff. You bring in your own caterer and suppliers.

E

Exclusive use

Having the whole venue to yourselves for your wedding, with no other guests or events. Some venues offer it only above a certain number of guests. Learn more

External caterer

A catering company brought in from outside the venue. Some venues allow only their own caterer, some only external ones, and some both.

F

Festoon lights

Strings of large bulbs hung over tables or terraces, a favourite for evening receptions outdoors.

Finca

A Spanish country estate or farm property. Wedding fincas range from rustic farmhouses to grand estates with gardens and pools. Learn more

First look

A private moment before the ceremony when the couple see each other for the first time, often photographed.

G

Golden hour

The hour or so before sunset, when the light is soft and warm and best for photos.

H

Hoja de reclamaciones

The official complaint form that businesses in Spain must provide to consumers on request.

I

In-house catering

Food and drink provided by the venue’s own kitchen and team.

IVA

Spanish VAT. The standard rate is 21%, and it is often shown separately on quotes.

M

Masía

A traditional Catalan farmhouse, usually built of stone. Many in the countryside around Barcelona and Girona are now wedding venues.

Masseria

A fortified farmhouse in Puglia, southern Italy, often surrounded by olive groves.

Minimum spend

The lowest amount a venue or caterer requires you to spend. If you fall short, you pay the difference.

Minimum stay

The fewest nights you must book at a venue with accommodation, often two or three nights for weddings.

O

Officiant

The person who leads your ceremony. For a symbolic ceremony this is usually a celebrant.

On-day coordination

A service where a coordinator takes over your plans in the final weeks and runs the wedding day itself, so you and your families can relax. Learn more

Order of the day

The timetable for the wedding day, from getting ready to the last dance. Also called the running order.

P

Parador

A state-run hotel in Spain, often in a castle, monastery or other historic building.

Per person (pp)

Pricing per guest, common for catering and drinks packages.

R

Resopón

A late-night snack served during the party, such as mini burgers, churros or a ham station.

S

Seating plan

The plan showing where each guest sits for the meal. Also called the table plan.

Stretch tent

A flexible fabric tent stretched over poles, used for outdoor dinners and dancing. Lighter and more open than a traditional marquee.

Symbolic ceremony

A ceremony with no legal status, so you can marry wherever and however you like. Most couples from the UK and Ireland marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony abroad.

T

Tasting

A trial of the menu, and sometimes the wines, before you finalise your choices. In Spain it is called a prueba de menú.

V

Vendor sourcing

Finding, comparing and booking suppliers such as photographers, florists and musicians on your behalf. Learn more

Venue coordinator

The venue’s own staff member who looks after its spaces and services on the day. Different from a wedding planner, who looks after your whole wedding.

Venue hire

The fee to hire the venue itself, usually separate from catering, drinks and accommodation.

W

Wedding breakfast

The main meal at a wedding, whatever time of day it is served. A British term.

Wedding planner

A professional who plans and manages your wedding from the start, including budget, venue, suppliers and timeline. Learn more

Welcome drinks

An informal gathering the evening before the wedding so guests can meet and settle in.