ESL: English for Weddings

General, # wedding,

Planning a wedding is a major undertaking, and if you’re an ESL speaker, navigating the wedding planning process can be particularly daunting.

Not only are there countless logistical details to consider, but you also want to ensure that your English language skills are strong enough to effectively communicate with wedding vendors, guests, and your partner’s family and friends.

In this article, we will provide you with practical tips and essential vocabulary to help you communicate effectively and confidently throughout the wedding planning process, so you can enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Table of Contents

Vocabulary Related with Wedding

Bride – The female partner in a wedding
Groom – The male partner in a wedding
Wedding – A ceremony where two people get married
Marriage – The legal or religious union of two people as partners in a personal relationship
Ceremony – A formal event, usually performed in a religious or cultural setting
Reception – A celebration held after a wedding ceremony, where guests are invited to eat, drink, and dance
Venue – The location where the wedding ceremony and reception take place
Vows – Promises made by the bride and groom to each other during the wedding ceremony
Ring – A piece of jewelry worn on the finger, usually as a symbol of marriage
Engagement – The period of time before a wedding when the couple is preparing for the marriage
Proposal – The act of asking someone to marry you
Fiancé/Fiancée – A person who is engaged to be married
Bridal party – The group of people who stand with the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony
Best man – The male member of the bridal party who is closest to the groom
Maid of honor – The female member of the bridal party who is closest to the bride
Flower girl – A young girl who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering flowers
Ring bearer – A young boy who carries the rings down the aisle during the wedding ceremony
Officiant – The person who performs the wedding ceremony
Marriage license – The legal document that allows two people to get married
Save the date – A notice sent to guests informing them of the wedding date
Invitations – Cards sent to guests inviting them to the wedding
RSVP – A request for guests to respond with whether or not they will attend the wedding
Seating chart – A diagram that shows where guests will sit during the wedding reception
Centerpiece – A decorative item placed on tables at the wedding reception
Menu – The list of food and drinks served at the wedding reception
Wedding cake – A cake served at the wedding reception, usually with multiple tiers
Wedding favors – Small gifts given to guests as a thank you for attending the wedding
Bridal shower – A party held for the bride before the wedding, usually with gifts and games
Bachelor party – A party held for the groom before the wedding, usually with friends and alcohol
Bachelorette party – A party held for the bride before the wedding, usually with friends and alcohol
Wedding planner – A professional who assists with planning and coordinating the wedding
Wedding dress – The formal attire worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony
Tuxedo – The formal attire worn by the groom during the wedding ceremony
Wedding band – The group of musicians hired to play music during the wedding ceremony and reception
Photographer – The person who takes photos of the wedding ceremony and reception
Videographer – The person who records video of the wedding ceremony and reception
Honeymoon – A vacation taken by the newlywed couple after the wedding
Wedding anniversary – The yearly celebration of the couple’s wedding date
Unity ceremony – A symbolic ritual performed during the wedding ceremony to represent the couple becoming one
Guest book – A book where guests can sign their names and leave messages for the couple.

What to say to the bride and/or groom after the wedding

Here are things you can say to the bride and/or groom after their wedding:

Congratulations to you both on your wedding day.
You make a beautiful couple and I’m so happy for you.
Your wedding was absolutely amazing and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.
Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure.
Your love story is an inspiration and I’m so honored to have witnessed your special day.
May your marriage be filled with endless joy, laughter, and love.
Congratulations on starting your new life together as husband and wife.
You two are meant to be together and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish as a team.
Your wedding was stunning and it was clear to see the love you share.
Wishing you a happy and blissful marriage filled with all the things that make you happy.
You both looked so happy and in love on your wedding day.
I’m honored to have been a part of your special day and I wish you all the best.
Your wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and commitment.
You make a perfect match and I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you both.
Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world on this new journey as husband and wife.
You two are a true testament to love and commitment.
Your wedding was filled with so much joy and happiness.
I’m so happy for you both and can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Congratulations on your new journey together and all the adventures to come.
Your love is inspiring and I’m so glad to have been a part of your wedding day.

English wedding congratulation wishes

Here are some wedding congratulation wishes that you can use to congratulate the happy couple on their special day:

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together.
May your love grow stronger with each passing day.
Congratulations on finding your forever partner and best friend.
Wishing you all the best on your wedding day and always.
May your marriage be blessed with love, laughter, and joy.
Congratulations on starting this exciting new chapter in your lives.
Wishing you a happy and blissful life together as husband and wife.
May your marriage be filled with love, trust, and understanding.
Congratulations on tying the knot and becoming a beautiful couple.
Wishing you a lifetime of love, loyalty, and companionship.
May your wedding day be just the beginning of a long and happy journey.
Congratulations on your wedding day and the start of your forever.
May your love story be a beautiful one that inspires others.
Wishing you joy, love, and harmony in your marriage.
Congratulations on finding your soulmate and true love.
May your life together be full of adventure, laughter, and fun.
Wishing you a long and happy life together filled with love.
Congratulations on your wedding day and the start of a beautiful new adventure.
May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, love, and blissful togetherness.

Questions you may need to ask at a wedding

What time will the reception begin?
Is there a seating chart or assigned seating for guests?
Where can guests find the bar or beverage station?
What food will be served during the reception, and are there vegetarian or special dietary options available?
Will there be a dance floor or entertainment provided during the reception?
Where can guests find restrooms and other facilities?
Is there a designated area for smoking or vaping?
Are there any planned speeches or toasts during the reception?
Will there be a wedding cake or dessert served?
Are there any traditions or customs that guests should be aware of during the reception?
Is there a photo booth or other entertainment options available for guests?
What is the dress code for the reception?
Are children allowed at the reception?
What is the policy for RSVPs and seating arrangements?
Is there a designated area for gifts and cards?
Where can guests park their cars?
Are there any planned activities or games during the reception?
Will there be transportation provided after the reception?
Are there any restrictions on photography or videography during the reception?
Who should guests contact if they have any questions or concerns during the reception?

English hymns for wedding

Here some popular English hymns often used in weddings:

“Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven”
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
“All Things Bright and Beautiful”
“Jerusalem”
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”
“Morning Has Broken”
“The Lord’s My Shepherd”
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
“Be Thou My Vision”
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
“O Perfect Love”
“O Worship the King”
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
“This Is My Father’s World”
“We Gather Together”
“When Love Is Found”
“You Are Mine”

English poems for weddings

Here are some beautiful English poems that are often used in weddings:

“Love” by Roy Croft
“How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“I Carry Your Heart With Me” by E.E. Cummings
“On Your Wedding Day” by Anon
“The Bridge Across Forever” by Richard Bach
“To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet
“I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman
“The Good-Morrow” by John Donne
“Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare
“The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd A. Peterson
“The One” by Cheryl Costello-Forshey
“To Love is Not to Possess” by James Kavanaugh
“Union” by Robert Fulghum
“A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns
“The Song of Solomon” from the Bible
“The Key to Love” by Anon
“Touched by an Angel” by Maya Angelou
“Sonnet XLIII” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“The Sun Never Says” by Hafiz
“I Love You Not Only For What You Are” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Wedding anniversary wishes

Here are some wedding anniversary wishes that you can use to congratulate a couple on their special milestone:

Wishing you a happy anniversary and a lifetime of love and togetherness.
Congratulations on another year of love, laughter, and happiness.
May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and many more years of joy and love.
Congratulations on reaching this beautiful milestone and celebrating your love.
May your marriage continue to be blessed with love, trust, and companionship.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and the start of another wonderful year together.
Congratulations on your anniversary and the beautiful life you’ve built together.
May your love story continue to inspire others and bring joy to your lives.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Congratulations on your anniversary and the wonderful love you share.
May your marriage be filled with joy, laughter, and endless happiness.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and many more years of love and togetherness.
Congratulations on your anniversary and the beautiful journey you’ve taken together.
May your love continue to be the foundation of your marriage and your lives.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and a lifetime of blessings and happiness.
Congratulations on your anniversary and the love that continues to grow stronger.
May your marriage continue to be a beautiful journey filled with love and adventure.
Wishing you a happy anniversary and the start of another wonderful year together.
Congratulations on your anniversary and the love that only gets stronger with time.

Favorite bible verses for weddings

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Mark 10:9
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” – Song of Solomon 3:4
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” – Genesis 1:27-28
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:12-13
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Old English wedding blessing

“May your love be like the misty rain, gentle coming in but flooding the river.”
“May your marriage be full of laughter, and your love be as strong as oak.”
“God bless this sacred union and the two hearts that are joined today.”
“May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall softly upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
“May your life together be full of blessings, and may your love for each other grow stronger with each passing day.”
“May your love be eternal, and your commitment to each other be unwavering.”
“May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you and give you peace.”
“May your love be a flame that never fades, a light that shines through the darkest days.”
“May your love be like the ocean, deep and boundless, and may your hearts be forever entwined like the waves upon the shore.”
“May your marriage be blessed with love, joy, and happiness, and may your home be filled with peace and tranquility.”
“May your love be like a beacon on a hill, guiding you through the storms of life.”
“May your marriage be as strong as the ancient oaks, enduring through the ages.”
“May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you both.”
“May the sun shine upon your wedding day, and may your love be as radiant as its warmth.”
“May your union be blessed with abundance, and may your hearts be filled with love and joy.”
“May the bond between you be as unbreakable as the cliffs by the sea, and may your love be as enduring as the tides.”
“May your marriage be a garden of beauty, where the flowers of love and trust bloom and flourish.”
“May the winds of life carry you both through the ups and downs, and may your love be a steady anchor in the storm.”
“May the fire of your love burn bright, warming your hearts and illuminating your path together.”
“May your wedding day be the beginning of a lifetime of happiness, and may your love grow stronger with each passing year.”

Example English wedding invitations

Example 1:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Request the pleasure of your company
At the marriage of their daughter
Elizabeth Anne Smith
To
William James Thompson
On Saturday, the tenth of June
At three o’clock in the afternoon
St. Mary’s Church
London

Example 2:

Together with their parents
Jane Elizabeth Smith
And
Thomas John Watson
Request the pleasure of your company
At their wedding celebration
On Saturday, the fifth of August
At four o’clock in the afternoon
The Ritz Carlton Hotel
London

Example 3:

You are cordially invited to celebrate
The marriage of
Katherine Marie Brown
And
Peter David Evans
On Saturday, the twelfth of September
At four o’clock in the afternoon
St. Paul’s Cathedral
London

Example 4:

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis
Request the honour of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Sarah Elizabeth
To
Andrew Michael Johnson
On Saturday, the twenty-second of October
At half past two in the afternoon
St. Mary’s Church
Yorkshire

Example 5:

Please join us for a celebration of love
As
Hannah Louise Roberts
And
Robert Edward Gray
Exchange vows of marriage
On Saturday, the first of December
At four o’clock in the afternoon
The Grand Hotel
Birmingham

Wedding Quotes

Here are some English wedding quotes:

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott
“Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” – Song of Solomon 3:4
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Love is an adventure, it’s a risk you take.” – Brooke Shields
“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” – Victor Hugo
“Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.” – Barbara De Angelis
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.” – John Lennon
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther
“Two souls with but a single thought; two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats
“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” – Andre Maurois
“Love is a promise; love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.” – John Lennon
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – Nicholas Sparks
“Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.” – Frank Sinatra
“There is no remedy for love but to love more.” – Henry David Thoreau
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou