It's the first time I did an English wedding (in Belgium) and now I need to have the correct description for the different parts of the day on the dvd and were better to ask then here! :)

The wedding in the church; is "the ceremony" the best description to use or do you describe it just as "the church"?

I"m also not so sure about the reception in the evening, in Belgium we have a "'receptie" or "reception" were they all have a drink (usually outside) and a "avondfeest" or literally translated "eveningparty" when they all sit at the table to eat. Are there different descriptions that I could use for this?

When the couples dances for the first time in the evening, do you call that "first dance" or "wedding dance"?

It's the first time I did an English wedding (in Belgium) and now I need to have the correct description for the different parts of the day on the dvd and were better to ask then here! :)

The wedding in the church; is "the ceremony" the best description to use or do you describe it just as "the church"?

I"m also not so sure about the reception in the evening, in Belgium we have a "'receptie" or "reception" were they all have a drink (usually outside) and a "avondfeest" or literally translated "eveningparty" when they all sit at the table to eat. Are there different descriptions that I could use for this?

When the couples dances for the first time in the evening, do you call that "first dance" or "wedding dance"?


"The Ceremony", "reception", and "First Dance" are pretty much commonly used.

"The Ceremony", "reception", and "First Dance" are pretty much commonly used.

Thanks, but is there any difference made between the reception outside when they having drinks or the party inside in the evening? I just ask because here it's called differently.

Thanks, but is there any difference made between the reception outside when they having drinks or the party inside in the evening? I just ask because here it's called differently.

My April wedding had a cocktail hour before the grand entrance into the reception hall. It was just called the "Cocktail Hour" and "The Reception" on all the time lines and itineraries.

I would say that the "outside" thing-y would be called a cocktail hour here in North America. Or you could call it an "Outside Thing-y" but then I'd want credit for it!

I would say that the "outside" thing-y would be called a cocktail hour here in North America. Or you could call it an "Outside Thing-y" but then I'd want credit for it!

Thanks a lot for the translations, a "Kelsey's outside thing-y cocktail hour" sounds best :)

In strict english your have the following:

The Church or Registry office is classed as: The Ceremony
The Drinks on arrival are classed as: Reception Toast
The Meal is referred to as: The wedding breakfast (but more recently just The Reception)
The evening is referred to as: The evening reception

I use the term "The Matrimony" for the ceremony at church.

Thanks for the additional translations, this gives me some more choice.

WooHoo! I'm famous!

WooHoo! I'm famous!

Don't get too excited, Belgium is a very, very small country. :D

They even don't have a gouvernment right now ... :-))