The right language to use when we talk about weddings. Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
This blog post has been stewing in my brain for a while now. It’s mostly for my fellow wedding professionals but it’s also just good food for thought.
I’m just gonna put it out there: It’s time to stop using the word “bridal.” Unless you’re actually selling products to or working exclusively with brides, the word bridal is done. I cringe when I hear it. Using “bride and groom” to describe your clients in a general way is no longer acceptable. Of course, if the couple you’re describing is actually an opposite-sex couple then by all means use the term bride and groom. How we talk about weddings matters.
Words to stop using : fiancé, fianceé, husband, wife, bride, groom, bridal, bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridal show
My goal has always been to be as inclusive as I can, and that means being really careful about how I talk about weddings. I mean, some weddings don’t even have a bride! It’s not that hard. Try using these words to describe the people you work with when you’r’e referring to them generally.
Words to use instead: sweetheart, beloved, betrothed, spouse, mate, partner, couples, clients, wedding party, attendants, wedding show
I don’t want to offend anyone, but I feel like it’s time for us in the wedding industry to start being more careful about how we talk. I perform weddings for all couples in love and I certainly don’t want to exclude anyone by using outdated language.
