What Houston Grooms Think Wedding Items Are For — and Other Wedding Terms You Should Know
Photos in this Post are by Veil and Vow Photo & Our Eternity Studios.
Being in the wedding business as a wedding venue owner, I sometimes forget that not everyone speaks my language: Wedding Talk. Planning a wedding is one part joy, one part chaos, and three parts learning a whole new language. Between Pinterest boards, planners, and Pinterest boards (again), even the most organized couple can get a little lost in translation. Here at Brandt 1910, we meet plenty of Houston-area couples, especially the grooms, who hear a wedding term for the first time and immediately look confused.
We can’t blame them. A “charger” sounds like something you plug your phone into, a “runner” sounds like someone who fetches coffee, and a “shot list”? Well, that one gets lots of laughs during venue tours.
At Brandt 1910, located just outside Houston, we love helping couples find clarity (and humor) in the wedding world. So today, we’re unpacking some of the most commonly misunderstood wedding terms—complete with real-life reactions from our tours—and explaining what they really mean, Houston-style.
“Wait… What’s That For?” — Common Wedding Terms Explained
You’d be surprised how often grooms nod politely in meetings, trying to follow along while their bride enthusiastically talks about linens and lighting. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a lighthearted guide to some of the terms that come up again and again when planning weddings at Brandt 1910.
Runner
What grooms think it is: Someone who runs errands or grabs drinks.
What it really is: A long strip of fabric that runs down the center of your reception table to add texture and color.
Our Houston brides often choose soft neutrals or romantic lace runners that perfectly match the vintage elegance of Brandt 1910’s historic ballroom.
Charger
What grooms think it is: The thing you plug your phone into so you can check the Astros score during the wedding reception dinner.
What it really is: A decorative base plate placed beneath your wedding reception dinner plate. It adds dimension to your tablescape—no cords required!
Shot List
What grooms think it is: A lineup of tequila, whiskey, and vodka for the bar.
What it really is: A checklist of must-have photos your photographer will capture during the big day.
This helps ensure no moment is missed—from the first kiss to the cake cutting (and yes, that funny groomsmen photo, too).
Pro Tip: I like giving the photographer this list (with sample photos of what I am looking for) in advance of the wedding day.
In-House
What grooms think it means: Something happening “at someone’s house.”
What it really is: Wedding services and items that your venue already provides.
At Brandt 1910, our in-house amenities are a major stress-saver. Couples love knowing we already have:
- Tables and chairs
- Linens and runners
- Microphones and speakers
- Projector and screen
- In-house catering options: One of my favorites is Pier 36 out of Fulshear
- Preferred photographer: One of my favorite wedding photographers is Always Photogenic
- Professional DJ & Emcee services: I only have one I ever recommend: Deluxe DJs
That means fewer vendors to juggle, no extra delivery fees, and a more seamless experience overall.
Music Terms That Confuse Every Houston Groom (and a Few Houston Brides Too)
Music is one of the most important parts of your wedding day, but the terminology often stumps first-time planners. Our In-House DJ, Jose, is great at explaining what each part of the soundtrack means—because once you get it, the flow of your ceremony and reception makes perfect sense.
Prelude
What grooms think it is: A car or maybe a warm-up act.
What it really is: The music playing while guests arrive and take their seats before the ceremony.
Your prelude sets the tone—romantic, peaceful, or upbeat—depending on your vibe.
Processional
What grooms think it is: Something involving a process or maybe food service.
What it really is: The part of the ceremony when the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle. It’s your grand entrance moment.
Grand Entrance
What grooms think it is: The front door.
What it really is: The exciting introduction of the newlyweds into the reception for the first time. At Brandt 1910, couples love making this moment special—think music, cheering, and sometimes even cold sparks!
Grand Exit
What grooms think it is: Simply leaving the party.
What it really is: Your official send-off as a married couple. From sparklers and bubbles to jingle bells and vintage car getaways, our Houston-area weddings have seen it all.
“Oh, So You Already Have That?” — Real Moments from Brandt 1910 Wedding Tours
One of our favorite parts of giving tours is watching couples’ expressions when they realize how much comes included with their venue rental. Because let’s face it—Houston brides juggle a lot, and planning should be fun, not overwhelming.
“Wait… so we don’t have to rent tables and chairs from somewhere else?”
—A groom from Katy, Texas, looking suddenly relieved
“You already have microphones and a projector? And we don’t have to pay extra? That’s amazing!”
—A Houston bride who was stressed about having to hire a tech team
At Brandt 1910, our goal is simple: to make your planning process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Our in-house options mean you can focus on the fun parts—like picking your favorite signature cocktail or planning your grand exit.
And whether your celebration takes place in our elegant ballroom, romantic garden, or stylish bridal suite, everything works together beautifully. Our venue’s historic charm pairs perfectly with today’s modern Houston wedding trends.
Why Knowing Wedding Terms Actually Matters
Understanding wedding terminology isn’t just for your planner; it’s for you. Knowing what vendors are talking about helps you make confident decisions, keep your budget on track, and avoid mix-ups.
Plus, it prevents moments like this:
DJ: “What song do you want for your processional?”
Groom: “I don’t know what that is, but I like country.”
Learning the lingo makes you feel more in control—and it makes planning together a lot smoother (and more fun).
Pro Tip:
When in doubt, ask! The team at Brandt 1910 loves explaining terms, sharing ideas, and helping Houston couples bring their vision to life. We’ve seen it all—and we’re always happy to share our experience with Houston-area brides and grooms.
Bonus Round: Wedding Words That Make Everyone Laugh
Here are a few more wedding words that have caused puzzled looks (and plenty of chuckles) during tours and planning meetings:
First Look
A private, emotional moment between the couple before the ceremony—not a marketing presentation.
Boutonniere
The small flower on the groom’s jacket. (No, it’s not spelled “button-ear.”)
Sweetheart Table
A cozy two-person table for the Houston newlyweds, not a dessert bar—though we love those, too.
Corkage Fee
The charge for bringing your own alcohol—at Brandt 1910, we have our own TABC license, so there are no corkage fees, and all of the liability is on us.
Vendor Meal
A meal for your photographer, DJ, and other Houston vendors who are working through the event. They’re part of the team that makes your day happen! Don’t let them get hangry!
Final Thoughts — Making Houston Wedding Planning Fun Again
Weddings are filled with love, laughter, and sometimes a few head-scratching moments. But here at Brandt 1910, we believe planning should be just as joyful as the big day itself.
Whether you’re a Houston bride who has dreamed of this day for years, or a groom who’s just learning what a “charger plate” is, we’re here to make the experience easy, beautiful, and fun.
So next time your fiancé looks lost during a wedding conversation, send them this blog—or better yet, bring them on a tour. We’ll walk you through the space, explain everything, and probably share a laugh or two along the way.
Your Houston wedding deserves a venue that’s as charming and stress-free as your love story.
Schedule your Brandt 1910 tour today, and let’s start creating the wedding you’ve been dreaming of—complete with all the right terms and zero confusion.
.Contact Brandt 1910 to get started!
(979) 217-1772 (Call or Text)
info@brandt1910.com
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910. #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910
