Weddings are joyful events that bring people together to celebrate love and commitment. Over the years, many sayings, or idioms, have been created to talk about weddings. These idioms help describe feelings, actions, and special moments in a fun and colorful way.
When someone says, “tie the knot” or “walk down the aisle,” they are using expressions that mean more than just the words themselves. In this article, we’ll explore common idioms about weddings, learn what they mean, and see how we can use them in real life. This will help you understand and enjoy wedding talk even more.
Idioms About Weddings
1. Tie the knot
Meaning: To get married.
Example Sentence:
– My cousin is tying the knot this summer.
– They tied the knot after dating for five years.
Other ways to say: Get hitched, say “I do”
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the old tradition of tying the bride and groom’s hands together to show their union.
Usage: Often used when someone is getting married.
2. Walk down the aisle
Meaning: To get married in a wedding ceremony.
Example Sentence:
– She walked down the aisle with her dad.
– He was nervous before walking down the aisle.
Other ways to say: Get married, exchange vows
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to walking through the church aisle toward the altar.
Usage: Used when describing someone getting married.
3. Get hitched
Meaning: To get married.
Example Sentence:
– They’re getting hitched next weekend.
– My aunt and uncle got hitched in Las Vegas.
Other ways to say: Tie the knot, marry
Fun Fact/Origin: “Hitched” means fastened or joined—like two people in marriage.
Usage: Casual way to talk about getting married.
4. Match made in heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple.
Example Sentence:
– Everyone says they are a match made in heaven.
– Lisa and Rob are a match made in heaven.
Other ways to say: Perfect pair, ideal couple
Fun Fact/Origin: People believe the couple was meant to be, like it was decided by fate.
Usage: Used to talk about couples who get along very well.
5. Pop the question
Meaning: To ask someone to marry you.
Example Sentence:
– He popped the question at dinner.
– Did you hear? She said yes when he popped the question!
Other ways to say: Propose, ask for someone’s hand
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pop” means to do something suddenly, like surprising someone with a question.
Usage: Used when someone asks someone else to marry them.
6. Blushing bride
Meaning: A happy or shy bride.
Example Sentence:
– The blushing bride smiled at everyone.
– She looked like a blushing bride in her white dress.
Other ways to say: Shy bride, glowing bride
Fun Fact/Origin: Brides often blush from joy or nervousness.
Usage: Used to describe the bride on her wedding day.
7. Wedding jitters
Meaning: Nervous feelings before getting married.
Example Sentence:
– He had wedding jitters before the big day.
– She calmed her wedding jitters by talking to her mom.
Other ways to say: Nervous before the wedding, cold feet
Fun Fact/Origin: “Jitters” means shaking or feeling nervous.
Usage: Used when someone feels anxious about their wedding.
8. Cold feet
Meaning: To feel unsure before a big event like a wedding.
Example Sentence:
– He got cold feet just before the ceremony.
– She didn’t show any signs of cold feet.
Other ways to say: Doubts, nervous feelings
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of freezing and not wanting to move forward.
Usage: Used when someone is unsure about getting married.
9. Wedding bells
Meaning: A symbol of a wedding taking place.
Example Sentence:
– I hear wedding bells for those two.
– Are those wedding bells I hear?
Other ways to say: Getting married, big day ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Churches often ring bells for weddings.
Usage: Often used to suggest someone will get married soon.
10. Say “I do”
Meaning: To agree to marry someone during the ceremony.
Example Sentence:
– They said “I do” under the big oak tree.
– When he said “I do,” everyone cheered.
Other ways to say: Agree to marry, accept a proposal
Fun Fact/Origin: These words are part of the marriage vows.
Usage: Used when someone agrees during a wedding ceremony.
11. Jump the broom
Meaning: To get married, often in a traditional or symbolic way.
Example Sentence:
– They jumped the broom at the end of the ceremony.
– It was touching to see them jump the broom.
Other ways to say: Start married life, say vows
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from African-American traditions, where jumping the broom means starting a new life together.
Usage: Used during weddings to show union in a special way.
12. Marry into money
Meaning: To marry someone who is rich.
Example Sentence:
– He married into money when he wed a famous actress.
– People say she married into money.
Other ways to say: Marry someone wealthy, join a rich family
Fun Fact/Origin: It talks about getting money not by earning it, but by marrying someone who has it.
Usage: Used when someone gains wealth through marriage.
13. Runaway bride
Meaning: A bride who leaves before the wedding.
Example Sentence:
– The movie was about a runaway bride.
– She joked about being a runaway bride.
Other ways to say: Bride who escapes, nervous bride
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular after a movie with the same name.
Usage: Used when a bride runs away or changes her mind.
14. Seal the deal
Meaning: To make something official, like a marriage.
Example Sentence:
– They sealed the deal with a kiss.
– The wedding sealed the deal after years of dating.
Other ways to say: Make it official, lock it in
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from business, but now also used in love.
Usage: Used when a couple finally gets married.
15. Head over heels
Meaning: Very much in love.
Example Sentence:
– He’s head over heels for her.
– They are head over heels in love.
Other ways to say: Totally in love, crazy about someone
Fun Fact/Origin: It means being so in love that you feel flipped over.
Usage: Used to describe someone deeply in love.
16. Lovebirds
Meaning: Two people in love who are always together.
Example Sentence:
– The lovebirds held hands all day.
– Everyone noticed the lovebirds at the party.
Other ways to say: Couple in love, sweethearts
Fun Fact/Origin: Named after birds that stay close to their mate.
Usage: Used to describe couples who act sweet and close.
17. Wedding night
Meaning: The first night a couple spends together after getting married.
Example Sentence:
– They stayed at a beach hotel for their wedding night.
– The wedding night was special and peaceful.
Other ways to say: First night of marriage, post-wedding night
Fun Fact/Origin: Traditionally, it marks the start of married life.
Usage: Refers to the night after the wedding ceremony.
18. Bridal shower
Meaning: A party to celebrate the bride before the wedding.
Example Sentence:
– We played games at her bridal shower.
– The bridal shower was full of laughter and gifts.
Other ways to say: Bride party, pre-wedding party
Fun Fact/Origin: Guests “shower” the bride with gifts and good wishes.
Usage: Held before the wedding to honor the bride.
19. Groomed to perfection
Meaning: The groom looks neat and ready.
Example Sentence:
– He was groomed to perfection in his black tuxedo.
– The groom looked groomed to perfection.
Other ways to say: Neat and tidy, looking sharp
Fun Fact/Origin: “Groomed” means being cleaned and dressed up well.
Usage: Used to describe a well-dressed groom.
20. Say yes to the dress
Meaning: To pick the perfect wedding dress.
Example Sentence:
– She said yes to the dress after trying five gowns.
– Saying yes to the dress made her smile big.
Other ways to say: Pick a wedding gown, choose a dress
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a popular TV show about brides choosing their dress.
Usage: Used when the bride finds the wedding dress she loves.
21. Wedding vows
Meaning: Promises made during the wedding ceremony.
Example Sentence:
– They wrote their own wedding vows.
– The wedding vows made everyone cry.
Other ways to say: Promises, pledges
Fun Fact/Origin: “Vow” means a serious promise. These are said during the wedding.
Usage: Used during the ceremony to show commitment.
22. The big day
Meaning: The wedding day.
Example Sentence:
– She couldn’t sleep the night before the big day.
– Their big day was full of sunshine and smiles.
Other ways to say: Wedding day, special day
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s called “big” because it’s one of the most important days.
Usage: Used to talk about someone’s wedding day.
23. Wedding crashers
Meaning: People who come to a wedding without being invited.
Example Sentence:
– The guards made sure there were no wedding crashers.
– A movie made wedding crashers a funny idea.
Other ways to say: Uninvited guests, surprise visitors
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular from a comedy movie with the same name.
Usage: Used when people sneak into weddings.
24. Bridal party
Meaning: The group of people chosen to be part of the wedding.
Example Sentence:
– Her bridal party wore matching dresses.
– The bridal party helped with all the plans.
Other ways to say: Wedding group, wedding team
Fun Fact/Origin: Includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close friends.
Usage: Refers to the people who stand with the couple.
25. Just married
Meaning: A phrase used to show two people have just gotten married.
Example Sentence:
– Their car had a sign that said “Just Married.”
– They smiled as people cheered, “Just Married!”
Other ways to say: Recently wed, newly married
Fun Fact/Origin: Often written on cars or signs after the wedding.
Usage: Used right after a couple gets married.
26. Wedding bells are ringing
Meaning: A wedding is about to happen or just happened.
Example Sentence:
– Wedding bells are ringing for my sister!
– I think wedding bells are ringing for John and May.
Other ways to say: Someone’s getting married, time for a wedding
Fun Fact/Origin: Church bells ring at weddings.
Usage: Used when a wedding is close or just happened.
27. Put a ring on it
Meaning: To propose or get married.
Example Sentence:
– He put a ring on it last night.
– If you love her, put a ring on it!
Other ways to say: Propose, make it official
Fun Fact/Origin: Made famous by a Beyoncé song.
Usage: Means to propose or commit to marriage.
28. Join in holy matrimony
Meaning: To get married in a religious or formal way.
Example Sentence:
– They were joined in holy matrimony at the church.
– The pastor said they were now in holy matrimony.
Other ways to say: Married, united
Fun Fact/Origin: “Holy matrimony” is used in church weddings.
Usage: Often heard in religious wedding ceremonies.
29. Wedding planner
Meaning: A person who helps plan the wedding.
Example Sentence:
– The wedding planner arranged the flowers and food.
– Thanks to the wedding planner, everything went smoothly.
Other ways to say: Event helper, wedding organizer
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s now a full-time job for many people.
Usage: Used to talk about someone who organizes the big day.
30. Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Wearing very fancy clothes.
Example Sentence:
– The guests were dressed to the nines.
– She was dressed to the nines in her wedding gown.
Other ways to say: Very fancy, looking sharp
Fun Fact/Origin: Nobody knows why “nines” is used, but it means very well-dressed.
Usage: Used when someone is wearing very nice clothes.
31. Say yes
Meaning: To agree to marry someone.
Example Sentence:
– She said yes in front of the whole family.
– I knew she would say yes!
Other ways to say: Accept the proposal, agree to marry
Fun Fact/Origin: Often heard when someone accepts a proposal.
Usage: Used when someone accepts a marriage offer.
32. Better half
Meaning: A person’s husband or wife.
Example Sentence:
– He brought his better half to the dinner.
– She introduced her better half to everyone.
Other ways to say: Spouse, partner
Fun Fact/Origin: It means the other person makes you whole.
Usage: A kind and loving way to talk about a spouse.
33. Bridal march
Meaning: The music played when the bride enters.
Example Sentence:
– The bridal march started, and everyone stood.
– She walked in during the bridal march.
Other ways to say: Wedding music, entrance song
Fun Fact/Origin: Often played on an organ in churches.
Usage: Played during the bride’s entrance at the ceremony.
Quiz: Idioms About Weddings
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “tie the knot” mean?
A) Start a new job
B) Get married
C) Go on a trip
2. What happens when someone “pops the question”?
A) Asks someone to marry them
B) Tells a funny joke
C) Opens a present
3. If someone has “cold feet” before a wedding, how do they feel?
A) Very excited
B) Nervous or unsure
C) Ready to dance
4. What does it mean when people are called “lovebirds”?
A) They are best friends
B) They fight often
C) They are a couple in love
5. When someone is “dressed to the nines,” how do they look?
A) Messy
B) Very fancy
C) Tired
6. What is a “bridal shower”?
A) A time to clean the bride
B) A party for the bride
C) A big storm at a wedding
7. What does “runaway bride” mean?
A) A bride who runs for fun
B) A bride who dances a lot
C) A bride who leaves before the wedding
8. If someone “says yes to the dress,” what have they done?
A) Picked a wedding dress
B) Borrowed a dress
C) Thrown away a dress
9. What does “better half” mean?
A) A good friend
B) A person’s husband or wife
C) A sister or brother
10. What does “wedding jitters” describe?
A) Excitement about cake
B) Nervous feelings before the wedding
C) Planning the honeymoon
Answer Key
- B) Get married
- A) Asks someone to marry them
- B) Nervous or unsure
- C) They are a couple in love
- B) Very fancy
- B) A party for the bride
- C) A bride who leaves before the wedding
- A) Picked a wedding dress
- B) A person’s husband or wife
- B) Nervous feelings before the wedding
Wrapping Up
Weddings are full of joy, and the phrases people use to describe them can be fun and interesting. Idioms like “tie the knot” and “walk down the aisle” help us talk about love and marriage in creative ways. These sayings have been used for many years and are still popular today.
Now that you know these wedding idioms, you might start noticing them in books, movies, or even real-life conversations. They help us share feelings in a simple and colorful way.
