Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal event where a marriage is legally or ritually solemnized: A "wedding ceremony" specifically refers to the formal, often public, ritual or service during which two people are united in marriage. It is the core event that constitutes the act of getting married.

Usage

• The term "wedding ceremony" is used to distinguish the formal marriage ritual from the associated celebrations (like a reception). It is a countable noun.
• It is typically modified by adjectives describing its nature (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The wedding ceremony will be held at the local church at 2 p.m.
  • They opted for a small, intimate wedding ceremony with only immediate family present.
  • After a beautiful wedding ceremony, the guests proceeded to the reception hall.

Advanced Usage

• "to officiate a wedding ceremony": to conduct or lead the formal marriage service.
  • A judge will officiate the civil wedding ceremony.
• The phrase can be part of a compound noun when specifying the type: e.g., .

Variants and Related Words

• Wedding (n): A broader term that can encompass both the ceremony and the associated festivities.
• Marriage ceremony (n): A more formal synonym for "wedding ceremony."
• Nuptials (n, plural): A formal word for a wedding ceremony and celebration.
• Vows (n): The promises made during a wedding ceremony.
• Officiant (n): The person who conducts the wedding ceremony.

Synonyms

• Marriage ceremony: The most direct synonym.
• Nuptials: A more formal or literary term.
• Wedding service: Often used for religious ceremonies.

Related Phrases

• To exchange vows: The key action within a wedding ceremony.
  • They will exchange vows during the wedding ceremony.
• To tie the knot: (Idiom) To get married.
  • They finally tied the knot in a lovely wedding ceremony last weekend.

Noun

1. the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed