Getting married is one of the most exciting and transformative moments in life, and language often reflects the joy, commitment, and emotions associated with this special occasion. Idioms, with their colorful expressions, offer a unique way to convey the essence of love, commitment, and partnership.
Whether you’re preparing for your big day, reflecting on your relationship, or just want to share your feelings in a fun and meaningful way, idioms can help you articulate your emotions with warmth and care.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 idioms that beautifully capture the idea of getting married and the journey that follows. These phrases are perfect for expressing your joy, love, and hopes for the future.
What Is an Idiom for Getting Married?
An idiom for getting married is a phrase that expresses the idea of marriage in a figurative or symbolic way. Instead of saying “get married” directly, people use colorful expressions like “tie the knot,” “walk down the aisle,” or “get hitched.”
These idioms add warmth, personality, and cultural richness to the way we talk about love and commitment.
List of Idioms for Getting Married
- Tie the Knot
- Pop the Question
- Walk Down the Aisle
- Say “I Do”
- Get Hitched
- The Big Day
- Off the Market
- The Love of My Life
- Happily Ever After
- Match Made in Heaven
- Hitched for Life
- Marry in Haste, Repent at Leisure
- A Wedding to Remember
- Put a Ring on It
- On Cloud Nine
- The Best Day of My Life
- Bridal Bliss
- Jumping the Broom
- A Ring of Commitment
- Tying the Knot
1. Tie the Knot
“Tie the knot” is one of the most popular idioms associated with getting married, evoking the image of two people coming together to form a lifelong bond.
Definition: This idiom refers to the act of getting married, symbolizing the binding of two people in a committed relationship.
In Sentence: “After years of planning, they finally tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.”
Example: “They decided to tie the knot on a beach under the sunset.”
Explanation: This idiom likely comes from ancient traditions where couples would tie a literal knot to symbolize their union. It suggests the inseparability of the married couple.
Other Ways to Say “Tie the Knot”:
- Get hitched
- Walk down the aisle
- Say “I do”
- Exchange vows
- Get married
2. Pop the Question
“Pop the question” is the moment when one partner asks the other to marry them. It’s a phrase that captures the excitement and nervousness of proposing.
Definition: This idiom refers to the act of asking someone to marry you.
In Sentence: “He was nervous, but he finally popped the question during their anniversary dinner.”
Example: “She couldn’t believe it when he popped the question in front of all their friends.”
Explanation: “Pop the question” refers to the way in which someone often nervously asks, “Will you marry me?” It symbolizes the turning point in a relationship when one partner asks for a lifelong commitment.
Other Ways to Say “Pop the Question”:
- Propose
- Ask for their hand
- Make an offer of marriage
- Ask for a commitment
- Get down on one knee
3. Walk Down the Aisle
“Walking down the aisle” is the iconic moment in a wedding ceremony when the bride walks toward her partner. It’s a symbolic gesture that signifies the journey to becoming a married couple.
Definition: This idiom refers to the act of the bride walking to the altar to marry her partner.
In Sentence: “The bride looked stunning as she walked down the aisle, her heart racing with excitement.”
Example: “After all the preparation, she couldn’t believe it when she finally walked down the aisle.”
Explanation: The aisle represents the path to a new life, and walking down it symbolizes the transition from being single to entering into marriage. It’s often accompanied by deep emotions and anticipation.
Other Ways to Say “Walk Down the Aisle”:
- Get married
- Say “I do”
- Take the plunge
- Enter matrimony
- Begin the journey together
4. Say “I Do”
Saying “I do” is the moment when two people publicly declare their commitment to each other during the wedding ceremony.
Definition: This phrase refers to the vows spoken by the couple during their marriage ceremony, often signifying their agreement to marry each other.
In Sentence: “They exchanged their vows and both said, ‘I do,’ sealing their lifelong commitment.”
Example: “With a smile, she turned to him and whispered, ‘I do.'”
Explanation: “I do” is a phrase said during wedding vows to affirm the commitment and love between the two partners. It’s a verbal declaration of consent and commitment to the relationship.
Other Ways to Say “Say I Do”:
- Exchange vows
- Take the plunge
- Commit to each other
- Get married
- Tie the knot
5. Get Hitched
“Getting hitched” is a playful and informal way of referring to getting married. It conveys a sense of excitement and fun surrounding the event.
Definition: This idiom is a casual way of saying someone is getting married.
In Sentence: “They decided to get hitched at a small ceremony with close friends and family.”
Example: “After a long engagement, they finally got hitched in Las Vegas.”
Explanation: The term “hitched” likely comes from the idea of being ‘hitched’ or ‘tied together’ in marriage, symbolizing the strong bond formed between the couple.
Other Ways to Say “Get Hitched”:
- Get married
- Tie the knot
- Say “I do”
- Walk down the aisle
- Become partners
6. The Big Day
“The big day” refers to the wedding day itself, the day when two people officially commit to one another.
Definition: This idiom is often used to describe the wedding day, emphasizing its importance and excitement.
In Sentence: “The couple spent months preparing for the big day, and it was everything they dreamed of.”
Example: “Everyone gathered for the big day, eager to witness the love and commitment between the couple.”
Explanation: The wedding day is often referred to as “the big day” because it is a major milestone in one’s life, filled with excitement and anticipation.
Other Ways to Say “The Big Day”:
- Wedding day
- Ceremony day
- The day of marriage
- Nuptial day
- The day of vows
7. Off the Market
When someone is “off the market,” they are no longer available for dating because they are engaged or married.
Definition: This idiom signifies that someone is no longer available for romantic relationships because they are committed to someone else.
In Sentence: “After their engagement, she was officially off the market.”
Example: “He proudly told his friends he was off the market after the proposal.”
Explanation: “Off the market” refers to the idea of being unavailable for dating or romantic pursuits due to being married or engaged.
Other Ways to Say “Off the Market”:
- Taken
- Committed
- Engaged
- Married
- In a relationship
8. The Love of My Life
This idiom is often used to describe someone you believe is your perfect partner, the one person you want to spend your life with.
Definition: It refers to a romantic partner whom one considers the most significant and special in their life.
In Sentence: “She’s the love of my life, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days with her.”
Example: “After years of searching, he knew she was the love of his life the moment they met.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights the deep affection and admiration one person has for their partner, suggesting they are irreplaceable.
Other Ways to Say “The Love of My Life”:
- Soulmate
- One true love
- My perfect match
- The one
- Heart’s desire
9. Happily Ever After
“Happily ever after” is a phrase often associated with fairy tales, symbolizing the joyful and lasting life that a couple hopes to have after their wedding day.
Definition: This idiom refers to the dream of a perfect, lifelong marriage where the couple experiences enduring happiness.
In Sentence: “They promised each other they would live happily ever after, no matter what life brought their way.”
Example: “After their beautiful ceremony, they truly believed they would live happily ever after.”
Explanation: This phrase evokes the timeless idea of marital bliss, often associated with the end of a fairy tale where the characters are rewarded with eternal happiness. It signifies the aspiration for a long, joyful relationship.
Other Ways to Say “Happily Ever After”:
- Forever together
- A lifetime of happiness
- Enduring love
- Till death do us part
- A fairytale ending
10. Match Made in Heaven
When people say a couple is a “match made in heaven,” they are expressing the belief that the couple is perfectly suited for each other, as if destined by fate.
Definition: This idiom refers to two people who are seen as ideally suited to each other, both romantically and emotionally.
In Sentence: “Everyone could see that they were a match made in heaven, so perfect for each other.”
Example: “They’ve been inseparable from the start; it’s clear they are a match made in heaven.”
Explanation: This expression highlights the belief that the couple’s relationship was predestined and that they complement each other perfectly. It emphasizes the sense of destiny and perfect compatibility.
Other Ways to Say “Match Made in Heaven”:
- Perfect couple
- Soulmates
- A perfect pairing
- Made for each other
- Destiny’s couple
11. Hitched for Life
“Hitched for life” is a playful expression suggesting that a couple is committed to each other for the long haul, beyond just the wedding day.
Definition: This idiom implies a lifelong commitment, signifying that the couple is bound to stay together through thick and thin.
In Sentence: “After their vows, they knew they were hitched for life, no matter what challenges they faced.”
Example: “They made their marriage official and joked that they were now hitched for life.”
Explanation: The term “hitched” refers to being married, and when paired with “for life,” it highlights the couple’s determination to stay together forever, beyond any fleeting moment.
Other Ways to Say “Hitched for Life”:
- Together forever
- In it for the long run
- A lifelong bond
- Until death do us part
- Committed for life
12. Marry in Haste, Repent at Leisure
This idiom serves as a cautionary saying, warning that rushing into marriage without careful consideration may lead to regrets later on.
Definition: It suggests that marrying too quickly without taking the time to understand the relationship may result in regrets that will last for a long time.
In Sentence: “Although they were in love, their friends reminded them, ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure.'”
Example: “They decided to take a step back and reconsider their plans after hearing the saying, ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure.'”
Explanation: This idiom is often used as advice to couples to ensure they have thought carefully before making a lifelong commitment. It reflects the idea that impulsive decisions can bring long-term consequences.
Other Ways to Say “Marry in Haste, Repent at Leisure”:
- Think before you commit
- Don’t rush into marriage
- Take your time before saying “I do”
- Love carefully
- Marry thoughtfully
13. A Wedding to Remember
“A wedding to remember” is an idiomatic way to refer to a wedding that is so extraordinary that it becomes unforgettable.
Definition: This idiom describes a wedding that is unique, memorable, and filled with significant moments.
In Sentence: “Their wedding was truly a wedding to remember, with breathtaking decorations and heartfelt vows.”
Example: “Everyone agreed that their beach wedding was a wedding to remember, and the photos were absolutely stunning.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the extraordinary nature of a wedding, which goes beyond just the ceremony and reception. It implies that the couple’s special day will be remembered fondly for years to come.
Other Ways to Say “A Wedding to Remember”:
- Unforgettable wedding
- A day to cherish
- A once-in-a-lifetime wedding
- An extraordinary ceremony
- A truly memorable wedding
14. Put a Ring on It
“Put a ring on it” is a popular phrase that refers to the act of proposing marriage by presenting an engagement ring.
Definition: This idiom refers to making a formal commitment, often through the act of giving a ring as a symbol of engagement.
In Sentence: “He finally decided to put a ring on it, knowing she was the one for him.”
Example: “After years of dating, he finally put a ring on it during their trip to Paris.”
Explanation: The phrase “put a ring on it” symbolizes the transition from dating to an official engagement, highlighting the importance of the ring as a symbol of commitment.
Other Ways to Say “Put a Ring on It”:
- Propose
- Give an engagement ring
- Commit with a ring
- Ask for their hand in marriage
- Seal the deal with a ring
15. On Cloud Nine
“On cloud nine” is an expression used to describe the extreme happiness and euphoria someone feels, especially after a proposal or wedding.
Definition: This idiom refers to a state of being incredibly happy, often used to describe someone in love or newly married.
In Sentence: “After the proposal, she was on cloud nine, unable to stop smiling.”
Example: “They were both on cloud nine after exchanging their vows and becoming partners.”
Explanation: “On cloud nine” evokes the feeling of being so happy that it’s as if you’re floating in the air. It reflects the joy and bliss of the couple after their marriage or engagement.
Other Ways to Say “On Cloud Nine”:
- Over the moon
- Walking on air
- In seventh heaven
- In a state of bliss
- Ecstatic
16. The Best Day of My Life
For many, their wedding day is described as “the best day of my life.” This idiom reflects the immense joy and significance people feel on their special day.
Definition: This phrase is used to express the overwhelming happiness and excitement one feels on their wedding day.
In Sentence: “From start to finish, their wedding truly was the best day of my life.”
Example: “She said, ‘I’ve waited for this day for so long, and now I can say it was the best day of my life.'”
Explanation: This idiom encapsulates the idea that a wedding day is the pinnacle of happiness, often considered the most joyful day in someone’s life.
Other Ways to Say “The Best Day of My Life”:
- A day to remember
- The happiest day
- The greatest day
- A life-changing moment
- The most joyful day
17. Bridal Bliss
“Bridal bliss” is a sweet idiom used to describe the pure happiness and excitement a bride experiences during the wedding festivities.
Definition: This expression refers to the joyful and euphoric state a bride feels on her wedding day.
In Sentence: “She was glowing with bridal bliss, taking in every moment of her special day.”
Example: “After months of planning, she finally felt the true bridal bliss as she walked down the aisle.”
Explanation: “Bridal bliss” highlights the happiness and excitement of the bride on her wedding day, reflecting the emotional fulfillment of the event.
Other Ways to Say “Bridal Bliss”:
- Wedding joy
- Bride’s happiness
- Newlywed euphoria
- Bridal happiness
- Wedding day happiness
18. Jumping the Broom
“Jumping the broom” is an idiom that refers to a traditional wedding practice, symbolizing the couple’s leap into married life.
Definition: This phrase signifies the ritual of jumping over a broom as part of a wedding ceremony, often associated with African American and other cultural traditions.
In Sentence: “The couple decided to honor their heritage by jumping the broom at the end of their wedding ceremony.”
Example: “After saying their vows, they happily jumped the broom, marking the start of their married life.”
Explanation: This tradition symbolizes the couple’s commitment and the crossing of a threshold into their new life together. It also represents sweeping away the past and starting fresh.
Other Ways to Say “Jumping the Broom”:
- Wedding ritual
- Crossing the threshold
- Beginning the married life
- Tying the knot in tradition
- Cultural wedding practice
19. A Ring of Commitment
“A ring of commitment” symbolizes the wedding ring, representing the lifelong commitment two people make to each other.
Definition: This idiom refers to the symbolic meaning behind the wedding ring, representing the couple’s promise to stay together forever.
In Sentence: “She smiled as he slid the ring of commitment on her finger, knowing their love was now official.”
Example: “Exchanging a ring of commitment was the most meaningful moment of their ceremony.”
Explanation: The wedding ring is a physical representation of the promise the couple makes to remain dedicated and loving, symbolizing both fidelity and the endurance of their bond.
Other Ways to Say “Ring of Commitment”:
- Wedding band
- Symbol of love
- Eternal bond
- Commitment ring
- Love’s promise
20. Tying the Knot
“Tying the knot” is a well-known idiom that symbolizes the act of getting married. It’s often used to describe the formal commitment two people make to each other.
Definition: This phrase refers to the traditional practice of knotting a rope or cord, symbolizing the joining of two lives in marriage.
In Sentence: “After years of dating, they finally decided to tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.”
Example: “They were so excited to announce that they were tying the knot next summer.”
Explanation: “Tying the knot” is a metaphor for the act of binding two people together in a lifelong commitment, much like how a knot physically binds two pieces of string. It represents the idea of unity and enduring love.
Other Ways to Say “Tying the Knot”:
- Getting married
- Saying “I do”
- Walking down the aisle
- Marrying
- Joining in matrimony
Final Thoughts
Expressing love and commitment through idioms offers a unique and beautiful way to communicate the emotions tied to marriage. Each of these 20 idioms captures a different facet of the wedding journey, from proposing to walking down the aisle, making them perfect for sharing your feelings with warmth and care.
Whether you’re planning your wedding, reflecting on your relationship, or simply sharing your excitement, these idioms will help you express the joy and significance of this momentous occasion.
FAQs
- What does “tie the knot” mean?
It means to get married, symbolizing the union of two people. - How do idioms enhance communication?
Idioms offer a more colorful and emotionally resonant way of expressing ideas, making communication more meaningful. - Why do we say “pop the question”?
It’s a way of describing the act of asking someone to marry you, often with a sense of excitement and nervousness. - What is the origin of “walking down the aisle”?
It comes from the traditional wedding ceremony where the bride walks toward the altar, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter. - Can idioms be used in wedding speeches?
Yes, idioms are commonly used in wedding speeches to add warmth and personality to the message.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
