guest of honor
Event's featured person
The guest of honor is the person being celebrated or specially recognized at an event—a birthday party, retirement dinner, awards ceremony, or state banquet.
The phrase implies that while others attend as guests, one person holds a distinguished position: The guest of honor arrived fashionably late to her own surprise party.
One being celebrated
- awardeePrize recipient
- recipientOne who receives something
- inducteeOne formally admitted
- laureateCelebrated achievement recipient
celebrant · accolade · distinction · commendation · testimonial · acknowledgment · tribute · plaque
Formal celebratory meal
- galaFestive formal occasion
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
toast · keynote · inauguration · convocation · festivity · induction · dedication · procession
Notable and respected
- esteemedGreatly respected, admired
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- VIPNotable, for short
- notableWorthy of attention
renowned · illustrious · acclaimed · celebrated · prominent · dignitary · luminary · celebrity
Primary seating for honorees
- daisRaised speaker's platform
- rostrumRaised speaker's platform
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- emceeCeremony host
master of ceremonies · introduction · spotlight · standing ovation · applause · seating arrangement · place card · receiving line
honoree
One being celebrated
laureate · celebrant · accolade · distinction · commendation · testimonial · acknowledgment · tribute · plaque · medal
banquet
Formal celebratory meal
celebration · toast · keynote · inauguration · convocation · festivity · induction · dedication · procession · commemoration
distinguished
Notable and respected
notable · renowned · illustrious · acclaimed · celebrated · prominent · dignitary · luminary · celebrity · elite
head table
Primary seating for honorees
emcee · master of ceremonies · introduction · spotlight · standing ovation · applause · seating arrangement · place card · receiving line · photo op
- party traditionschampagne toast, toasts, toasting, cake cutting, gift opening
- Special Guests
- birthdaysbirthday cake, birthday candle, birthday card, birthday wish, birthday song
- honoreeshonoree, honorees, award winner, awardee, awardees
- hospitality customsgift-giving, greeting customs, home visits, overnight stays, thank you gifts
- surprise partiessecrecy, jumping out, shushing, shock, surprise entrance
guest of honoruninvited guest
Attendee lacking formal welcome
party crasher · gatecrasher · wallflower · face in the crowd · nobody
guest of honorservant
One employed to serve
waiter · waitstaff · caterer · busboy · hired help
guest of honorhost
One receiving guests
hostess · caterer · server · wait staff · hired help
honor, guest, guests, honoring, honorably, honorarium, honorific, honorableness, honoraria