Classic linens - This refers to the traditional cotton-poly fabric you might find on any restaurant table and is usually available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Damage Waiver - Usually an additional fee of six to 10 percent, the damage waiver covers all damage to chairs, linens, china, glass and flatware rented from and event rental provider.

International Special Events Society (ISES) - The International Special Events Society (ISES) was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct. ISES works to join professionals to focus on the "event as a whole" rather than its individual parts. ISES has grown to involve over 4,000 members active in 41 chapters throughout the world. Membership brings together professionals from a variety of special events disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers and many more professional disciplines. The solid peer network ISES provides helps special events professionals produce outstanding results for clients while establishing positive working relationships with other event colleagues. The Greater Triangle Chapter of ISES includes more than 80 members. For more information on your local chapter, log onto www.ises-gt.org.

Linen sizing - Depending on the formality of the event, the size of the linen may change. Formal events call for floor length linens. Other sizes may be used at more casual or business events.

National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) - NACE is the oldest and largest professional association that addresses all aspects of the catering industry. Through Chapter involvement, members have an opportunity to work on community service projects and voice opinions about issues that affect them locally and nationally. The Triangle chapter of NACE includes more than 120 members. For more information, log onto www.trianglenace.com.

Specialty Linens - This refers to linens created from higher quality or more detailed fabrics and usually cost at least one-third more than classic linens.

Tent Sizing - The size of the tent needed for an event depends on a number of factors including: number of guests, full reception or banquet seating, meal style, dance floor as well as staging. Most companies will send a staffer to evaluate both the type of event and the tent space to determine the best size of tent for your event.

Triangle Bridal Association (TBA) - The Triangle Bridal Association is your local resource in the wedding industry. Its 50 member base includes a respected, diverse group of quality-oriented companies. Each provides a service to the newly engaged. And each has been approved for membership by the Executive Committee. Central to Triangle Bridal Association is its code of ethics, which every member has signed and committed. The code requires that each member pledge themselves to honesty and integrity, to an understanding of their client's needs, and to comply with the standards of the Association. For more information about the Triangle Bridal Association, log onto www.trianglebridal.com.