Accessory Card - This is an additional piece not always included in the invitation ensemble and may include accommodations cards, maps or other wedding-related information.

Calligraphy - The art of beautiful writing, calligraphy is traditionally used to address wedding invitations.

Custom - This refers to a unique piece of stationery specifically created for one event.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) - Thanks to Martha Stewart, hand-made creations are becoming very popular and are a great way to put a personal touch on wedding related details like invitations, favors and other accessories.

Engraving - Engraving is one of the oldest and most beautiful processes for reproducing images on paper. The invitation copy is etched in reverse into a copper plate and ink is deposited into the resulting space. The engraving press then forces the paper into the space, creating a raised impression, and the ink adheres to the raised surface. The appeal of engraving is the exquisite detail created by its three-dimensional impression. The copper plate is kept by the customer, who can use the same plate for a lifetime, reducing the cost of future engraved orders.

Escort cards - These cards help guide guests to the correct table during a formal seated dinner. For the most formal events, guests will also find a place card denoting which seat at the table is to be theirs.

Font - This refers to the style of lettering used on an invitation ensemble.

Inner Envelope - This envelope holds the invitation ensemble and is usually addressed in a less formal manner.

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.

Invitation Sets - This ensemble of cards, in most cases, includes the invitation, reception card, response card, maps and/or accommodations cards.

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.

Outer Envelope - This envelope holds the inner envelope (which holds the invitation ensemble) and is used to help weather damage the invitation may experience while navigating the postal system. Addressing of the outer envelope is typically formal.

Place cards - These cards help guide guests to the correct seat during a formal seated dinner.

Reception Card - If hosted in a separate location, the reception card tells guests when and where the reception will take place.

Respond Card - This card is sent to guests for return to the hosts to accept or decline the invitation.

Stock - This refers to invitations available and displayed in a catalog. Some personalization is typical, but most stock invitations are delivered as presented.

Thermography - Thermography, sometimes called "raised printing", is created by a resinous powder that is melted over flat-printed ink, making thermography less expensive. Thermography creates a similar look to engraving, although not quite as sharp or crisp.

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.