Event Terminology

AV Equipment

 Audio-visual equipment, including speakers, microphones, and projectors used for events.

Fun Example: The magic gadgets that make people loud and put movies on big walls.

Bar Back

A shelving unit behind a bar used to store drinks and supplies.

Fun Example: The snack shelf, but only for grown-ups.

Bar Stool

A tall, backless chair often used at high-top tables or bars.

Fun Example: The chair that makes short people feel tall.

Bistro Table

A small, tall table used for standing guests at cocktail parties.

Fun Example: Just the right size for grown-ups to lean on while sipping fancy juice.

Blackout Curtains

Heavy, dark curtains used to block out light for stage performances or projection screens.

Fun Example: Like a giant eye mask for a room.

Buffet Table

A long table where food is set up for guests to serve themselves.

Fun Example: The magical food line where everyone takes too much.

Canopy

A lightweight, open-sided structure used for shade or shelter at events. Unlike a tent, a canopy does not have walls, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings where airflow and an open feel are important.

Fun Example: Like an umbrella that got a promotion—big enough to cover a whole party!

Types of Canopies:

Keder Track Canopy

A canopy that uses a track system to slide fabric panels into place, creating a sleek and weather-resistant setup. Often used for upscale or semi-permanent events.

Fun Example: Like a giant puzzle where all the pieces lock together to keep the rain out!

Standard Pole Canopy

A traditional canopy supported by center and perimeter poles, secured with ropes and stakes. More flexible but requires space for anchoring.

Fun Example: Like a circus tent’s breezy cousin—standing tall without the walls!

Canopy Leg Draping

Fabric wrapped around tent legs to create a more elegant look.

Fun Example: Like putting a fancy dress on a boring pole.

Carpet Runners

Long, narrow carpets used to guide guests or decorate pathways.

Fun Example: The fancy hallway rug that makes everyone feel important.

Chafing Dish

A metal dish with a warming element underneath to keep food hot.

Fun Example: The grown-up version of keeping your pizza warm with a hairdryer.

Chiavari Chair

A lightweight, elegant chair with a carved frame, commonly used at weddings and formal events.

Fun Example: The fancy chairs princesses and superheroes sit in at pretend tea parties.

Coat Rack

A stand or fixture for guests to hang coats and jackets.

Fun Example: The tree that holds jackets instead of apples.

Cocktail Table

A tall, narrow table for guests to gather around while standing at events.

Fun Example: The table that’s too tall for sitting but perfect for holding tiny plates of snacks.

Cooling Fans

Large, powerful fans used to keep event spaces comfortable.

Fun Example: The superhero of hot summer parties.

Crossback Chair

A stylish wooden chair with an X-shaped back, often used at rustic or elegant events.

Fun Example: The chair that looks like it was made for a fairytale barn wedding.

Crowd Barrier

A fence or barricade used to control large groups of people.

Fun Example: The “keep out” signs for super excited crowds

Dance Floor

A portable flooring system that provides a stable surface for dancing.

Fun Example: The magical square where people forget they can’t dance and have the best time ever.

Dishware

General term for plates, bowls, and serving dishes used at events.

Fun Example: The things grown-ups clink together when they say “cheers!”

Dinnerware

A set of plates, bowls, and serving dishes used for dining.

Fun Example: The fancy versions of what you eat spaghetti on at home.

Draping

Fabric hung from ceilings or walls for decorative effect.

Fun Example: The fancy curtain dress that makes plain rooms look like castles

Edison Bulbs

Vintage-style light bulbs with visible filaments, used for a warm glow.

Fun Example: The kind of light that makes everything feel like a fairy tale.

Flatware (Silverware)

Utensils like forks, knives, and spoons used for eating.

Fun Example: The little tools that help people eat without using their hands.

Fog Machine

A machine that releases artificial fog for special effects.

Fun Example: A magic potion that turns a party into a superhero movie.

Folding Chair

A lightweight, collapsible chair used for quick seating arrangements.

Fun Example: The chair that disappears into a pancake when you pick it up.

Generators

Machines that provide electricity for events in locations without power.

Fun Example: Like a giant battery pack for when grown-ups forget where the plug is.

Glassware

Cups and glasses used for serving drinks at events.

Fun Example: The see-through cups that make soda look fancier.

Gobo Light

A stencil placed in front of a light to project patterns or logos.

Fun Example: Like cutting out paper snowflakes and shining a flashlight through them on the wall.

Hand Sanitizer Station

A stand with hand sanitizer for guests to clean their hands at events.

Fun Example: The grown-up version of a magic soap fountain.

Hardwood Dance Floor

A sturdy, high-quality wood floor designed for formal or professional dancing.

Fun Example: The kind of floor where people twirl, spin, and sometimes fall but feel fancy doing it.

Highboy Table

A tall, narrow table used for standing guests at social events.

Fun Example: The table that’s too tall for short people but perfect for grown-ups with fancy drinks.

Honeymoon Table

A small, intimate table for newlyweds at a wedding reception.

Fun Example: The “King and Queen” table where nobody can steal the couple’s dessert.

Ice Luge

A carved block of ice used to chill drinks as they flow through it.

Fun Example: Like a water slide for soda and juice.

LED Dance Floor

A dance floor with built-in LED lights that change colors.

Fun Example: Like stepping on a rainbow that flashes to the music.

Lectern

A stand that holds papers or books for speakers.

Fun Example: The smart podium’s cousin who only holds notes.

Linens

Fabric coverings for tables and chairs to enhance décor.

Fun Example: The fancy table blankets that make everything look extra nice.

Lounge Furniture

Soft seating like sofas and ottomans used for relaxation at events.

Fun Example: The comfy corner where tired feet and sleepy guests hide.

Marquee Tent

A large tent with high ceilings, commonly used for outdoor events.

Fun Example: A tent so big, even a giant wouldn’t feel cramped.

Microphone Stand

A stand that holds a microphone in place for speakers or performers.

Fun Example: The stick that helps the microphone stand up straight.

Mobile Bar

A portable bar setup for serving drinks at events.

Fun Example: Like a lemonade stand, but for grown-ups.

Napkin Rings

Decorative rings used to hold rolled-up napkins.

Fun Example: The tiny belts for fancy napkins.

Pipe and Drape

A system of metal poles and fabric used to create temporary walls or backdrops.

Fun Example: A giant blanket fort but way fancier and for grown-ups.

Podium

A small stand where speakers place notes or a microphone while presenting.

Fun Example: The grown-up version of a show-and-tell table.

Poly-Oak Dance Floor

A durable, wood-look dance floor designed for easy setup and portability.

Fun Example: The pretend-wood floor that still lets you bust a move.

Portable Bar

A mobile bar setup for serving drinks at events.

Fun Example: A juice box station for grown-ups.

Red Carpet Runner

A long strip of fabric used to create a grand entrance.

Fun Example: The special path that makes everyone feel like a movie star.

Riser

A small platform used to elevate speakers or performers.

Fun Example: The grown-up version of standing on your tiptoes to be seen.

Round Table

A circular table commonly used for seating at receptions.

Fun Example: The table where nobody has to sit at the corner.

Sidewalls (Tent Sidewalls)

Fabric or clear panels that enclose the sides of a tent.

Fun Example: The tent’s version of a winter coat.

Specialty Linens

High-end or themed tablecloths, runners, and napkins used for decoration.

Fun Example: The fancy fabric that makes tables feel dressed up.

Staging

A raised platform used for speakers, performances, or presentations.

Fun Example: The adult version of a jungle gym, but for speeches.

Subfloor

A temporary flooring layer placed under carpets or dance floors for stability.

Fun Example: The secret floor that stops people from sinking into the grass.

Stanchion

A post with a retractable belt or rope used for crowd control.

Fun Example: The bossy ropes at movie theaters that tell you where to stand.

Stage Skirt

A fabric covering that hides the legs of a stage for a polished look.

Fun Example: Like when you shove all your toys under the bed and use a blanket to hide them.

Tent Liner

A fabric covering placed inside a tent for a polished look.

Fun Example: Like putting a fancy hat on a giant outdoor umbrella.

Table Skirt

A decorative fabric covering that wraps around the edges of a table, often used to hide table legs and create a polished look.

Fun Example: Like a fancy dress for a table, making it look extra special for the party! 

Trussing

A metal framework used to support lighting, speakers, and decorations.

Fun Example: Like monkey bars for party decorations.

Uplighting

Colored lights placed on the floor to shine upwards, creating a dramatic effect.

Fun Example: Like shining a flashlight under your chin to tell a spooky story, but way prettier.

Velvet Ropes

Soft, decorative ropes used with stanchions for VIP sections.

Fun Example: The fancy ropes that tell people, “Nope, not for you!”