Get the seating plan out of the way. This isn't something you'll want to save 'til a couple of weeks before the Big Day. The reason is, you'll need to consider more than just who goes where, but why they should or shouldn't go there.   First to consider is proximity to the bride and groom's (or wedding party) table. The closer to you and your bride someone is seated, the closer they probably are to you in life. Old and close friends and family shouldn't be left on the outskirts of the dining area unless there's some medical reason for them to be there.   Next, consider who gets along and who doesn't. Don't stick one of your single friends from grad school at a table of eight married couples.   And don't seat your divorced Aunt and Uncle next to each other unless they get along well and approve the plan ahead of time. Lastly, consider anyone who might have a wheelchair or a walker and how easy it will be to get to and from the table.

Will your table have a theme? Many brides and grooms make conversation pieces for each table by creating cool-looking table decorations specific to each table.   You can also place disposable cameras at each table to make sure no one is left out of your wedding photos.

Know who will be giving speeches.   It's a sure bet that yours and your bride's parents will be giving a speech, at least. But you may want to figure out who else is planning on saying a few words. This will avoid any awkward pauses as the MC circles around the room with the microphone like a teacher waiting for a student to raise their hand.

Who's Making the Music? This is a wedding. A wedding's not a wedding without some form of music. And this is a classic example of why the groom should get involved! Are you and your groomsmen going to have a great time at this shindig if the only music is a an all-female cover band singing cheesy love songs from the mid-eighties?   Step up and have a say. Do your homework, and listen to as many bands as you can before making your choice.

Whether you decide to play your own music over the speakers or hire a live band, the selection should say something about you as a couple, and should also have a wide appeal to your guests.   Is your grandmother going to enjoy her cake and conversation if nothing but hard rock is playing all night? Also, pick some music people can cut a rug to. This is one of the few opportunities in life to be a fool in safe company and dance after a glass of wine.

Make sure the band is good.   Don't just go on a recommendation (although they can be very valuable.)   Hear the band play live yourself so that you know exactly how they'll sound in the space.

What's on the menu. You may picture a feast fit for kings: a spread of wild boar, game hen, mussels and caviar, but this isn't possible for everyone. Some less expensive ideas are pasta and chicken. Fruit and vegetable salads can also be delicious and look impressive without breaking the bank. Other than your budget, you should also find out if any guests have allergies or special dietary needs. (Such as vegetarians and vegans or those who, for religious reasons, don't eat certain foods.)   Variety is the most important thing and this can be done frugally with several side dishes and two or three "main course" options.

Cake--or cupcakes--are a staple of the wedding reception, but remember, you don't need a cake sized to feed every guest.   Factor in about 3/4 of your guests and that should determine how many tiers are on your wedding cake.   After the cake is taken to the kitchen to be cut into individual slices, there can be several sheets of the same cake waiting.   This will make the cake easier to transport and will be a less-expensive option than a 12-tier monstrosity.   (Plus, no one would ever know except for you and your bride!)

Drinks are key.   You'll have to decide whether you can afford to provide an open bar or whether guests will be buying their own drinks.   Then you'll need to make sure the bar is fully-stocked and will include options ranging from ring bearer and flower girl to your great uncle, Max, who only drinks a certain brand of Scotch whiskey.   Most of all, you'll need the beverage of celebration: champagne.[Page 3 of 3]