Here are some aspects you need to think through when considering a venue:

• Interest – places you’ve been a guest before or your have special preference
• Accessibility with ample parking
• Religious formality or just hotels will also do
• Capacity to accommodate number of guests (how many tables?) Minimum requirements?
• Restrictions guidelines at especially religious venues – attire, photography, videography, deco, music
• Compare packages
• Secure venue with a deposit.
• If you are using the church as venue, do give a love gift to the church.

Groom

• Thank the guests for attending.
• Thank the bride’s parents for allowing him to take their daughter’s hand in marriage
• Give thanks to his own parents, for all the happy years together
• Thank the bridal attendants and helpers
• Thank everybody for the kind wishes, cards and lovely presents
• Say some nice words about the bride (pass mic to her)

Bride – can follow with one that expresses her thanks and appreciation or similar to the groom’s.

• Thank the guests for attending.
• Thank the groom’s parents for raising a man for her
• Give thanks to her own parents, for all the care and grooming of the years
• Thank everybody for the kind wishes, cards and lovely presents

Father of the Bride & Groom

• Thank the guests
• Welcome the groom’s parents, relatives of both families and friends
• Praise the bride’s appearance and relate about her family life
• Welcome the bride/groom into the family
• Give words of wisdom and good wishes to the couple
• Propose a toast to the bride and groom

Best man –The best man’s speech is last. It should be funny, but it should not be an extension of the stag night and it will be better received by the family audience. He should:

• Compliment the bride and groom and give good wishes for their future together
• Thank the groom for asking you to be best man
• Relate funny stories about the groom, nothing too rude and no mention of previous lady friends
• Read out a few cards, probably from absent relatives or close friends
• Propose a toast to the couple.

• Have a pianist entertain your guests during cocktail hour. The tinkling of ivory will provide a sophisticated atmosphere
• Consider hiring a Latin jazz band to get your guests grooving on the dance floor
• harpist or perhaps a Chinese orchestra provide a unique vibe
• When guests RSVP, get them to include their favourite songs on the reply slip so that they can be included in the playlist

Check the on the following:

• Credentials & track records – are wedding their specialty? How many have they performed?
• Playlist – is there a playlist to choose from? Can learn new pieces or songs? Consider the age range of your guests if they will be perceptive to the playlist
• Lyrics – ensure it’s appropriate for the occasion
• Sets – how many sets and duration of each set.
• Attire – they should be dressed appropriately to the formality of the event
• Equipment – will they bring? Or assisted by venue? Additional charges?
• License – ensure that all licensing requirements are adhered to

a. The caterer’s sample menus and specialties. If you require, do they provide vegetarian food and is it possible to arrange for a food tasting session?

b. The staff strength they are able to provide. Also decide if the setting will be buffet stations or table service.
• Buffet stations: Guests go to manned or unmanned stations where they serve themselves or are served.
• Table service: Servers bring food to the tables; the same meal is provided to everyone.

c. If they provide floral arrangements, a floral arch for the march-in, and decoration for the reception table.

d. If they provide champagne-pouring and cake-cutting services during the reception.

e. If the caterer provides a VIP table for the wedding couple and their parents during the reception. Serving for the main table. The bride and groom shouldn’t be queuing at the food line.

f. If the caterer provides tables and tablecloth for the reception (for guests to sign-in) and/or for solemnization. Liaise with them on your desired color theme.

g. Suggested amount of food to cater is 75-85% of your actual guest list.

h. Try to negotiate a best price for your wedding and don’t be shy about it.

i. Never hire a caterer without a written contract. Read the contract carefully and thoroughly (especially the fine print) before agreeing to it.

• Menu
• Drink list
• Choice of table linen
• Décor on chairs
• Ballroom décor
• Backdrop design
• Table centerpieces
• Floral arrangements
• Music & entertainment
• Favors provided

Once the above is in place, start selecting the guests invited to sit at the main table:

1. Groom
2. Bride
3. Groom's Father
4. Groom's Mother
5. Bride's Father
6. Bride's Mother
7. Grandparents?
   
8. An aunt and uncle perhaps?

But you can always keep it to lesser than 10 pax at the main table to avoid controversy. No need to be legalistic about it.