It can be difficult when deciding on the layout of the reception area where people are to be seated as often people associate that with their importance to you.

The simple fact of the matter is everybody can’t be seated at the same table — or can they? This does of course assume that the size of your wedding party is more than can fit around one table and even then some people might wonder why they can’t seated next to you rather than at the other side of the table.

Oh the stress of it all! — you certainly don’t need the stress when planning all the other aspects of your wedding but it is something that needs to be taken into account of with the help of your partner and also considering your guests preferences of where and whom they might like to be seated next to.

The traditional method of having a bridal party seated at a table at one end of the room and everybody else in rows facing them does not have to be adhered to and often there are alternatives where more people can feel like they are as important as everybody else at the reception.

Consider having the bridal party seated at a table in the middle of the reception with all your friends and family seated all round. This is one alternative that you might decide to use but the layout is entirely up to you in a manner that you find most suitable.

Rather than trying to mix up both sides of the family it might be better to keep the seating arrangements where people who are familiar with one another can be at the same tables. Once again this is just a suggestion as you might find that based on the personalities of the families and friends they might enjoy sitting with one another and get to know each other better.

You and your partner know the best answer to that one and it is something that needs to be discussed not only with each other but possibly also with some selected people who will be attending the reception to see what their thoughts on the matter are.

Make everyone feel important and be sure to circulate whenever possible to greet and thank everybody who has attended your wedding. Often with bigger weddings it is very easy to miss talking to someone so that is one area that you will need to pay special attention.

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The highlight of the wedding reception is seeing how big the cake will be. Everyone wants to be unique and wow their guests. Since the wedding cake is a big expense, choose wisely.

Wedding cakes have gone from simple single or double-tiered creations to sweet confections that don’t even look like traditional cakes. Sugar can be manipulated into the shape of flowers, geometric shapes and jewels. It is amazing what they can do with some batter and frosting these days.

Before the big day, you’ll have to sample piece after piece of wedding cake. The last thing you want to do is leave it up to chance. Dream up your biggest and best design and then go in search of the perfect way to create it.

1. Find a baker who can meet your expectations. You are not there just to see if he or she can make your design but to test their mettle as a baker. A cake can look good but it also has to taste good.

2. Ask lots of questions. Whatever you want to know, don’t be afraid to voice it. How does the baker plan to create your cake? Will he use marzipan, fondant or ganache? He may have suggestions for the design but don’t accept them out of hand unless you really agree.

3. What’s the price? You don’t want to look cheap but breaking the bank is out of the question also. You might have to scale down your 10-tiered cake or get a couple of sheet cakes with the same icing to feed all your guests. A cake for a service of 200 can be expensive.

4. Ask for a design book. You might not have any idea of the style of cake you want. Your wedding colors are the only thing you know. A good baker has a book of past wedding creations and signature creations for their shop. They should also be able to ask a few questions and come up with suggestions for you from the information that you provide.

5. Will they deliver? You know about Murphy’s Law, right? Don’t ask your uncle with the large SUV to pick up the wedding cake from the shop. It is worth the cost to have the baker responsible for delivering and setting up the cake at the reception. If anything goes wrong on their part, you can get a refund.

It could be a simple yellow cake with butter cream icing in three tiers or a five-tier square cake with decorative sugar flowers. Either way, you want the cake for your wedding to meet all of your expectations and then some.

The Knot Website for Brides and one of the best sources for wedding items online, has announced its annual sale. For your convenience, we have included a link to the sale. Enjoy!