6.) Don't Skimp on the Food! Food and drink make the event. Good food and drinks make the party! I understand that budgets are limited, but there is no need to have your 300 guests fighting over Ritz crackers and spray cheese at your 7:00 p.m. reception. The reception (including food) should take a big chunk out of your budget - and it should show. If it doesn't, what it will show is that you are cheap, and your guests will leave to find food elsewhere mid-reception. Who wants to stay at a party hungry?

If your choices and funds are tight, ask your caterer what they can do to help you out. Ask if you can provide your own recipes (pick up a nice cocktail book. I personally love Cocktail Food by Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford with Lori Lyn Narlock). Bulk up on the presentation. That may mean for you, no ice sculpture or five foot eagle made out of lox, but you could add fresh flowers and candles. Add variety with themed stations, convenience with buffets, and elegance with plated dinners.