FWIW
Best parts:
having beautiful singers/choir at ceremony
carefully thought out ceremony (readings music)
Having a good steak at reception
Paciugo cart at end of reception - a real hit
great jazz band for cocktail hour
a real Texan BBQ rehearsal dinner with awesome live CW singer
Not going overboard; some weddings seem like an opportunity for narcissism
Regrets:
worrying (getting angry) about people who did not show and who left early
Not visiting each table and thanking each guest for coming
dance music a little lame and not thought through enough
not enough cake - would do 1.5 x
needed more thorough wedding program
worrying about 100 degree weather
Other:
wedding planner - why bother? didn't use or need
make-up artist - niece helped me, bought some nice make-up, practice
why are flowers so expensive esp bouquet?
invite well behaved flower girls
at a mid-day reception locals did not stay real long
end of reception appetizers - overkill
need someone to remind you of things at reception
limo - didn't need, just drove our car (they are unreliable)
weak best man speech - what can you do....
Good luck and God Bless!
amy