IT'S more than likely that any dilemmas you have over what kind of dress you're going to wear and what will suit are likely to pale into insignificance beside the reception.

The prospect of who to sit where and next to whom without sparking a riot can daunt the most staunch of couples - and even professional wedding planners.

Seating arrangements can cause the biggest headache of all, not helped by the fact that within many families today are couples who have remarried (in some cases several times) with new partners not necessarily getting on with old.

The most traditional layout will feature a top table seating the best man, bride's mother, bride's father, groom, bride, groom's mother, groom's father and chief bridesmaid.

Things start getting complicated when one or both sets of parents have remarried - and how cordial relations are between the various parties.

Just remember, it's up to you how many people you have with you on the top table - there's no hard and fast rule.

You can always restrict the top table to four: the bridal couple, the best man and chief bridesmaid.

One useful compromise is where couples from the bridal party each host another table.

In the end, it's what the bride and groom want - it's their day!

A table is placed to one side of the top table for the cake and close family and friends are then seated nearest the top table, with other relatives and friends further away.

Children are always seated with their parents but a fun alternative for older ones is to have a separate table for youngsters.

Try to put people with others who they already know and where this is not possible, try to match those where you can who have similar interests.

A printed table plan at the entrance to the room is a helpful accessory for people to find their places - as are place cards, another stationery requirement to be borne in mind.

Again, lots of consultation with the staff of the venue where you are holding your reception is needed so everyone is clear about who sits where.