My wedding was awesome. The best day ever. We didn't spend a fortune, we just listed what was important to us and made it happen. I wanted a band and I wanted people to be comfortable. I didn't want my guests to have to 'get through the night' because they were sitting next to a loud/shy/old/young person IYGWIM, so I arranged seating so that everyone knew each other. I didn't have a parents table- I had a table for DH's fam and a table for mine. My DH's family are 'socially awkward', whereas my family are 'out there' lol....everyone ended up mingling thanks to the band ....we had an awesome night.

Do what YOU want to do- not what tradition tells you. Most people don't give a crapola these days as long as they are fed well they will be happy!

Good luck!