Activity for Allison

We have a close family friend singing at our ceremony (like a niece, so close.) We also have a couple who is singing. They are more like acquaintances from church. I was thinking I'd give the family friend a gift, but not cash. But since I don't know...

My brisemaids’ dresses are plum (David’s bridal), some would call it eggplant. They are both long. One is a walk-through. What color of shoes do you think would work best? Black, silver, nude?

We are having a buffet, table rounds for seating, and no table assignments. I picture us walking around seeing people and not even sitting down, but should we have a sweetheart table just in case? I suppose we might want to eat.

We are probably having our reception in the hotel where we will stay the night. The reception is on the 2nd floor, honeymoon suite on the 15th. How on earth do we do the big send off? Have people line up and see us to the elevator door? Stand there...