Assigned tables or Free Seating?

Dear Auntie Dana-
I hope that you can help solve this argument- My mom really thinks that we should do assigned seating for our guests but I feel like it goes against the relaxed vibe that we are trying to create for our wedding. . . can't we just let our guests decide where they want to sit?

UGH all those pictures!

Dear Auntie Dana,
I have heard that it takes so much time to take pictures after the ceremony that my fiance and I are contemplating just taking most of the pictures earlier in the day, but I have mixed feelings about this. In your experience is this a good idea?

Isn't using an IPOD a great way to save money?

Dear Auntie Dana-
My fiance and I are on a limited budget and are thinking of just filling up our IPOD with our favorite tunes instead of hiring a DJ to save money. . .what are your thoughts on this?