flash/weddings

I have read that some photogs use one setting, i.e. open the lens wide open and then went on to explain the rest of the settings. Would someone enlighten me?

You'll need to be more specific, please.

There is no formula of "settings" for effective flash photogarphy. But if you understand the concepts of flash photography, you can determine the optimum settings for a given situation.

Flash Photography 101 (link in my sig) would be a good place to start.

You've basically asked how to take photos. Buy a book.

Tim,
Any books you'd recommend?

Understanding exposure, but it doesn't deal with flash. Maybe something like "photography for dummies".