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5. Wedding Planners, do you really need one? Unless you’re having a wedding that is going on television, you most likely do not need a wedding planner. Most weddings are planned over months and months, and a mother or the bride will have the final say anyways, so why not start there? They will know what they want, and if you get a checklist going early, you have plenty of time to get everything arranged.

4. A wedding singer or DJ, do you really want one? More and more weddings these days are not hiring live bands. The next option for most people is a DJ. However, this person is going to play music you ask him to, so why not just ask your brother or a friend to play the songs you want? Most churches and halls already have a sound system, all you need are your mix CDs.

3. Do you need a Limo? I know what most of you are saying right now… YES I NEED A LIMO! Well ok, do you need one all night? Most people rent a limo for the night, not thinking that they only really need it from the church to the reception, and/or from the reception to the airport or hotel. If you’re going home after your reception, you sure don’t need to pay the driver to sit outside in the parking lot all night waiting!

2. What about a wedding video? It is happening quite frequently these days….many wedding photographers want to bring their buddy, a videographer along too. They might give you a package deal, but the video is actually the expensive one. This is due to editing, sure it probably takes the guy half a day, but he’s going to charge you hundreds or even thousands to do it. A lot of the time, if you get a friend or sibling to go around and talk to the people while you get ready, you get a lot better video than if a stranger was walking around asking your family questions. However, unless you have a professional photographer in the family, if you want quality photos to hang on the wall for 40 years, you should get a pro. Don’t buy prints from them, make sure you only pay them to take the pictures, and give you the digital copies on a DVD or memory stick. This way, you can print them out MUCH cheaper somewhere else, and also only print the ones you like.

1. Number one tip… Exploit your friends! If you know a killer cook, or better yet a couple of good cooks, have them each make 2 dishes of what they usually bring to parties. Another good idea is a potluck reception. This gives people a way to actually contribute to a loved one’s wedding. Of course do not make it mandatory to bring anything, but personally thank those who do. Pay your niece to go down to a flower shop to make arrangements, or have your aunt bring flowers from her garden. As weddings become less and less grand occasions, let your family and friends help make yours as grand as you can!