Whether you are trying to work on a low budget or just trying to create a different type of wedding that is not so traditional, here are some ideas to work from:

-MUSIC:  many times there are friends with local talent that can either provide the ceremony music or the reception music for a nominal fee or as their wedding "gift", depending on how romantic this individual(s) is, you may also want him/her to write a wedding song or the "first dance" song

-PHOTOGRAPHER:  There has to be a friend in every crowd that is a "want a be" photographer.  The beauty of having a friend do it is that is most likely will be a "gift" and there is not a strange person running around at your wedding snapping pictures.

-TUXEDO RENTAL SAVINGS-Most men don't like to wear them and most men look better in something else. If all of the guys go shopping and agree on the same type of suit, it is something they can use again (including the groom).

-SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS TO PARENTS:  Whether you are 20 and getting married or 40 and tying the knot for the second time, having both sets of parents at the head table is thoughtful thing to do, especially if they are paying for the event.

-SAVING MONEY ON LIMOUSINES:  If your wedding happens to take place in two separate places, i.e. a park and then off to a banquet hall, create some mystery as to how you got from there to here.  Instead of horse drawn carriages and stretch limos, sneak into a friends car and leave the guests guessing.

-FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS:  Believe it or not, most of us have this flair.  Get a bunch of your aunts and female cousins together and purchase the components.  They could save you a mint, and it is fun precursor to the big event.