Invitations

50. Create your own stationary. Buy the paper from a discount merchant. Use a calligraphy font on your word processor.
51. Guard against sloppy handwriting on the RSVP. Assign all your guests a number (use one number per invitation) and put the number in pencil on the back of the RSVP. Even if you can't read the name, you know their number!
52. When you send out your invitations realize that most people will RSVP about one week to ten days after the due date. About 20% you will just have to call. If they don't have an answer on the second call, have your fiancé, best man, or mother call saying how sorry they won't be able to attend the wedding. They either will call back saying, "I thought you knew I was coming" or not call at all. Either way you will have your answer.
53. You can get your own 1-800 number that guests can call to RSVP.
54. Create a website. There are many bridal programs on the net that let you personalize a page. Your guests will get up to the minute news right in their own home.
55. Having trouble finding stamps that express your feelings? The post office has a website that sells stamps. Just log on to www.stampsonline.com or call their toll free number 1-800-stamp24.

If everyone that you ask decides to attend, please skip to Choosing A Site. I know that you won't want to hear the next few points, but in case the situation applies to you, you should be prepared. If it doesn't apply, then congratulations!

56. Some people are lazy, stuck in their ways or wont want to spend a few extra dollars to celebrate your love. If you are getting married at a distant location the number of people not coming will increase.
57. Remember that the ones that are coming are the ones that you really want to be there. You would rather have people that are not superficial to share in your moment.
58. Less people, less money spent out of pocket. There will be more time for yourself and your spouse, more time for you to spend with each guest, and more room to move on the dance floor. You can be disappointed that Aunt Martha can't come, but don't let it cloud your special day!

Choosing A Site

59. Take pictures of the area so that you can refer to them as you make decisions later when you are home.
60. Go off-season. If you get married on a ski slope in the middle of summer, not only will the site be less expensive, but the vendors in the area will be as well. You can get discounts on hotel rooms, transportation, and the rehearsal dinner.
61. Invite key people (like your parents, maid of honor, and best man) to the wedding and reception site earlier in the year so that they can get excited and feel involved.
62. Visit the wedding site at the time of year that the wedding will be held (if you have 9 months to a year before the wedding). This way you can see how the light is, and what flowers are indigenous to the area. You will be able to tell if it is going to be ghastly hot in June or slightly cool under the trees.

Vendors

63. Ask local merchants whom they would go for their hair, nails, birthday cakes, and catering. Use the recommendations from people who live in the area to choose.
64. What is even more valuable than a tip (don't forget to put that in your budget) is a thank you card for your florist, hairdresser, and reception hall.

Music

65. Create your own pre-wedding music. Why pay the DJ / band the extra hour when you can create a tape with a little creativity that will marvel your guests? Try putting together a tape with the theme of "love through the ages," choosing songs based on the style of your wedding. For example Henry Connick Jr. "It had to be you", Elvis Presley, and the Beatles if you are having a non-religious wedding.
66. Use the library to find the music for the tape and to help locate songs for the ceremony itself. It doesn't cost anything to have a library card and some libraries have an extensive music selection.
67. Use the Internet to locate versions of the songs that you desire. Amazon.com lets you search for the music and if you have a version of RealPlayer Plus, you can actually hear fragments of songs off of the Internet.
68. Don't be afraid to use something different. One bride used an instrumental version of the love theme from St Elmo's Fire for her song, "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles for the bridesmaids song, and the recessional was none other than the William Tell Overture. It made for a very memorable wedding! Ask your DJ or bandleader for suggestions.
69. When you are choosing the DJ / Band, try this trick. Obtain references from him and instead of calling the person and asking about so and so, call the reference and ask whom they would recommend. If the Band /DJ is really good, the person at the establishment will suggest the group you want to hire.

Florist

70. Shop early. Florists tend to book up about a year in advance. Make sure your personality clicks with the florist. Someone who comes highly recommended you might consider flaky.
71. It is advantageous to choose a florist that is familiar with the wedding and reception site. It will save you time and money since she will already know what will work in that space.

Photography

72. Place disposable cameras on each table and have the DJ / bandleaders announce that you would love help capturing some special memories, but please leave the camera on the table (or in some designated spot). Deals on disposable cameras can be found at Moto Photo and in the back of many bridal magazines.
73. Check with your office to see if there is a discount company card that you can use for film developing.
74. Work with your photographer. He is probably going to be one of the most expensive items for your wedding. However, there is a way to negotiate for bargains. Find something that doesn't cost you very much that would mean something to him - giving him a premium dinner, letting his wife come to the wedding - making sure that he is comfortable and happy may lead to free pages in the album, or free parent folios.

Pre-Wedding Parties

75. Have you ever heard of a Jack n' Jill? If you are from the Massachusetts area you probably have. It is a party thrown by the best man and maid of honor for both you and your fiancé. They arrange a hall or restaurant, music, food, and invite all of your friends - even the ones that can't make it or weren't invited to the wedding. They either charge for a ticket, or have a 50-50 raffle to generate funds. The money that comes in help pay for the expenses and whatever is left is given to you and your fiancé.
76. A Jack n' Jill also lets you track down long lost friends that you can personally invite to the wedding.

The Wedding

77. When you pick up your marriage license, get two or more copies. You will need to send one to the social security agency in your area to legally change your name.
78. For information on how to contact the social security agency, call their toll free number at 1-800-772-1213.
79. Personalize your ceremony. You don't have to make up entirely new vows, just add something to them that are unique to you. Through calm and through stormthrough harmony and through tragedy - are some twists on the familiar.
80. Try using a prop like a rose and a vase, a unity candle that was used by your parents, or doves in a cage. Be creative and people will remember the ceremony for years to come.
81. Have the groom do the honors and seat his mother.
82. Involve your mothers or other relations in the wedding. Have them choose and give a reading.

Rehearsal Dinner

83. Can't afford to invite everyone who is travelling to the rehearsal dinner? Open it up to those other than the wedding party after dinner. Invite them to come over and have a drink and meet all the people in the wedding party. This way no one is left out, but you don't have to foot the bill.

Reception

84. Taste your food choices! You may find that you enjoy the filet of sole on the less expensive menu as much as the rack of lamb on the pricey menu. If this happens, talk to your caterer and see if you can make a deal. Have her charge the higher price for those getting the lamb, and the lower price for the fish.
85. Include a vegetarian dish. It not only will be an inexpensive choice, but it also shows that you are taking your guests needs into consideration.
86. Even if the reception hall is supplying the cake, do insist on tasting it. This way you get a break on your diet, and also you can make sure that the flavors of icing, filling, and cake complement each other. Something that sounds wonderful in your head may not be palatable.
87. Personalize the tables. Name each table after an event or location that helped shape your romance. If you are computer friendly, use clip art and choose a picture that characterizes that place. One bride got engaged in St. Croix and she used a picture of a water landscape for the table card and had a corresponding picture on the place card that showed the guests where to sit.
88. If you are good at expressing yourself, put a description on the back of the table card as to why those places / events were important in shaping your romance. This lets your guests have some insight into the path that led you to the alter / arch.
89. Create your own centerpieces. Use a large brandy glass and put marbles or seashells in water. Inexpensive and unique.
90. Don't worry about losing all those envelopes of money and checks that people will be giving you on that special day. Instead create a "mailbox" and put it by the gift table. This way you can direct people where to put the envelope. Just make sure that the gift table and the mailbox are secured (not near a door, etc).
91. Freeze all candles before using. They will burn more slowly.
92. Check the local winery for favors. They often can personalize small bottles for little money.

Taxi Service

93. Be responsible. If you are having a location wedding and plan on serving alcohol, arrange a taxi service to bring people to the wedding from their hotel so that they will have to use the service to return. This has two advantages, parking will be less of a problem since there will be fewer cars, and everyone can have a good time and not worry about driving intoxicated.

The Honeymoon

94. Book early. If you are attempting to use frequent flyer miles be aware that those seats are limited in numbers. The earliest that you can book is 330 days in advance. Book your trip down on that day, and book your return trip ten days later (presuming you will be honeymooning for ten days).
95. Switch your phone to a carrier that offers travel deals. You will be making more phone calls, so why not build toward free travel?
96. Sign up for Membership Rewards with American Express. They also offer a point system for the charges that you put on your card, which you can turn in for discounts on travel, car rental, hotel rooms, and other merchandise. Call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).
97. Check out discounts that your credit cards offer. You might already have them and don't realize it. Citi-travel offers deals on honeymoons.
98. Use the Internet. There are many different sites out there that can lead to a considerable discount. Travelocity.com, expedia.msn.com, previewtravel.com, and AA.com, are all top sites. A comprehensive listing can be found at travelweek.com.
99. If you want to hear from people that are going to or have just come from the destination of your choice, check out American On Line's travel network called AOL travel. Click on Member Opinions and you will have many message boards (Caribbean, Europe, United States etc) to choose from. You can even ask a question and have an answer within the same day.

After It All

100. Your taxes might change. Make sure that you meet with a financial consultant or accountant who will make sure you get the best deal.
101. If you are moving into a new home and need some furniture, check your thrift stores and consignment shops. A 5 piece walnut bedroom set can go for as little as $199.00.