I am planning a wedding for April 2010 on a medium-sized budget.  I am not hiring a wedding coordinator because I look at the planning process as a crash-course in project management, and I'm up for the challenge!

I am trying to spend conservatively in most areas, especially on "consumables" - the ones that don't matter a whole lot to me.  Instead of going overboard with fresh flowers, I am planning to have branches and more organic-looking pieces for centerpieces.  Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, we are opting for hors d'evoures stations to create a more laid-back, social reception. 

I am not skimping on photography, but instead of going with a big, brand-name studio, I found a local husband-and-wife team that have a great portfolio at a great price!

The other thing I don't want to skimp on is hospitality.  I think many brides are doing away with favors for guests in order to save money, but I want my family and friends to have a memento to remind them of the day.  So, my fiance and I are planning to create custom wine from a local winery and give away "splits" bottles for each couple or family with custom labels - it will actually work out to be the same price as a less-expensive favor per person. 

We are also going to rent a photo booth to allow guests to take fun photos of themselves and also leave a copy for us - it will make a great guestbook and provide another memory for people to take with them! 

It might seem like I am splurging, but I don't plan to spend nearly as much on my dress and accessories, or other really fancy decorations.  Our reception venue has a great industrial feel so it won't require a lot of extra decor anyway!