Photography Buffs

Increasingly, I'm talking to couples who have a family member or friend take their wedding and reception photos. Today, with the advent of digital cameras and some incredible software packages that can crop, clip, and color, making great photos is a snap. Now, there are certainly many pros who can do even more with bigger and better cameras and photo shops, but if a couple is looking to have a wedding on an affordable budget, don't overlook photography as one place to save.

And don't forget to check in some of your local photo shops. You might be able to actually purchase your own camera, learn how to use it (then teach it) and let someone be your officially photographer--all for much less than the cost of a wedding photo package with a pro.