How would I reduce my wedding costs?

[vertigo]

When my brother got married last year, he hired a photography student from the local university to take his wedding pictures. The student did not cost as much and agreed to give my brother his negatives for little or nothing afterwards. A professional normally charges $1000 -1500 for them.
I’ve just got engaged myself, so I’m looking to save money when I get married (I didn’t realise that a wedding costs this much!). Anyway a few ideas I’ve come up with to save money on a wedding photographer are to use a student from the local university or TAFE like my brother, or to give out disposable cameras to our guests.
Students may not have the experience of shooting hundreds of weddings, but they will have a fresh and artistic eye and capture some of the greatest moments.
My only problem with hiring a student is that I will want to see a portfolio of their work and create a working contract. I’ll also want to make sure that they know how to work with large groups of people. It might also be best to specify some general outlines of what needs to be done on the day. E.g. when taking a photo of the bride, include her whole dress not just from the knees up.
The other option to save money was to place a disposable camera on each of the reception tables. That way the guests can take photo’s of each other. It should reduce costs and hopefully provide a more personal touch to the pictures.
Anyway, those are the ideas I’ve come up with in regards to saving costs on a photographer. Does anyone have any more ideas? Can anyone see likely problems with my ideas above?

[Jojo]

The only problem when NOT using a professional photograher is that you're taking a chance on those 'one & only wedding shots' on your very special day. One shot, that's all you've got.

My suggestion? Do a lot of research on as many professional photographers as you can and see who is most reasonable. As always, you'll want references.

Ways to cut expenses...Where will the reception be held? Maybe you know someone with an awesome backyard....That would make a great wedding present! Known anyone who lives in a highrise? Those places has some really great clubhouses and rent for reasonable prices. Food....Certainly you don't want to skimp on the food, but perhaps you can offer fantastic hors d'oeuvres instead of a sit down dinner.

What do you think you'll remember after your wedding? Maybe everything - but likely your day will go by so fast it will be a blur. Those pictures - you need them. I always say, safety in numbers - get as many pictures as possible. You & your bride will appreciate every single one of them!

Good luck!