My wife made all of the invitations, save the dates, decorations, place settings, name cards, programs etc, but then again, my wife if very good craft wise. If you or your wife and craft worthy at all, make all of this stuff. A lot of people get caught up in invitations, but remember that 99% of the people you send them too, look at the date, write it down and throw it away. Weddings from late Oct to March are a ton cheaper, since not a lot of people have weddings then. Dont bother with a videographer. You may watch your wedding video once or twice, but your pictures will be a ton more valuable to you and be looked at more often. If you want the ceremony taped, find a family member you trust to do that. For the meal, dont go fancy. People just want something good to eat. A fancy piece of chicken with horrible sauce and 3 red potato halves isnt a good meal. The best meal I have ever had was at a friends wedding where they had a buffet and my own where we had prime rib, mashed potatoes and corn. Make the beer free(tap only) and let the high ball people fend for themselves. You will go through about 2-3 barrels(we went through 6), depending on the amount of professionals you have attending. Hotel convention rooms work out best, due to the catering usually being in house and out of town guests can stay there. Since you are having the event there, you will most likely get your room for free and reduced rates for you guests.