I have to agree that Bridal Bargains is a great book.
When you're looking for your dress, as long as you don't have to have a Vera/Reem/Amsale, you can more than likely get it much much cheaper from ordering online. (and if you're the right size as a sample, you can get samples of really high-end designer dresses for about 1/3 their normal cost).
When looking at photography, decide what you want. Some photographers will take a lot of shots, and only give you a few proofs, some 8x10s in an album, and a wall shot large enough to double as a lean-two. Others will take 200-400 shots and put them all in a proof album and then you can order the enlargements you want. Some even give you the negatives.
I've heard of a lot of brides on theknot.com saving money by ordering their flowers in bulk from Sam's and making their own arrangements/bouquets. Apparently, hand-tied flowers aren't all that difficult once you get the hang of it.
My best advice: dont' be afraid to be bridezilla where it counts. I don't mean nitpicking your bridesmaids about having the same length hair (I've heard of this), but make sure you get what you want to make your day special to YOU.
