Here is a list of my suggestions as a Bride-to-Be who is trying to have a beautiful wedding, while trying not to "break the bank":
Ceremony/Reception: no surprise, River Stone Manor (Scotia). If you are someone that has an outdoor wedding in mind, you absolutely HAVE to go and see this place. They can accommodate a small intimate wedding of 20 people to an extravagant celebration with a couple hundred guests. Ask for Skip or Patty and tell them I sent you! http://www.riverstonemanor.com/
If you do decide to book with River Stone, your cake is included in your package. You will have a choice between 3 bakers. I highly suggest the Cake Lady, Betty Wildermuth. She has been making cakes for over 30 years and does not use fondant- only the good stuff- and her cakes are delicious! (I should know- she made my Cookie Monster cake when I was 3 years old!)
Photography: Casey Connell Photography. Jessie and Pat do this as their hobby, and are they fantastic at it! The one thing that impressed me the most was their love for taking pictures. You could tell they do this because they love it, not because they are getting paid. You will get affordable packages, professional attitudes, and breathtaking pictures. Also, you will notice that most photographers have a time limit on their services. Casey Connell's packages include 2 photographers for unlimited time. This is great so you can have one of them be with the bride and the other with the groom. All of your photos appear online to order and you will get a cd with your photos (including all the rights to print your own) as part of your package. I am using a wallet-size engagement photo and putting the web address/event code on the side of the picture using Photo Shop. I will have a basket out at the reception with the pictures so that guests will be able to access the pictures online. Again, a mention that I sent you would be much appreciated! http://www.caseyconnellphotography.com/
Flowers: Central Market Florist (Price Chopper). You will get beautiful flowers for a fraction of the cost of most florists.
Invitations: I have actually printed my own (Wilton kits available at Walmart and Michaels Crafts) and they were extremely cheap and easy to do. Plus, they looked professionally done. To be honest, this was one thing that I could have cared less about. I figured as long as the people got there, I didn't need anything fancy to lure them. Its a big party, people are going to show. Besides, we all know that every wedding invitation ultimately ends up in the circular file (aka: the trash can). If you are someone that does not want to bother with this task, I also found a very reasonable online company: http://www.theamericanwedding.com/.
Centerpieces: Well, you know where I am going to go with this one... My vases would make an elegant addition to any table. I never pictured a floral arrangement on the tables so I tried to think outside the box. I have some of my centerpieces filled with small stones and tall twigs and others with small stones and pillar candles. Most of the supplies can be found at Michaels Crafts (40-50% off coupons are in the paper every Sunday). Other ideas that crossed my mind to put in them: floating flowers or fruit. I even entertained the idea of having beta fish.
DJ: Mike Guzzo, Plug and Play DJ (http://www.plugandplaydj.com/ )
Formal Wear for the Guys: Samuel's (Schenectady) was our choice. Since we have an outdoor ceremony, our groomsmen will be sporting champagne colored suites in lieu of tuxes.
Hair, Hair, Hair! I absolutely have to give HUGE kudos to Rachel St.Onge of Endless Creations in Scotia.(372-8030). It is right across the street from the High School and less than a 5 minute drive from River Stone Manor. Let her know Jaime Plantz sent you!
If you have specific vendor questions that you would like my opinion about, please do not hesitate to email me. All advice is strictly my own opinion and is free of charge =). Every detail of your wedding should represent you, as a couple.