How to save money on a wedding... any tips?

I'm getting married in 2012 and my friend just spent 50,000$ on her wedding alone.. Pretty much a down payment on a house. We are getting married in Whistler BC, and are unsure of where yet... My boyfriend wants his EX sister in law to plan our wedding cause hers cost 8000$ but, that's a bit cheap and it was because she had an unwanted pregnancy and planned her wedding in 2 weeks.. pretty much dollar store stuff and a dress from value village... Im very into designer names unfortunately like Alfred Sung And Vera Wang and Christian Louboutin for shoes So anyone wanna give me some reasonable tips! Thanks a ton for all your answers!