When I was in my teens, there was a wedding that went like this:
After the evening service, we were invited to stay for a wedding. Two members of the congregation came forward & were married. We all congratulated them. Then we all went to Denny’s, and paid for our own meals. We all chipped in to pay for the newlyweds’ meals.
No invitations. No fancy dresses. Pictures by friends. No fancy reception. No debt. Just friends, and God’s blessing.
Moved away a little after that, but I’d bet they were starting a good marriage.
My wife and I got married in a beautiful setting at our town hall, wife and her sisters made the food, my best friend from HS ran the grill, wife made her own dress, 250 people partied into the night with a great live band. I think we spent $1200.00 total and everyone had a great time. 34 years together, 25 years married 2 incredible kids. Big expensive weddings don’t make great marriages.