Niece just told me that she would need at least a year and $50k for her wedding, at a minimum. Most of my friends, and I too, had relatively small weddings in simple settings. A few were in living rooms, one in a back yard. All still going strong, with grandkids (I was the exception, divorced after 8 years). Went to one at the Ritz in Monterey, gigantic ice sculptures, the works. Had to have been over $100K. Lasted three years. I like the simple church/community hall approach. Most guests like it simple too!
Best wedding I ever attended was ten people. It’s one of the few marriages among my circle that didn’t last.
My daughter just got married. 100 guests. Just over $10,000.