A nice wedding for 100 people should run about $20K (that includes everything). I just did one for my oldest son: 50 people, $10K. Food and location was $6K. Bridal outfit was $1K, suit and shoes, $500, DJ, photographer, flowers, decorations, invitations, etc, $2,500.
When my husband and I married 30 years ago, we paid $16,000 for our wedding; $10K was on the food and hall. We had 100 guests. We had a blow-out NY style wedding with church ceremony, massive cocktail hour, 3 course dinner, two cakes, open bar, etc. Paid for it ourselves. It was on par with other weddings in the family.
I’ve been to backyard weddings with BBQ and a DJ, super simple but lots of fun. Total bill was about $2K.
You don’t have to break the bank.
I went to a wedding in the early 90s where the bride and groom were next to each other on horseback as they said their vows. They had met in an advanced horseback class.
The wedding was on a ranch and we were all wearing jeans and western shirts, including the minister and the wedding party. BBQ was served, there was an C&W / Top 40 band and I think the most lavish expense was probably the open bar.
They’re still married today and their three kids are all grown.