We wanted to elope but bride’s Mom said no way, “I’ve been to so many weddings and this is my chance to host one”. We stayed out of the planning other than the dress and the vows. We got to pick some of the bridesmaid/groomsmen others came with the wedding (mom’s choice) and the bride’s bouquet. That was in 1976.
The real funny part is we were so peripheral to the occasion they forgot us at the church in the Bronx and we had to get to the reception in NJ perched in the back of the photographer’s car with his equipment & empty soda bottles. We called ahead because we were sure they would be worried. They hadn’t missed us.
You ended up with a great story to tell the rest of your lives! That’s better than having a “perfect” wedding, I think. People get too hung up on it having to be perfect.