There's a great deal to love about this post. I got married 43 years ago, and we kept it quite simple. I did buy a traditional white wedding dress, but it wasn't super expensive. My two sisters were my attendants, and their dresses were also simple. The men's suits were rented. I had a photographer, and a cake, and flowers. Got married in my church, and the reception was downstairs. No booze, no speeches, no dancing, no fancy meal. That's the way my sisters' and most of my friends' weddings were at that time and in that place. I don't understand all the hoopla that is involved nowadays.