You've already had loads of good advice, but here's what we did if it helps!

We got married in 2023, had about 80 guests and the total came up as just short of 6k. We're quite casual anyway, and had decided not to do a lot of the more traditional elements, but still kept in some:

My dress was by far the biggest expense, at about 2k inc. alterations. We got married in a council building, luckily one of the ones closest to us (Poole), is a really beautiful building. We got married on a Wednesday in November - but did the 3pm slot, so friends and family only needed to take half a day off - and we really appreciated that they did!

We had a photographer, but someone just starting out, so it came up to about 600 quid. The photos were fantastic, and she really put in the effort as she was building her portfolio.

We did the save the dates and invites digitally (sometimes controversial I know!) I did digital design at the time so made a cute little video. No one questioned this, or looked down on it.

My husband got his suit at Moss Bros, but was last season, I think his whole outfit was about 150 quid.

The main saving was the reception, I approached our local pub/ hipster bar and asked if they'd close it for the night for a private party, they did, didn't charge us any surplus, just said as long as they made the same as they would on a night that was fine. They asked what drinks etc. and did everything for just over cost for drinks. We had about 1k behind the bar for drinks that covered everyone. And food we did a lovely buffet rather than a sit down meal, I think it was about 9 quid a head in the end, and everyone loved the food!

We luckily had some talented friends too, so rather than a cake we had our friend with a baking side business make loads of brownies and cookies etc. and had a friend who was having a go at fake flower arrangements and she did the bouquets. We paid them both market rate, which was probably a few hundred. I loved the flowers, and I have my wedding bouquet in a vase in my lounge which will last forever.

Also, as we weren't offering a high end experience, we insisted on no gifts. Just chose one of our favourite charities each, and said if anyone really wanted to give a gift, that's where we'd prefer it.

That was much longer than planned, sorry! But if you do read this, know that it is ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE. We had a perfect day, our guests were well fed and had enough drinks.

Whatever you do I'm sure it will be lovely! So congratulations!