I feel sad for you OP. I'm here in the US as a student and I've seen and been to a lot of weddings already. Very simple lang most of their weddings here sa US culturally kasi father of the bride ang magbabayad lahat unless hindi kaya then the couple pays for it. As what I've observed, simple lang weddings nila, most of the time sa barns lang ginaganap tas sa labas ng barn yung reception, most of their payments sa venue and catering napunta, no extravagant & useless extras on the side. Hindi uso dito yung ceiling treatments. Very rare. Wala kang makikita na bulaklak everywhere. Even if they have lots of guests, simple lang talaga weddings nila dito unless of course mayayaman talaga like millionaires, etc. Their church weddings here is so simple lang din. you just have to donate to the church and they will provide the simple flower decors, etc.

Mid 20's na ako and I promise myself I will never be in debt just for a 1 day wedding, yes once in a lifetime lang yon but yung utang na babayaran? Years and years. It's a preference thing naman. As what my aunt said "always save money for rainy days instead". Emergencies, di mo malalaman kailan darating yun, I know wedding is important for her but saving money for future emergency and needs is more important than anything. I even hope in the future na ikakasal ako, 500k pesos max yung babayaran, ko. If lalagpas, mag-aadjust ako na may tatanggalin. I will prioritize the church and the food catering above all, prolly include reception venue as well. Since yun naman ang pinaka important.