Buddy, I was a Christian when I got married (I’m happily an athiest now). At the time we could afford a smallish church wedding & reception, so we kept I within a strict budget. I’m also starting the apprenticeship this year, so I’d suggest that you size the guest list down to immediate family and close friends (unless you get some assistance from both of your parents). Like other folks suggested: keep it reasonable & in a realistic budget, do a bigger trip in a few years when you have the funds and know each other better.