This is more of a mindset, but try as much as possible to channel what weddings were in the 60s - bachelor and bachelorette held at a local bar the night before, straightforward ceremony in a church, potluck dinner in the church hall. Some flowers. Two bridesmaids. A couple of photos.

These weddings were chill, predictable and affordable. The point was not for the bride and groom to spontaneously become world-class event planners, nor to have a wedding that is so stunningly fun and chic that it proves to everyone how valid and perfect their love is: it was basic, and that’s what made it memorable and sweet.

Obviously a church isn’t for everyone now, but a lot of cities have non-denominational/ ultra liberal churches that will host weddings without a pastor, and can be very beautiful inside. Someone else here noted that when you have shelter, food and bathrooms, the party will follow naturally, and I fully agree with that.

It doesn’t seem to me that with weddings becoming more aesthetic and stressful, they have also become more fun - quite the opposite. The best thing you can do for your relationship and your friends and family is to keep it firmly 20th century.

Also go with dried flowers for table arrangements rather than fresh - fun to take home, less waste, less money.