[Cajundaddy]

I got two married off and waiting on #3. The golden rule applies here *Whomever puts up the gold makes the rules*. Set a budget that you can afford and let sweetie fill in the details. This should be a great party for family and friends but not a second mortgage. We gave them a choice to spend it on a reception or down payment on a house. Both chose reception.

Our 1st was a backyard wedding for 100 guests with buffet style dinner and wine on the table, rented DJ and dance floor. We did a lot of the prep work. $6k ten years ago.

Our 2nd was a beach wedding with reception on top of the swank Canary hotel in Santa Barbara for 100 guests. Buffet style dinner, wine on the table and it was $10k five years ago. They are celebrating their 5th anniversary at the Canary this weekend.

We have several friends who did not set a budget or control guest count and costs soared. Both were $50k and no more magical than ours.