Courthouse wedding, anyone?

My family is encouraging it because they know I'm practical and don't really have it in me to let our families spend an ungodly amount of money on a wedding. Just ask them how they'd feel about it if you were to do it.

As I just said on another thread, there are plenty of alternatives to a giant wedding that don't include a courthouse.

Get a great officiant, find a nice restaurant and invite your immediate family, as in parents siblings and their SO's. Get a musician, a dress, a bouquet and you're good to go. It'll be gorgeous. Some of my favorite weddings have been done this way.

And you absolutely can get your number to any number you want. You just say no and having a backbone about it. Actually, smaller weddings are easier to control than bigger weddings; they self limit themselves. It's easier to tell your aunts and uncles 'no' when you're only having 20 guests. You'll be happy and they'll live.

Oh, that's not good VJ......

We did a small private family only ceremony, and it was beautiful. We had a pianist and a cellist and the pastor at my church. I carried a small bouquet. He wore his suit and a new tie from his brother and I found an Easter dress that was white, which I totally plan to wear as my summer cocktail dress. Some of the extended family and friends were a little offended that we didn't invite them, but honestly, it was perfect. When we explained our reasons for getting married, everyone understood. We didn't tell anyone except those we invited beforehand. When it came out, our friends and family that weren't invited were disappointed, but we're still having our big reception as planned. Some people will be miffed, but it is not your problem!!!! To echo PP's, it's your wedding and you can have it be as small as you want!!! Weddings sometimes make people feel closer to you than they may actually be and entitled to an invitation.

We are getting married at the courthouse. It's what I wanted. It's literally no stress of having to book anyone or reserve a venue. When it comes down to it. We are getting married and promising each other forever. We will have our parents and siblings there. That helps avoid the whole family thing. Although, the following day we are having a big party at a hall to celebrate our marriage with the whole family.