Wedding

What about doing a private ceremony before with a recording and a reception later on with everyone with the ceremony playing on a screen throught out the entire reception maybe with a slide show with pictures of yall?

I think you both will have to compromise.. a conversation about where you can meet in the middle. What the lowest headcount you will accept? What's the highest he would accept? And find a balance... maybe no one or only parents there when you say "I do" but a bigger reception? It will take some patience and open conversation, but it's the only way you'll both be happy with how your big day turned out!

First of all congratulations on your engagement! Secondly, I swear wedding planning is some of the best marriage prep there is! No one can directly answer this for you. It is something you and your FH need to work out. Just know that each of you are entitled to your opinions on the matter, but try to dig deeper into what is driving those opinions for each of you. Discuss it, listen to each other, try to put yourself in each other's shoes and truly understand where each other are coming from. Then you may be able to find that perfect compromise and be happy in your mutual decision. Best of luck to you!

I think it's important to hear each other out and find a compromise. What if you just have immediate family at the ceremony; parents, siblings, and grandparents? Then an intimate reception with the rest of your close family and friends.

Could you elope together, then have a reception after? Or do a smaller wedding?