Hello all!
This may sound unusual, but please bear with me while I explain my reasonings. I really want to hear all opinions on this though, although I suspect they may not be what I want to hear haha.
Me and my OH have been sitting down over Christmas and seriously looking at our finances. We are currently saving to buy a house, but also want to get married- particularly as it's important to us that this happens before we start a family and time is ticking on!!
The more we look at it, the more it seems impossible that we can afford a wedding. We discussed getting married in a registry office but it would really upset me not to get married in a church. A throwaway comment was made "why don't we get married but then not have a reception, cos that's the expensive bit", which we laughed off, then started to seriously consider it.... We could have all our family and friends there with us, I could have my dress (weirdly important to OH), him his suit, we could get a photographer cheaper at only half a day- but still get some photos to remember our day, I could even have hair and make up if I wanted! Then afterwards I guess is the question, would it be really awkward? I envisage going off and doing something as a couple in the afternoon, then maybe a posh meal and a night at a hotel. But what would you think if you were invited to a church wedding and afterwards it was just over?! A thanks for coming, see you soon type of affair?! I'm torn between thinking that's not a great end to our wedding day and thinking 'sod it, it's our day, we're married which is the main thing, and why should we work ourselves stupid, and delay buying a house to pay for others to eat a meal and have a party?!' (Eek that last bit sounds really selfish ?)
So what is everyone's thoughts?! Has anyone ever known this to happen?! And what would you think if you were invited to this as a guest??