[jb9]

Consider having the reception at a place that is not in the "wedding" business.

Places in the wedding business charge more because, let's face it, they don't get a lot of repeat customers, so they have to soak you while they can (I mean, even if you do get married again, you'll probably pick a different reception location). Also, there is a great deal of social pressure (especially felt by brides-to-be) to have an impressive ceremony and reception which caterers, photographers, etc. are all too happy to take advantage of.

If your reception is small enough, you might be able to find a restaurant that has a private room or will let you rent out the whole place. When you first talk to the restaurant, say "private party" not "wedding" (you can tell them it's a wedding reception after you talk $$$).

This can be much cheaper and then you can always go back to the restaurant for anniversary dinners (unless the dumb restaurant goes out of business before your first anniversary -- not like that ever happened to me or anything [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]).

If it's not too late, you could try to convince her to run off to Hawaii or somewhere else wonderful to be married in a private ceremony.

Don't call it "eloping" and emphasize how romantic and stress free it is -- and you won't be lying, it will be romantic and certainly less stressful than planning a wedding and reception for lots of friends and family.

Congratulations and best wishes.