The world is changing, and you had better be ready to change with it.
A relative of mine recently got married in March using an elopement package to Miami. No family present, the all-inclusive weekend getaway even included the witness. Instead, they simply hosted a booze cruise on an evening this July to celebrate with family and friends.
The family can easily afford a wedding and reception. They spent over $8,000 (discounted) with me on the last two siblings. This couple on the other hand, preferred to focus on what really mattered most to them rather than the current state of material and commercial dictate.
In a world where marriage is mocked by TV comedy and reality shows, celebrity revolving door divorces, divorce rates nearing 2/3, glorified infidelity, surrogate parenting, and Trans-gendered confusion, etc.; together with stagnant incomes, escalating student debt, lack of affordable housing, and rising education costs - I expect the age of grand wedding receptions as a normality to be nearing it's end.