LOL - glad Im not the only one that finds the whole full on wedding reception thing a bit much. My Mum and Dad really wanted a big traditional wedding reception for me but I just couldnt cope with that and all the expense that goes with it. My husband and I decided on a cocktail party as our wedding reception with lots of wonderful drinks and lovely Hors D'oruvres provided throughout the evening by waiters on lovely platters. The venue overlooked the ocean and it was just perfect. I couldnt cope with the whole big cake thing so we opted for a Croquembouche. The great thing about these is that its made for the amount of guests you are having so there is normally no left overs to deal with and the price (at least for us in Aust) was a lot more reasonable than a big traditional cake.

Check out Croquembouche and Profiterole cakes here
http://www.brunetti.com.au/WeddingCakes.html#wedding

I cant believe so many people end up in debt or drain their savings for huge weddings it just seems odd to me.

Good luck with the wedding plans.