Gee, everyone is having a much rougher time than I remember. I presented some baptism certificate or other, I believe and then we spoke to the priest once and went to an “engaged encounter” weekend camp, which we thought was interesting, even though we were by far the oldest there. At that event, we talked about money and other issues that couples may have issues with, as well as a bit about religion. That was about it. H liked that they provided food and the beds were adequate, though girls slept in rooms on one side of the place and boys in the other (which bothered some of the younger couples). They didn’t give us grief that H was not Catholic and had no intention of becoming Catholic–we did raise both of our kids Catholic, though they choose not to attend mass as adults.
We’ve been to both buffet and plated dinner weddings recently. Eithe one would be fine.
We thought the buffet would be less expensive, but at our venue…the prices is the same per person. We are going with a seated plated dinner. Since there are four meal choices, I’m guessing everyone should be satisfied. If not, they can go out for pizza later 
Back decades ago, we had a 7-course Chinese dinner at a nice restaurant. That was what my dad wanted and no one else objected, so that was what we had. It was what my older sister and younger brother had as well. There are a lot more options though–my friends from law school had mostly much less formal and expensive celebrations that worked for them.
My sister has had buffets at the country club for her two older Ds and will likely have the same for your youngest D who is marrying in July. She priced around and found it worked for them. She did note that the price for a similar reception doubled in the years between her oldest and middle D’s weddings. I haven’t heard what has happened since middle D and this youngest D’s wedding.
@HImom, that sounds like dining heaven!
I’d love to go to a wedding with a 7 course Chinese dinner!
I’m a fan of the movie The Wedding Banquet. Probably a little dated 25 years later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kVkRhXt3S4
Yes, I have attended many weddings with 7-course Chinese dinners. They were very nice. Actually, correction all those weddings were banquet rooms of nice hotels. These days, we don’t get invited to as many weddings and many of the ones we do attend are often buffets. We are just happy to celebrate with the couple, wherever and however they choose. Two of the most recent weddings we attended were at an aquarium and at “Sea Life Park,” (like a mini-Sea World). Both were buffets and the brides were sisters married a few years apart.
@doschicos, I loved that movie also.
An Ang Lee movie having to do with Chinese cuisine that I really enjoyed was Eat Drink Man Woman. I can still see some of those cooking scenes in my mind.
Yes, @Consolation, I like Eat Drink Man Woman even better. One of my favorite foodie movies.
I have been to a 7 course (including the giant carp.) I think the bride had 4 dress changes, all elaborate. At the time, we were all stunned the wedding was so expensive. 25k. (Ages ago, their kids are now college age.)
Yes, great movies.
$25K is reasonable for a wedding today in some locales.
Our wedding was over 3 decades ago and VERY expensive even then. My folks wanted to invite all the folks they wanted, as did my in laws. We just let everyone invite whom they wanted and pay for those who attended. It worked for us.
The friend who made the floral arrangements made a huge tall arrangement for the head table so we could somewhat hide behind it while eating.
We are going to Taiwan in few weeks. D1 is going to get her Qi Pao made in Taiwan. I asked our tour guide where we could get it made. He recommended this place where all the movie stars get their Qi Pao made. I was concerned the price would be over the top, but it is only a bit more expensive than NYC Chinatown. We have an appointment because it is appt only. It is going to be hand made. She will wear it to the Tea Ceremony and also during cake cutting. There will be 3 dress changes - wedding gown, Qi Pao, and a more casual short dress for dancing later.
I am sure it will be beautiful!
Any ideas about clothing for young boys? We are having 2 seven year olds who are going to be tossing rose petals. It will be an outside wedding and the bride is wearing a tea length gown. Men are wearing suit jackets. The little boys want to wear top hats but dd thinks that will look strange. I have seen caps and suspenders but wondered if there are any other ideas out there. It will be a fairly casual event.
@Onward vests with matching pants, tie or no tie would be cute - lighter color or what matches with color theme.
At my niece’s wedding last summer, the two little boys wore white shirts, black pants with suspenders, and Secret Service-type black-rimmed glasses with “microphone” wires so they looked like official security. Was really cute, and the guys LOVED “guarding” the bride. It kept them amused and well-behaved.
May 2018 wedding…we have…venue, photographer, music, food, officiant, brides dress. Still to do…block hotel rooms, order invitations (that won’t happen for a while, finalize table decor and flowers.
Welcome and rehearsal dinner…still in the thinking stage.
Wow, @thumper1, you guys sound like you are in good shape!
I’m so worried about NOT having Ducks lines up!! Trying to really do as much NOW as possible.
We also have a May 2018 wedding. Venue for reception, church, photographer, DJ, day-of planner, florist, hotel block secured. D has not quite settled on “the” dress, but she has it narrowed down. FSIL’s family will handle rehearsal dinner (and has offered to pay half the reception costs - yea!). D is on top of things, because she tends to stress when plans are not in place!