if it will be springtime and outdoors/covered I suggest going with the nature themed decorations. Less costly, useable and look good.

I went to a similar wedding for a long time living-together couple with 3 kids. The had a reception with heavy finger foods and punch. Rented clear glass dishes and cups- no cleaning, no broken dish drama. She also bought huge boxes of clear plastic cutlery from Sam's club. Blue napkins also from Sam's.

Centerpieces were flats of (blooming) annual bedding plants (my table had pink petunias, next table had pansy, etc). Couple used the flowers as thank you gifts (each table took home a six pack -from the flat they had sliced apart). Invitations were cheaper to get done at OfficeMax copy shop vs. home printing (ink = pricey). Her invitations were actually postcards (postage was cheaper too).

Her bouquet was mixed colors of Spring flowers. Closest floral warehouse made it for her at roughly half price of local flower shops. It was beatiful!!! Sold her a big bags of loose petals for the "aisle".

Used a lot of blue latex balloons, made it look like "more" than actually bought. Ordered them from $1 store; had her neighbor pick them up and bring early to tie on chairs, poles, tables, etc. Looked wonderful and neighbor felt helpful. A girlfriend bought all the table rolls (heavy paper cloth like thing)

Everyone stood for the ceremony, sat at round tables and folding chairs from thier church (gave a small donation to church for use). Disposable cameras on each table (thier wedding photos) *have one or two people pick them up before party ends to collect them all

Kids were attendants, wore pretty party dresses instead of "new" bridal party dress.

She also told people who asked her/her mom what to get/where they registered that they preferred VISA or WalMart gift cards as they already had "set up a house" years back.

Dont forget my invitation and CONGRATULATIONS!!!