Wedding banquet cost is scary, how to keep it reasonable but still nice?

From my experience, the banquet is where costs balloon, so start by ruthlessly cutting the guest list to people who actually matter, because every table adds a big chunk. We chose a weekday or lunch banquet instead of a Saturday dinner, which was significantly cheaper for the same hotel. Restaurant banquets and hotel lunch packages cost far less than a prime Saturday night ballroom. Remember the ang bao from guests offsets a good portion of the cost, so estimate that realistically before panicking. We also skipped the expensive extras like elaborate live bands and pared down the videography. Handle the parents by involving them in the guest list decisions so they feel respected while you keep control of the budget. It was still a lovely event and we didn't drain our flat renovation fund.

We kept ours sane by separating what we wanted from what tradition demanded, then compromising. My parents wanted the big dinner for relatives and face, so we did a modest banquet for the older generation's guests but kept it to essential tables, and had a separate casual celebration with friends that cost almost nothing. Booking during an off-peak month and avoiding auspicious-date premiums saved a lot. We negotiated hard on the package, hotels often throw in extras like a bridal suite, free flow, or waived corkage if you ask. Do a realistic ang bao versus cost estimate so you know your actual out-of-pocket. Honestly, guests remember the warmth, not the crab dish. Put your money into the flat and your future instead of one night. Talk openly with parents so it doesn't become a face-losing fight.