Here's the way that I looked at my wedding (especially since the in-laws paid for it): I saw it as a giant party where everyone I know and love were invited. Cliche', I know, but it really was one of the best days of my life, and not simply because my wife and I were being joined together. It was just a day of pure joy and celebration. Prior to the ceremony, I hung out with my groomsmen and my father, drinking and reliving old stories. We had a blast. Then we did the ceremony. Afterward, my wife and I went to take some pictures, while everyone else had some appetizers and drinks before the actual reception. Once that was done, we came in for the reception and had our first dance, ate food, had our parents and friends give speeches. Then we cut the cake, and that was the last "official wedding thing" we did. The DJ kicked in, we all started drinking and having fun. We all celebrated until late into the night. It was the best wedding I've ever been at, and most everyone that was there agrees.

Here's the key: your wedding is a celebration of your joining together. It doesn't have to be some solemn event if that's not what you like. Remember Christ turning water into wine? He did it because a wedding ran out of wine. Never let anyone tell you that a celebration like that is wrong.