STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

First off, I want to thank eveyrone for their detailed and candid answers to my first post.

A little update in case anyone cares:

BF and I have both spoken more extensively with each other and our families.  I am fairly certain we will get married next summer in Hawaii and have a small ceremony/reception.  My parents will probably pay for most of that event. BF will pay for 1/2. 

Then we'll have a "welcome home" dinner thrown by his parents (so they can invite thier friends and relatives who couldn't come out).  BF doesn't want it to be very formal so they told him it would be a welcome home party.

As our friends keep asking - there hasn't been a formal proposal or ring yet.  I am sure that will come along.  He is saving up for the ring and the wedding costs.  I am sure I will be involved.  As much as I'd like it to be a surprise, I don't want to not like it at all.

Also, BF's father left us an article which stated US average wedding is now $25K so I felt much better, as I think both sides can comfortably accept something in the $30-40K range.  (We will have a big expense of beverages and probably picking up the tab for airfare or hotel for our wedding party).

THANKS AGAIN for everyone's sharing!  Will keep you posted!