We were just heavy drinkers. Things were easier back then. If you booked a venue you could buy a few kegs and a bunch of booze and hire someone to serve it up. It was the most important aspect of the event, so we made it happen. It didn’t cost as much if the reception venue was low key.
Today weddings are an industry and nothing is cheap or easy, except maybe the bride and a couple bridesmaids if you were lucky.