How are people keeping the average wedding cost down without doing a total backyard elopement?

For those who took an unconventional venue route or kept things on the frugal side, what was the biggest line item you successfully trimmed without making the day feel gutted? Me and my fiance are just started putting together our budget. We would much rather put that kind of money toward a house down payment than a single six hour party.

We are not trying to do anything crazy maybe around 75 to 90 people but the total lack of pricing transparency in this industry is wild. Half the places will not give you a straight price sheet without sitting through a phone call, and then there is a 22% admin fee or mandatory caterer minimum tagged on at the end.

I have been using tulle together to cross check actual user submitted pdf quotes and venue pricing docs before even reaching out which helped us dodge a few hidden fee traps. Because of those numbers we are now completely pivoting away from traditional banquet halls and looking at city park pavilions.