Most of the friends who did this in a hall did so because they cannot afford a home large enough to host more than a handful of people at a time.
That is exactly the type of Vort that I am discussing, in a 16 foot semi-attached. Yes it is crowded, and people have to leave so that others can come in. If there is a will there is a way.
Avram in MD – I think you are being optimistic, especially with the Yeshiva culture demanding more and more at the time of the wedding, the trend will be larger and more expensive. That being said, I can’t be certain that you are incorrect.