The Question of Where, or Pick a State, Any State

We just wrapped up a very fun but very exhausting weekend at Mr. C's reunion. It was great getting to spend time with some of his friends, especially the couple who live down in New Orleans that I hadn't met yet. But, as I said, it was exhausting, and I felt like I spent most of the weekend telling people that we haven't planned anything for the wedding yet.

On the way down, we had a big talk about the beginning logistics for the wedding. This gets complicated very, very quickly. You see, I am from Iowa, Mr. C hails from Connecticut, and we now live in upstate New York. So, where do we get married?

Iowa:
Pro: Traditional for a couple to be married in the bride's hometown
Pro: Most of my family and many friends still live in Iowa.
Con: We would have to travel back to Iowa many times for planning, flights for which cost about $1,000 for the pair of us round trip, plus any days off of work.
Con: Mr. C's grandparents actually live in Upstate
NY, and a trip that far would be very difficult
Con: All of Mr. C's familiy and friends would have to travel

New York:
Pro: Where we live already, so less stress for planning
Pro: Easier trip for his grandparents
Con: No real emotional attachment for either of us here. We live here, but we don't necessarily feel like this is "our" place.
Con: Higher cost of living (aka cost of wedding) here than in Iowa
Con: Very small number of our friends live around here, so everyone would have to travel. I don't think some of my good friends would be able to travel this far.

Connecticut:
Pro: Where Mr. C's family still lives
Pro: Not too far from where we are now, so it costs a tank of gas rather than a pair of plane tickets to visit for planning
Con: Not many friends or anybody other than Mr. C's immediate family in the area. All of my family and friends, and most of Mr. C's would have to travel.
Con: Higher cost of living than both Iowa or NY

We sort of agreed that if we're getting married out east, it may as well be here over Connecticut. So, really we're deciding between Iowa and NY. At this point, it is looking like New York may take the cake, for purely financial reasons. Flying back to Iowa for planning is EXPENSIVE, and that's money we could be using for the wedding itself rather than purely traveling. Plus, if I DIY anything, it'd be hard to transport there for the wedding itself.

Still, we have time and other people to consider before this decision is final. We are hoping my parents will be able to visit soon, so they can actually meet Mr. C's family. In addition to everyone knowing everyone, that'd be a good chance to talk about logistics and expectations. It doesn't look like that will happen for awhile, but hopefully before too much longer!