I completely know how you feel. I struggled with the same difficulties, but in the end I went with what I wanted. If a few hundred dollars was going to make or break someone, then oh well! And to be honest, if I would have went with a cheaper hotel I bet my life that I would still have exact same people attend the wedding - no additional peeps. So I guess its really up to you in terms of priorities. If you know that the extra money will deter the most important people that you HAVE to have there, then maybe consider the less expensive place, otherwise go with what you want! Good luck!