If this is before a K-1 visa is issued, I wouldn't allow any formal dress, wedding dress, cake, or anything which appeared to be a marriage ceremony. I would also be very selective of any pictures used as evidence of meeting or continued relationship. For a K-1, the average time from submission of the I-129f to visa interview is a year (as reported by other VJ members).
The beauty of the CR-1 is that you can officially marry anywhere in the world, then have all the celebrations you want afterwards. Right now, the average time from starting the CR-1 process to visa interview is 20 months as reported by other Visa Journey members. Upon entry into the US the foreign spouse becomes a Green Card holder and can work and/or travel outside the US immediately. With a K-1, it could easily take a year to obtain a Green Card after entry into the US. The day a person becomes a Green card holder, starts the clock for US citizenship.