Spotlight on … Getting Married

Tying the knot in style … the average cost of a traditional American wedding is $22,000. 2.4 million weddings are performed in the U.S. each year, making it a $50 billion-a-year business.

• Say cheese! The average cost of a wedding photographer/videographer is $775.
• An engagement ring costs $2,000 on average. Three-quarters of first-time brides will receive a diamond engagement ring.
• Here comes the bride … the bride's wedding dress will cost $800, on average.  
• A rose by any other name … wedding flowers, including the bouquets, cost $1,300 on average.
• The average cost for a honeymoon is $4,000. This is three times as high as the cost of the average vacation. One third of newlyweds choose Hawaii for their honeymoon destination.

 

Sources: National Association of Wedding Ministers and Brides magazine.