The proposal was perfect.
We were on vacation in South Dakota, it was the Fourth of July and fireworks were everywhere.
By the time he got down on one knee, I was up in the stratosphere.
The prospect of planning a wedding without breaking the bank, on the other hand, has me flying a little closer to Earth.
Brides magazine released its 2014 American Wedding Study in July, and for a budget-conscious bride-to-be like me, the numbers can be breathtaking (and not in that romantic groom-sees-bride-for-the-first-time way).
In 2014, the average cost of a wedding is $28,202.
For the average couple, the reception accounts for 43 percent of the bill, some $12,343. Other top expenses include $5,002 for the engagement ring, $3,378 for photography and videography and $1,297 for music.
On the perfect dress, brides are spending an average of $1,380, according to the study. And those are just the big-ticket items. Flip through any bridal magazine, and you’ll see all that and more. There is a lot of pressure to spend, and ever since I joined Club Wed, it’s been a bit daunting.
Today’s $mart cover story about newlywed finance is the first in what will be an occasional series on money, weddings and marriage.
We’re calling it MatriMoney, and we’ll be looking at real-life wedding budgets from Colorado couples; how much you can save by having an off-season wedding; extravagant wedding cakes and more.
I would love to hear from you, my fellow brides (and grooms). What’s on your mind? What are you dying to know when it comes to wedding dollars and sense? What are your tips for saving on your big day — without sacrificing what really matters?
Let me know at erusch@ denverpost.com, 303-954-2457 or twitter.com/emilierusch.
Now, let’s go plan a financially savvy wedding.
Emilie Rusch: 303-954-2457, erusch@denverpost.com or twitter.com/emilierusch
