How much should I expect to spend on my wedding?

Couples in love have continued tying the knot during the recession, but they're spending a lot less money doing it. The average cost of a wedding in the US was 30,000 in 2007, an approximation that has since been reduced by nearly 30 percent. According to statistics from The Wedding Report, the average cost for a wedding in 2008 was $21,814 and that price tag was already slashed to $19,219 in the first quarter of 2009. The figure represents a national average, and like anything else cost will vary depending on geography — the higher your cost of living, the more you'll probably pay for the big day. Beautiful weddings can be done on a small budget, but it's a good idea to understand the average cost of things in your area so you can plan accordingly and have an idea of the difference between deal and a premium quote.