Everyone loves a wedding. Or so it seems: On April 29, more than two billion people watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton. People might enjoy watching a wedding ceremony but what about paying for them? According to moneywatch.com, the royal wedding cost an estimated $34 million. In comparison, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $27,000.June is the most popular month for weddings, so this monthís Streetwise topic involves weddings and wedding budgets. Four people were asked the question, ìIf you could go back in time and take the amount budgeted for your wedding, would you spend it the same or do it differently?î Hereís what they had to say.
| Phyllis Beals FalconIf I could do it all over again, I wouldnít do a big wedding. I would love for me and my husband ñ love of my life and best friend Dana ñ to go to Vegas. I would take that money we would have saved on a smaller wedding and use it to gamble and go to shows in Vegas. |  |
 | Brenda Collins PeytonYes, I would definitely do it the same. We just went to a justice of the peace. I think the money is better spent on starting your life together. |
| Jeanne Gibson PeytonI would do it the same. I think our wedding cost about $400. Thatís pretty good for 33 years ago. I made my dress out of the same material as my sisterís prom dress so her dress would match mine, and she wouldnít have to go out and buy something. And then my husband and his best man just wore brown suits. |  |
 | Melinda Smith Colorado SpringsI think taking that money and using it for a good vacation would be better than spending it on a big wedding. A smaller wedding is more intimate. I would rather have a really expensive honeymoon than a big wedding. Most couples donít even have enough money left over for a honeymoon after a big wedding. Plus, big weddings are so stressful. Everyone may dream of that fairy-tale wedding, but itís not realistic. More young couples would be better starting off with a smaller wedding. You donít need to spend thousands of dollars. |
| Category* | Average cost 2009 |
| Reception venue | $12,838 |
| Reception band | $3,288 |
| Reception DJ | $892 |
| Photographer | $2,444 |
| Videographer | $1,481 |
| Wedding/event planner | $1,728 |
| Wedding gown | $1,134 |
| Florist/decor | $2,093 |
| Invitations | $509 |
| Wedding cake | $559 |
| Ceremony musicians | $451 |
| Catering (cost per head) | $63 |
| Wedding day transportation | $692 |
| Favors | $292 |
| Rehearsal dinner | $1,163 |
| Engagement ring | $5,847 |
