The average wedding today totals more than $26,000, and costs are typically higher in the Northeast and in major metropolitan areas. Here's how the spending breaks down.

Wedding dress	887
Headpiece/Veil	178
Other bridal accessories	225
Day of wedding hair & makeup for bride & bridal party	326
Mother-of-the-bride-dress	219
Bridal attendants' apparel*	765
Groom's formalwear (if rented)	111
Groomsmen formalwear *	565
Invitations, announcements, programs, postage, etc.	413
Thank you cards (incl. postage)	125
Printed napkins, matches, etc.	105
Wedding reception (site & food)	8,364
Wedding cake	361
Bouquets, ceremony & reception flowers	1,121
Photographs	1,663
Movies/videography	907
Ceremony music	374
Reception music	876
Clergy, rabbi, church, chapel synagogue fees	327
Marriage license	58
Limousine (or other transportation)	586
Attendants' gifts (bride & grooms)	550
Engagement ring	1,651
Wedding rings (bride & groom)	4,146
Rehearsal dinner	1,153
Wedding favors	271
TOTAL	$26,327
Average number of wedding guests	164
Average age of bride	27.4
Average age of groom	29.0
Total annual household income	$73,307

*Average number of 5 bridesmaids including maid/matron of honor.
*Average number of 5 groomsmen including best man.

Source: Fairchild Bridal Group - "The American Wedding Study 2005 - Spending Highlights"

A reception at the Chateau is a very good value!