If you like statistics

Curious about wedding trends in your area? How many couples are planning outdoor weddings or traditional church weddings? What are area brides spending for their wedding gowns? Visit www.theweddingreport.com and click on your state. (No need to order the full survey -- state listings are in blue on the right). You'll see the national averages for wedding expenses there too, so make sure you're sitting down when you read this ;) On a positive note, some of the survey results are a joyful surprise in their affordability.

Just thought you might find it fun to see the average expenses, and this is a fabulous report to show to parents who have offered to help pay for your wedding. Better to have them aware of the ballpark figures right now, so there are no 1950s expectations about what flowers and cakes really cost.

Enjoy!