Before you go thinking that's high, it's actually about $8,000 less than the national average. 

As a person getting married in 8 months, I'll admit to having "wedding brain".

Basically every conversation I have is about the wedding. Sorry for being that annoying a-hole, BUT a lot goes into planning a wedding. It can be consuming thinking about all of the little things-- the linens, the flowers, the dress, the food, the cake-- and all of those things add up too.

A survey of newlyweds by The Knot, a wedding planning website, found that in 2016 the national average wedding cost was $35,329 (and that’s not including the honeymoon).

Here in Grand Rapids, the average cost was $26,933.

The Knot
The Knot
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Overall, wedding costs are up $2,688 since the previous year.

So where's the cheapest state to get married? Arkansas, coming in at $19,522. And if you really want go broke, move to Manhattan and get married there for $78,464.

What is it that brides and grooms are splurging on? According to The Knot,

Couples today have total personalization and unforgettable guest experiences top of mind."

That means that couples are spending more per guest entertainment and amenities like food trucks, photo booths, lawn games, dessert bars, fireworks, and live portrait artists. According to CNN Money, couples are spending $245 per wedding guest, up from $194 seven years ago.

Now I can definitely understand wanting guests to have a good time at your wedding... but live portrait artists? Stop.

What do you think? Is spending on tying the knot getting out of control? How does the average cost of a GR wedding compare to your wedding?

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