How Much Does It Cost to Tie the Knot?

The notion that Americans are blowing vast sums of money on weddings is debunked by the Numbers Guy at the Wall Street Journal. The figure is often touted that the average US wedding costs $30,000; in fact, it's closer to half that price. Carl Bialik says the surveys, distributed by the bridal business, are skewed by interviewing only couples likely to splurge on nuptuals, and excluding those who opt for modest civil ceremonies.

Plus, he notes, if just one couple in a survey spends outrageously, the mathematical average misrepresents the group. The $15,000 median price of a wedding is a fairer benchmark. Current numbers can "confuse and mislead the brides," said one executive, and end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy. (More wedding stories.)