Average Wedding Cost: $26,989

This summer wedding season, a new song could rival Laura Nyro ‘s bride-yearning classic Wedding Bell Blues . Call it Wedding Bill Blues . Even with a slight drop in “I Do” spending during recent tough economic years, many couples are beguiled beyond their budgets. The average couple has a $26,989 wedding, according to Brides magazine. Even though that’s down from a peak of $28,082 in pre-recession 2008, nearly one-third of all brides still bust their budgets, Brides says. Couples are victimized by their own fantasies, cajoled by media visions of celebrity nuptials, and pressured by friends, family, even strangers posting idyllic photos on Pinterest/ Cathy Lynn Grossman , USA Today. More here. (AP file photo for illustrative purposes: Prince William puts ring on Kate Middleton’s finger in April 2011)

DFO: My wife was given $500 by her parents to spend on our wedding 37 years ago.

Question: How much did you spend on your wedding? What is a reasonable cost to spend on a wedding today?