We already knew that wedding expenses were no joke, but we're now close to reconsidering our dream nuptials thanks to 2017's figures. The Knot released its annual Real Weddings Study [1], which breaks down the average amount 13,000 US couples spent on their big days last year. The survey found that the average wedding cost was $33,391 — and that's excluding the honeymoon!

How is that possible? Turns out that the biggest chunk of participating couples' budgets were spent on the wedding venue ($15,163), followed by the engagement ring ($5,764) and reception band ($4,019). But there are a ton of other details to keep in mind, also:

• Photographer: $2,630
• Florist: $2,379
• Ceremony site: $2,311
• Wedding planner: $1,988
• Videographer: $1,912
• Wedding dress: $1,509
• Rehearsal dinner: $1,285
• Reception DJ: $1,231
• Transportation: $830
• Ceremony musicians: $761
• Wedding cake: $540
• Invitations: $408
• Groom's attire: $286
• Officiant: $284
• Wedding favors: $252
• Catering: $70 per person

Results also showed that the most expensive place to tie the knot in 2017 was in Manhattan ($76,944), while the most affordable location was in New Mexico ($17,584). Here are some additional statistics from the study that we found interesting.

• Average spent on a wedding dress: $1,509
• Average marrying age: 29.2 (bride), 30.9 (groom)
• Average number of guests: 136
• Average length of engagement: 14 months

It's no wonder that more couples are opting for low-key, intimate weddings [3] or choosing to elope at city hall [4] instead!