Wedding costs

According to Alan Fields, co-author of “Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget the average cost of a wedding is $15,000.00.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/LoveAndMoney/last-minute-weddings-for-less.aspx

The average age Americans are when they get married is 26 years old.

A one time investment of $15,000 at the age of 26 at 8% interested compounded annually will give you $325,867.00 when you are 66 years old.
A one time investment of $10,000 at the age of 26 at 8% interested compounded annually will give you $217,245.00 when you are 66 years old.
A one time investment of $5,000 at the age of 26 at 8% interested compounded annually will give you $108,622.00 when you are 66 years old.

Isn’t there so much more a newlywed couple could achieve with their $15,000.00 rather than throwing a one night party for everyone? How about pay off their cars, put a sizeable down payment on a house, furnish their home, start an education fund for their future children, or pay off their credit card debt and start fresh? These things have meaningful, lasting impact on the new marital foundation on which these two will build their combined lives. A $15,000 wedding is nice but, except for the pictures, it will be over by the next day. That $15,000 should be used to add financial stability and comfort to the new marriage.