By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A shared life of wedded bliss often starts with financial stress, because of the rising cost of tying the knot that a majority of Americans believe is too much.

The average cost for a wedding is approaching $30,000. Country Financial’s Director of Wealth Management Troy Frerichs said a way come couples are saving money is by getting a used engagement ring. Nearly three-in-four women surveyed by Country Financial said they would be on board with a used engagement ring.

“There are so many superstitions about your wedding day and those traditions, but the financial part of this is taking root,” Frerichs said. “That $30,000 is considered by virtually everybody (86 percent) as being too much.”

Frerichs conceded we are not likely to cut back.

“It’s a party, it’s a celebration,” Frerichs said. “Everyone says it’s too much, but they are still not showing the signs that they want to change that.”

The survey shows a majority of Americans think it’s acceptable for couples to share the cost of a wedding. Only 23 percent think the couple should cover their own wedding costs. Eleven percent believe the bride’s family should foot much of the bill.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].