Get ready to shell out some big money, that's what.

TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com surveyed 17,500 brides who got married last year and came up with some sobering numbers. Listen up, brides and grooms-to-be:

• The average wedding costs $28,427 That doesn't even include the honeymoon.
• Wedding dress: $1,211
• Venue (reception hall): $12,905 (really? 12k just to rent the place?? I have a fantastic backyard y'all can rent! Ha!)
• Photographer: $2,379
• Florist/decor: $1,997
• Wedding cake: $560
• Engagement ring: $5,431

Most expensive place to get married is New York (Manhattan) where it breaks down like this:

• Overall wedding (excluding honeymoon): $76,687
• Wedding dress: $2,877
• Venue (reception hall): $29,670
• Photographer: $4,261
• Florist/decor: $4,414
• Wedding cake: $809
• Engagement ring: $15,687

... The least expensive place to get hitched is Alaska where the average wedding costs $15,504.

Sure, stars can spend thousands of dollars on procedures and treatments to look beautiful, but some of the most beautiful stars rely on everyday things that YOU and I can afford.

Like:

• 
  Rachel Bilson uses Vaseline to remove her makeup – it works especially well on eye makeup.
  
   
• 
  Emma Stone has sensitive skin so she claims to use grape seed oil as a face moisturizer, because it is all natural – no harsh chemicals and gentle on her delicate face.
  
   
• 
  Denise Richards has beautiful hair and she swears by using avocado as a deep conditioning treatment every week or so.
  
   
• 
  Naomi Campbell says washing your face with Cetaphil cleanser and cold water is the secret to clear, young looking skin.
  
   
• 
  Mariah Carey puts mint extract into her lip gloss to plump up her lips and make
  them look full and pouty. (CollegeCandy)

Terrible. I think the school district in this county needs a wake up call.

If I saw a hungry child, I would do the same thing...wouldn't you? If I lost my job, it would be ridiculous, but I would know I did the right thing.

Read this story and tell me what YOU think: