Da-dee-dee-dum, da-dee-dee-dee...

'Tis the season for weddings and Wedding Bells magazine, the gargantuan title from St. Joseph Media has released the results of an online survey that summarizes the trends.

"Tying the knot used to involve a trip to the altar and a simple reception, but low-cost affairs are increasingly a thing of the past," says Alison McGill, Editor-in-Chief, Weddingbells. "Our readers have told us they expect to pay $17,300; however, most couples will end up spending more than originally budgeted. StatsCan estimates the actual cost at $25,800. Interestingly, more and more couples are forgoing tradition and footing most of the bill themselves."

The complete details are available online. Here are some of the highlights from the 1,595 women surveyed by Nooro Online Inc. between April 27 to May 2, 2007:

• 71% already live with their fiance or significant other
• 56% of weddings take place between July and September
• The average honeymoon involves 8.8 nights away from home and costs $3,735
  
• 42% anticipate disagreements with their in-laws
• 47% of the wedding costs are paid for by the bride and groom themselves
• 32% find wedding planning more stressful than enjoyable
• 37% said their sex lives improved since they got engaged