Monday, September 8, 2008

33 Years


We recently celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. The older I get, the more elastic the measurement of time becomes. Thirty-three years is both forever and yesterday, or perhaps just a week or two ago.

I recently found some statistics regarding average costs in 1975 and compared them to today.
Average Cost of new house in 1975: $39,300.00 In December of 2007: $284,400.00
Average Income per year in 1975: $14,100.00 December 2007: $48,000.00
Cost of a gallon of gas in 1975: 44 cents September 8, 2008: $3.658
Ford Mustang in 1975: $4,105.00 Current, depending on options: $18,265.00 - $42,538.00

Our wedding reception was held in a K of C (Knights of Columbus) Hall which was pretty typical for the time in this area. The hall rental, buffet and liquor cost was $750.90.
All of the flowers and renting a runner for the church aisle came to $107.64.
A live band played from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am for $180.00.
A three tiered chocolate wedding cake was $65.71.
Invitations cost $43.11. Good thing we were married before the postage increase went from 10 cents to 13 cents!
I don't remember what the photographer charged us, but we have our album plus all the proofs. The whole wedding was held to a budget of $1,500.00. Hard to imagine now, isn't it?


1 comment:

The Urban Chic said...

Congratulations Knit, ours will be 37 years in November and ours cost $250---we were married by the Justice of the Peace, then renewed our vows in the Catholic Church in 1994 in December and that cost around $200, but no party this time-lol. I've been to some extravagant weddings that didn't last because it was about the wedding and not the marriage. My wish to you is many many more. Love Ya, Pat
ps. sent you an e-mail about something kinda serious but praying it isn't.