Here's another sign that the economy is slowly shaking off its sluggishness: In 2011, American brides and grooms shelled out more to get married than they have since the Great Recession struck in 2008, according to a new survey. "It probably has to do with attitudes toward economic recovery," says Carley Roney at The Knot, which helped conduct the research. When you factor in fees for wedding venues, a planner, a band or DJ, a photographer, flowers, cake, musicians, transportation, the engagement ring, the dress, and the rehearsal dinner, the average wedding cost more than $27,000 last year. How? Here are some key numbers:

$27,021

Average cost of a wedding in the U.S. last year

140

Average number of guests

$196

Cost per guest

$65,824

Average cost of a wedding in Manhattan

$40,356

Average cost of a wedding in New York's outer boroughs

$14,203

Average cost of a wedding in West Virginia

$23,330

Average cost of a wedding in Canada

$1,121

Average cost of the wedding gown

$2,403

Average cost of a Manhattan bride's dress

$745

Average cost of wedding gowns in North and South Dakota

$12,116

Average cost of wedding venue or reception hall

$5,130

Average cost of the engagement ring

48

Percent of Hawaii weddings described as "casual" — the highest in the U.S.

37

Percent of Long Island weddings deemed black-tie — the highest in the U.S.

29

Percent of brides who said the economy factored into their wedding plans.

34

Percent of brides who said the economy affected their plans in 2009.

75

Percent of couples who paid for at least part of their own wedding

16

Percent of brides who started planning their wedding before they got engaged

18,000

Brides who participated in the survey, by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com

29

Average age of the brides

4-5

Average number of bridesmaids

Sources: ABC News, Globe & Mail, New York Daily News, Reuters