Pop quiz, multiple choice! What is the average cost of wedding in the United States today?

A. $7,500

B. $15,000

C. $25,000

Would you believe that $25,000 is the going rate these days?

It sounds enormous, and if we were confronted with that number in a different context (say the cost of a new car or a credit card balance) it would seem more daunting. But we're talking about a wedding your wedding and some things are worth paying for, right?

Maybe not.

Brides and grooms should consider ways to work a more secure financial future into their wedding budget by prioritizing their goals, says Fred Amrein at Amrein Financial. "This generation will face wage deflation; the environment is changing, which will be a big wake-up call to many," he says.

Sound serious? It is. John Deyeso of Financial Filosophy advises couples to make a list to add clarity to these goals. "Sit down and discuss the elements of your wedding that you must have, then nice to have, then would have if there is money left."

For instance, if your budget is $25,000, carve out $10,000 to meet some financial goals as part of your wedding gift to each other. The things that landed on the bottom of your wedding budget wish list are probably better spent addressing your financial footing as you begin your new life together. Here are some prudent things to consider:

Put the money toward a down payment on a house. "If they can use that money to put down 20% instead of 5%, they will avoid paying very costly PMI, which would save them a bundle over time," says Alan Moore with Kahler Financial Group.

Start and contribute to a Roth IRA. "Roth IRAs provide tax-free appreciation forever," says David Morgan with JMG Financial. "There is no better savings vehicle for a young person." Morgan also recommends buying I-bonds. "I-bonds are risk-free bonds because they are issued by the U.S. government, and they provide inflation protection," says Morgan. Like a Roth IRA, individuals are currently limited to a $5,000 investment per year.

Pay off your credit cards. It seems obvious, but clearly not enough of us are doing this.
"The interest rate on credit cards is so high that it's difficult to arbitrage that rate by investing or saving," says Devin Pope with Albion Financial Group.

Fund your cash reserve. Most advisors suggest young couples have a minimum of 4-6 months of emergency savings in the bank. "I recommend they set this up with an institution other than where the primary checking account is held. Out of sight out of mind is a good thing," says Pope.

Pay off your student loans. "Many people do not know that student loans are like taxes: They cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and the loan holders have extraordinary power to garnish wages," says Andy Tilp with Trillium Valley Financial Planning. "Starting a life together with a debt burden is not a sound footing," Tilp warns.

One of the best things you might do is the least romantic of all. "Consider using a portion of the money to book some time with an independent, fee-only financial planner who can objectively identify specific things in the newlyweds' situation that need to be addressed, like life insurance, disability or estate planning," says Ben Birken with Woodward Financial Advisors.

Deyeso sums it up nicely: "Ten years from now, when the party is long gone, all of the above items will have yielded dividends well beyond some of the lesser items in your wedding."