Just like the article says:
Interestingly, spending $1,000 or less on the wedding was associated with a decrease in the chances of divorce, but spending too little on an engagement ring appeared to backfire; those who spent less than $500 experienced higher rates of divorce.
Put the rest of the $17000 into a hobby that you and your lover can enjoy together.
What do I know...
I'm just a person who used to date chicks from fancy private all-girls colleges but then I've come to realize:
I like hiker chicks and people that frequent dairy farms!