Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in life — but it can also be one of the most expensive. From venues and dresses to catering and décor, costs can quickly add up. If your savings fall short, you might be considering a wedding loan or a personal loan to help finance your big day.
But is taking out a loan for a wedding a smart decision? Let’s break it down.
A wedding loan is essentially a personal loan used specifically to cover wedding-related expenses. These are unsecured loans, meaning they don’t require collateral. You receive a lump sum from a lender and repay it in fixed monthly installments over a period of 1 to 7 years.
According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. in 2024 was around $30,000, though that number can vary significantly depending on location, size, and preferences.
- Venue and catering
- Wedding attire
- Photography/videography
- Flowers and décor
- Entertainment
- Travel and accommodations
- Honeymoon
If you don’t have enough savings, a personal loan can help bridge the gap.
Personal loans often offer fast approval and funding, with some lenders providing same-day or next-day transfers.
Know exactly how much you’ll pay each month, which makes budgeting easier.
Wedding loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t risk losing property or assets.
You can use the funds for any wedding-related expenses, from pre-wedding events to the honeymoon.
You begin married life with a loan to repay, which can add financial stress early in your relationship.
Depending on your credit score, your APR could range from 7% to 36%, significantly increasing the total cost of your wedding.
Missed payments can hurt your credit score, and new debt can affect your credit utilization ratio.
A wedding loan may be right for you if:
- You have good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
- You’re confident in your ability to repay
- You don’t want to tap into retirement or emergency savings
- You’ve explored all other options (like family contributions or cutting costs)
- Create a detailed wedding budget and determine exactly how much you need to borrow.
- Compare lenders to find the best interest rates, fees, and loan terms.
- Check your credit score — it significantly impacts your approval chances and rate.
- Avoid borrowing more than necessary — stick to what you need.
- Have a repayment plan — don’t let loan payments become a burden on your newlywed life.
- Saving in advance
- Smaller or destination weddings
- Crowdfunding or gifting websites
- 0% APR promotional credit cards (use cautiously and pay off before the promo ends)
- Family assistance or support
Your wedding day should be memorable — not financially stressful. While a personal loan can be a helpful tool to finance wedding expenses, it’s crucial to borrow responsibly and understand the long-term implications.