How to Pay for a Wedding, an Expert Explains

Amid the haze of engagement, couples face a practical challenge: how they will pay for their wedding. While it might be a challenging discussion to have, bringing up your budget early on can take that anxiety out of the entire equation — and may even make your partnership stronger.

Agreeing on a vision of the day before booking a venue or drafting a guest list will make the rest of the planning go more smoothly. Whether you’re footing the bill on this yourselves, or taking help from parents/loved ones, financial transparency is key.

“Every couple is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for covering the cost of a wedding,” says Natalie Emerson, a financial advisor at Horizon Oak Wealth. Here, she shared her dark arts: five tips for couples to confront wedding costs head-on.

Where to Begin

Some couples may have family members who pitch in a set amount, or who offset certain expenses, like the rehearsal dinner. Others might be footing their entire wedding bill. Either way, the most important thing, says Emerson, is to start the conversation early.

“Especially if you’re splitting the expenses, or getting help, you need to know how much money you’ve got,” she said. “Provide clarity around what to expect early and map out what your savings plan will be before you commit to any vendors or venues.”

If you anticipate receiving financial support from family, there are two sensible paths to consider:

• Clarify early. Verify promises before you stake any hopes on them.
• Plan independently. Plan that you’ll take care of everything yourselves — and consider any gift as extra, not in any way a given.

Ways to Pay for Your Wedding

Having it in advance gives you time to evaluate your current financial situation and plan accordingly. Your strategy for paying off the debt may be:

• Personal savings
• Credit cards (but be wary of high interest)
• Wedding loans (which often include fees and due dates)
• Retirement funds (early withdrawal penalties apply)
• Family loans or gifts
• A mix of any of the above

“If savings aren’t enough, some couples opt for wedding loans,” Emerson says. “But I would urge that you consider them as a last resort. And high interest and debt can stick around for years after your honeymoon, potentially affecting your ability to buy a home or make big purchases.”

Budgeting and Smart Money Tips

Planning a wedding can be a full-time job — but talking through your plans with a financial pro can help you make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals.

“A financial planner can help you marry your dream wedding with your future financial wellness,” Emerson says. “Then, you can enjoy your day without the strain of overspending.”

Beyond professional guidance, Emerson also shares some of these practical tips with couples:

✅ Be Realistic from the Start

“Establish a budget that encompasses both your month-to-month expenses and your shared financial goals,” she says.

✅ Venues and Food First

No matter what your priorities are, “‘budget 50% of your budget for the venue and catering—this is typically the biggest ticket item,’ says Emerson.

✅ Check out a Wedding Budget Calculator

Online resources can not only break down big-ticket items (ahem, the dress and DJ), but also the often-­overlooked expenses, such as vendor tips or cake-cutting fees.

✅ Reevaluate the Extras

Not everything has to be Pinterest-worthy. “Consider things like big centerpieces or expensive favors — small adjustments can add up,” Emerson says. Being able to step back from details, and cutting if necessary, will help to keep your wedding day happy and manageable.