Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Paying for your special day can mean clever allocation of funds, setting the date off-season, or saving enough money over time.
There should be no rush to get married, but consider the different financing options if your excitement or other circumstances require an earlier date.
Besides family members contributing, you can apply for wedding loans, use credit cards, or pick up extra work to reach the needed sums faster.
There’s no such thing as a wedding loan; instead, banks give you universal personal loans that can be used to cover nuptial festivities.
Applying for these loans is typically simple as long as you have a good credit score and can prove stable income.
Additionally, interest rates will be favorable to you, as banks won’t consider giving you a loan as risky.
However, besides the unpleasant feeling of starting your family with a loan, there’s a chance that you might have recently switched jobs or have a not-so-good credit score.
In those instances, bank institutions will offer loans at higher rates and include other strict rules.
So, while loans are quick and you can receive them a day after approval, consider the danger of additional financial responsibility.
Personal loans could obstruct you from getting the necessary sums if you and your spouse are considering other loans (say, for a new house).
It’s natural for parents or even another family member to chip in for your big day.
You might remember the archaic customs of brides’ families covering all the costs.
Yet, these modern times show collaboration between the couple and their parents. It is common for parents to cover the venue and catering while the couple takes care of the rest.
If you’re determined to pay for everything but miss some funds, consider your parents’ help before you head to the bank.
During the planning stage, you should set a clear budget for your wedding (and stick to it!).
Of course, expect the unexpected, and you might need an emergency fund to cover any additional charges.
Consider picking up extra shifts at work, freelancing, or turning to passive income.
The latter could bring you income that feels like free money, meaning you don’t need to maintain these activities that much.
Consider selling electronics, clothes, digital products, online courses, or sharing internet bandwidth to earn easy money online.
Some of these require initial work (such as creating an online course). Still, others are more effortless, such as taking pictures of clothes or pressing a button to share unused internet connectivity.
Paying for certain wedding-related purchases with a credit card is a safe option (to a degree).
However, remember that you won’t need to pay any interest if you repay everything on time.
So, if you use credit cards, be meticulous about transferring the funds as soon as possible.
Weddings are marvelous, but their price increases when the intended date approaches.
You might have new ideas that require funding, or consider getting a personal loan early in the planning.
However, consider the risk of taking such responsibility and explore other options first.
