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Are Wedding Loans a Good Idea?
The term “wedding loans” has been floating around a great deal lately. Maybe that is because it is a popular time of year for weddings. If you are about to get married, it may be tempting to run out and get one, but are wedding loans a good idea? Let’s take a look at what exactly they are and what getting one would mean.
What Are Wedding Loans?
Wedding loans are really just personal loans for wedding expenses. Because they are just personal loans, you can use them for whatever you like: your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedos, flowers, DJ, honeymoon, or a ton of other things. You do not have to immediately return what you do not use for the wedding. You just start making payments when they are due. For people who are having to put off their wedding because they cannot yet finance it, a wedding loan may seem like the answer to a prayer, but there can be downsides.
Things to Consider Before Taking Out a Loan for a Wedding
As a wedding loan is a big decision, there are some things that you should consider. First, this wedding loan is a debt. It will have to be paid back. Taking out a loan for a wedding means going into a brand new marriage with debt. And since money is one of the biggest contributing factors to marital misery and divorce, you must decide if you are willing to take such a large risk before you have even said your vows.
Second, will you be able to repay it without having to sacrifice necessities and date nights to keep the home fires burning? A big, lavish wedding will be extremely insignificant if the passion or marriage end in short order.
Third, is it necessary? Do you really need the loan? Is there another way to cover the expenses that will cost less? In truth, if you are going to have to go into debt for your wedding, a loan is probably a much better option than using a credit card because the personal loans usually have a lower interest rate than credit cards. However, if you have an option outside of either of these that will keep you from paying interest, that is probably the best choice.
Other Options for Covering Wedding Expenses
Going into debt does not have to be the only way to cover wedding expenses. Below are some other options:
- Make a budget and stick to it. If you have $7,000 for your wedding, do not plan a $15,000 wedding.
- Put the wedding date off a little longer to give you more time to save. I know that this is the last thing you want to hear when you are excited about getting married, but it might be the right move for you.
- Pick up a second job. Sometimes having a little extra income makes all the difference.
- Is there a way to get the things you want for the wedding for free or at a lower cost? Maybe you could plant and grow the flowers you want for your bouquet. A talented friend may do your hair and makeup for free. Perhaps you could trade a day of housecleaning with an associate who can bake and decorate pretty cakes. When my husband and I got married, we spent less than $500- and most of that went to our rings. A friend who I had babysat a great deal for made our cake for free. I did my own hair, nails, and makeup. An acquaintance from church allowed us to use her beautiful house. My dress was handmade. And we had a pastor who was a family friend. It was a beautiful wedding that cost nearly nothing. You can decrease or completely obliterate some of your wedding expenses with just a little creativity.
- Have some yard sales for extra cash.
- Make a deal with your fiance that you will have more nights in than nights out until the wedding is over to save.
- You can even make it a game. You and your fiance can compete for who can save/earn the most for the wedding fund. Your friends and family might even get involved if you have girls versus boys doing it.
- Perhaps, if you just must get a loan, see if you could borrow small amounts from different friends and family who will not charge interest.
Conclusion
So, are wedding loans a good idea? Ultimately, whether you choose to take out a loan for wedding expenses is completely up to you. However, if you have another option, you should probably change your course. If it is going to interfere with your relationship, I personally believe that a wedding loan is not a good idea.
If, however, you can repay it with ease, it may be worth it. When searching for a wedding loan, visit Loanry.com. They may help connect you with lenders for your needs.