Your wedding is your big day, something special to remember for all time. Because of that, you want to be sure it's a big hit. However, weddings can be expensive. Before you get carried away, remember that it's important to plan your wedding financing before you go all out. That way, you'll know what you're getting into, without facing unexpected debts and a rocky start to your marriage. Bridal magazines are full of the fanciest, most expensive dresses, recommendations for ritzy wedding options, and other expensive surprises that can make your wedding aftermath a nightmare.
The good news is that you don't have to give up all the luxuries just because you don't have the money. Even borrowing a little money by getting a wedding loan or looking into wedding ring financing doesn't have to ruin your budget. The important thing is to plan ahead, know where all your money for the wedding is coming from, and stick to your plan. Prioritize what's most important to you, and figure out in advance how much it will all cost, that way you'll know whether you'll need a wedding loan and how much money you need to borrow.
Take the time to visit and talk with the wedding vendors you are thinking of using. Make sure that you contact more than one vendor in each of the services you need. You will then have the cost information you need to apply for the size loan you need. Also knowing what different vendors are charging gives you negotiating power that can save you money or get you additional services with no additional cost to you.
There are many wedding loan programs available. A quick Internet search will turn up any number of them, offering such deals as $25,000 to plan your wedding if you pass the credit check. However, you should make sure that you only borrow as much as you need. Taking out too much money on your wedding loan could find you with a bigger bill than you expected. A wedding loan can be a great way to ease the stress of your wedding bills.
Most wedding loans are unsecured and are given based on your credit score and your ability to pay them back. Another option, if you have property, is an equity loan or equity line of credit. This type of loan uses your property as security for the loan and may be easier to get. The other advantage of an equity loan is that the interest on the loan may be tax deductible.
One of the biggest concerns of new couples is money, and getting a wedding loan is one of the ways you can put off the concern of that expense for a few years without having to sacrifice the joy of your special day.
Interest rates on wedding loans are preferable to putting your wedding expenses on your credit card. Financing your wedding will usually have an interest rate of around 13%, compared to 20% or more if you pay with plastic. While it's always best to stay entirely out of debt, you sometimes need to borrow a little money to make your special day all it can be.
If you plan carefully and stick to that plan, a wedding loan can be a smart way to have your cake and eat it too.
Jim Ecklund is an ordained Deacon in the White Robe Monks of St. Benedict.
Here here is where you can find out more about wedding loans.