I Don’t: How to Avoid Wedding Day Debt
Over half of married couples go into debt to pay for their wedding. What a way to start your new life together- climbing out of debt from just one day.
I get it, it’s easy to get caught up in planning a Pinterest-perfect wedding, adding more and more to get the best pictures to share online. But, here’s the reality: the décor is not what people remember from your big day.
I asked family and friends two questions:
What do you remember from my wedding?
What do you remember from your own wedding?
Despite the time and money spent carefully choosing and placing décor, not one person mentioned it in their responses. Instead, when asked about my own wedding, the most common answer was the unique personal touches- riding to the reception on a motorcycle or serving cookies instead of cake.
When reflecting on their own weddings, the number one response was how they felt. Some recalled the joy and happiness of being surrounded by loved ones. Others remembered the stress of family conflicts or the pressure to please everyone. Not one person mentioned the venue, their attire, the décor, or even the food. It all came down to how they felt.
So why go into debt for something that no one, including you, will remember in 20 years? Instead, focus on what truly matters. Here are some tips to help avoid overspending on your wedding day.
How to Avoid Debt and Overspending for Your Wedding:
Prioritize the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding
The wedding lasts one day; the marriage is a lifetime. Set yourself up for financial success beyond the ceremony.
Evaluate Needs vs Wants
Is that “must-have” really necessary? When my sister got married, my mom insisted she get napkins with their name and wedding date. My sister could have cared less about the napkins. To my mom, it was tradition and a necessity, but in reality, any napkins would have worked. If something is truly important to you, go for it- but take a moment to decide if it’s essential or just an expectation of others.
Embrace Simplicity and Reusability
Will the world end if everything doesn’t match or isn’t your wedding colors? Probably not. Opt for neutral décor-candles, vases, table settings- that can be reused or result instead of custom, one-time- use items.
Focus on the Experience, Not the Aesthetics
The thing that matters most is being together and being united in love. Prioritize creating meaningful moments rather than spending excessive amounts on details no one will recall.
Consider Second-Hand Options
Is buying second-hand that bad? I found a beautiful wedding dress at a thrift- store, but my husband hesitated, saying it would be “weird” to get married in a used dress. But why? For generations, reusing wedding dresses was the norm. There’s nothing wrong with embracing sustainability, history, and budget-friendliness. Who would know it is used unless you tell them?
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect your love and commitment to each other, not be a financial burden. Save your money for the life you’re building together, not just to celebrate one day.