You've experienced a romantic proposal and set your wedding date. Now you're anticipating a day unlike any other. Weddings, being special occasions, often warrant generous budgets. However, even modestly planned weddings can rack up significant costs.
For many couples, savings alone may not be enough to cover the entire cost of the wedding. That's where wedding loans come in as a useful financial tool.
A wedding loan is essentially a personal loan where your eligibility will be based on your credit scores and may be impacted by factors such as existing debts, current income and the loan amount required. These factors also influence the interest rates offered.
However, as a general trend, wedding loans tend to have lower interest rates compared to financing your wedding expenses with credit cards. Interest rates are from 7-15% p.a and are paid over 5 years. This greatly eases cashflow for most couples as it splits the payment over 60 equal payments.
One other thing to note is that the loan is a singly taken which means that as a couple you can take two loans separately. The maximum loan amount that each of you can take is usually 4-6x of your monthly income depending on your annual income. You can refer to our personal loan guide for more details.
If you have decided on applying for a loan to help fund your wedding, you want to ensure that it is going to be used in the best possible way. This means minimising the loan amount as much as possible and planning your cashflow diligently.
Below are a couple of tips and tricks on how to plan your wedding loan:
To even get to how much you should take as a wedding loan, you should try and do your best to find an overall budget that you want to spend. When it comes to budgeting for your wedding, start by setting a maximum spending limit and figuring out what fits within it. Decide on the total amount you can afford, considering your finances and any contributions from family. Then, prioritize the must-haves like the venue, food, and outfits. Shop around for vendors and services, comparing prices and looking for deals. Divide your funds into categories such as decor, photography, entertainment, and transportation, keeping your vision in mind. By planning smartly, you can have a memorable wedding that doesn't break the bank.
When it comes to wedding expenses, it's important to understand that costs can come in different forms and timing. Some expenses require upfront payments, while others are settled on the day of the event. Additionally, certain vendors may offer credit terms, allowing you to pay over time. It's crucial to plan out your cash flow accordingly. Determine which expenses require cash payments and which can be made with a credit card. Keep track of payment deadlines and allocate funds accordingly to ensure you have the necessary cash on hand when needed. By carefully managing your cash flow, you can navigate the various payment methods and ensure that your wedding budget remains on track.
Budgeting your expense can help determine not only how much money to borrow but when. Timing your loans can make sure you only pay interest for loans that are truly required.
When it comes to monetary gifts from friends and family for a wedding, it's important to factor them into your financial planning. Keep in mind that these gifts are typically collected on the wedding day itself. Once you receive these monetary gifts, consider using them strategically. Firstly, you can utilize the money to pay off any debts that were taken on prior to the wedding, helping to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, you can allocate the funds towards upcoming wedding payments that are due, ensuring that you stay on track with your budget and avoid any unnecessary stress. By thoughtfully incorporating monetary gifts into your financial strategy, you can make the most of these contributions and create a more secure and enjoyable wedding experience.
Only when the monetary gifts from friends and family are not sufficient to cover all outstanding expenses, consider taking out a loan for the remaining amount. This can help bridge the gap and ensure that all wedding payments are fulfilled in a timely manner
Using credit cards to leverage free credit terms for your wedding can be a smart strategy to bridge the gap between payments made leading up to the actual wedding day when monetary gifts are collected. This is what we call an interest free strategy for the first 30 days. This allows you to manage your cash flow effectively. If one person's credit card limit falls short, you can tap into multiple cards from your family to cover the necessary expenses.
However, it's crucial to remember that the interest-free period typically lasts for about 30 days. It's important to plan carefully and ensure that you can cover your family's liability with the monetary gifts you receive. The last thing you want is to put your family at risk or create financial strain for them. If there is still a remaining balance, considering converting it into a wedding loan can also be a viable option. Just be sure to assess your ability to repay the loan responsibly to avoid unnecessary interest charges and maintain healthy relationships with your loved ones.
Wedding loans can streamline the wedding planning process by providing the essential resources to craft unforgettable memories.
Lendingpot’s innovative loan marketplace is designed to simplify this process. With just one application, you can receive numerous personalised offers from multiple banks and financial institutions partnered with our platform.
As lenders compete to provide you with the most favourable terms, you have the freedom to select an offer with the best repayment conditions with a loan marketplace. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover more about how Lendingpot can support you in financing your dream wedding.