How Credit Cards Can Be a Valuable Wedding Financing Tool — If Used Wisely
Planning a wedding in the United States has become an increasingly costly endeavor, with the average price tag expected to hit around $36,000 in 2025, according to industry leader Zola. With such figures, it’s no surprise that many couples turn to financing options, including credit cards, to manage these expenses. But is charging your wedding to a credit card a smart move, or a potential financial pitfall? Experts weigh in on how strategic use of credit cards can actually support your wedding budget — without dragging you into long-term debt.
Rising Wedding Costs and Financing Trends
As the price of weddings climbs from $29,000 in 2023 to $33,000 in 2024, and now projected $36,000 for 2025, couples are increasingly tapping into debt to make their big day a reality. A LendingTree survey of 1,050 recent newlyweds revealed that 67% financed at least part of their wedding, whether through credit cards, personal loans, or other methods. Nearly a quarter (24%) relied primarily on credit cards to cover their expenses.
Furthermore, a separate Zola survey found that 31% of couples planning to wed in 2025 are considering using credit cards, either leveraging reward points or opening new cards to maximize benefits.
The Upside: Using Credit Cards Strategically
“If you’re strategic, a credit card can be an amazing tool,” says Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. Couples who already have savings can charge wedding costs on their card and immediately pay off the balance, earning valuable rewards like points or miles that could fund honeymoon travel or future expenses.
For example, many credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses if you meet spending thresholds within a few months. Wedding expenses and deposits may naturally meet or exceed these limits, providing an opportunity to maximize rewards without increasing overall spending.
- Additional benefits: Credit cards often come with protections like dispute resolution services and purchase insurance to shield you from faulty or undelivered goods and services.
- Cash flow management: Grace periods let you cover large bills temporarily without interest, provided you pay in full before the period ends.
The Risks: Avoid Carrying High-Interest Debt Into Marriage
On the flip side, experts strongly caution against relying on credit cards if you aren’t confident you’ll be able to pay off the balance quickly. The average credit card interest rate is currently around 24.35%, a rate that can quickly amplify debt and add financial stress — the very thing couples want to avoid starting their lives together.
Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, underscores, “You don’t want to sacrifice your long-term well-being for a short-term event.” LendingTree data shows that nearly a quarter of newlyweds are still chipping away at wedding-related credit card debt up to two years later.
Key takeaway: If you plan to use credit cards, aim to pay your charges in full every month. Utilizing zero or low-interest promotional offers can help, but don’t leave a balance to accrue post-promotion interest.
Don’t Forget Vendor Policies and Fees
Before charging every purchase, verify vendor payment preferences and fees. Many wedding vendors either don’t accept credit cards or add fees ranging from 1.5% to 3.5% for credit card payments, according to Bankrate. Some even offer discounts for cash or check payments.
Wedding planner Jason Rhee in Los Angeles advises couples to weigh these extra costs versus convenience. “Certain vendors might just want cash upfront,” he notes.
Wedding Insurance: A Worthwhile Consideration
While credit cards may provide some protections on individual purchases, they rarely cover large, high-stakes wedding expenses like venue deposits or cancellations. Lauren Kay, executive editor of The Knot, recommends exploring dedicated wedding insurance policies that can protect against unforeseen disasters — from extreme weather to vendor no-shows.
Wedding insurance premiums can range from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on coverage level, but the peace of mind it offers can be invaluable for couples investing tens of thousands of dollars.
Expert Insights: Planning Beyond the 'Big Day'
Financing a wedding is about more than just paying bills — it’s a key part of launching a financially healthy partnership. Experts emphasize that couples should:
- Set realistic budgets based on your combined financial goals.
- Use credit strategically, never as a crutch to cover overspending.
- Prioritize paying off any incurred debt quickly to avoid long-term strain.
- Consider insurance and vendor policies to protect your investment.
In this way, credit cards become not a burden but part of a smart, well-planned financial approach to your wedding and future life.
Editor’s Note
Weddings can represent joyful unions but also complex financial challenges. Using credit cards can offer useful benefits like rewards and protections — if couples are disciplined and informed. As costs continue to rise, couples should ask themselves: How will wedding debt impact our financial future? What safeguards can we put in place to ensure the celebration doesn’t become a burden? Careful budgeting, understanding interest rates, vendor payment policies, and considering wedding insurance are essential steps toward turning your dream day into a sustainable start.
