Best Ways to Cover Wedding Costs

A wedding is one of the most important days in anyone’s life. But planning the perfect day often comes with a hefty price tag. This is why proper wedding finance planning is so important.

So, what is the best way to cover the cost of a wedding? We’ll discuss the average cost of a wedding and ways to cover them.

How much does it cost for a wedding in the UK?

According to Compare Wedding Insurance, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is expected to reach £24,710 in 2024. This is about a moderate 2.5% increase from £24,109, the average wedding cost in 2023.

These figures are based on the 1,600 wedding insurance policies purchased for weddings scheduled in the UK for 2024.

In comparison, the average cost of a wedding increased by a drastic 11% in 2023, up from £21,725 in 2022. This is based on the data from over 5,000 wedding insurance policies for weddings scheduled in the UK in 2022 and 2023.

We’ve compiled some of the key expenses involved in a wedding in 2023 and their average amounts, based on a researchfrom NimbleFins. Please note, these figures are based on the middle-cost range of services:

Allocate a budget for your wedding

How can you avoid overspending? The secret is to create a budget and stick to it! Here is how you can do it:

1. Find out the costs of your wedding

Whether you're opting for a wedding package or handling it by yourself, the common worry is about the wedding costs.

Setting a budget will help you keep costs in check. With proper research, create a detailed list of expenses and find the best deals.

2. How much to save each month

Be realistic about how much you can afford and how much you can save per month. For e.g., if you plan to spend £6,000 on a wedding in a year, you’d have to save £500 per month at least. Now, if you start saving a bit earlier, like two years in advance, you’d only have to save £250.

Use a savings calculator after setting a budget to determine the required savings amount or the time needed with a specific monthly saving goal.

3. Start Saving

Pro tip: Set up a regular payment (direct debit or standing order) to automate monthly transfers into your savings. The earlier you start, the more manageable the costs become.

You should decide where to keep your savings. If you don't have an online account with a separate pot option, consider opening a straightforward instant-access savings account.

In case unexpected expenses arise, some credit cards offer 0% interest on purchases for an extended period. This will allow you to spread out the cost over time. However, please be cautious of the expiration of these offers and set up a direct debit to pay off the balance within that period.

Ways to finance your wedding

0% APR credit card

A 0% APR credit card can be a handy option if you're unable to cover your wedding expenses with existing savings. During the promotional period, typically 15 to 21 months, no interest is charged on your purchases.

Paying off the card within this timeframe might be seen as borrowing money without incurring any interest. However, after the introductory period, interest rates can spike. .

What to consider: Opt for a 0% APR card if you're looking to finance a small portion of your wedding. Keep in mind that qualifying for high credit limits may be challenging, and using too much of your credit card limit could impact your credit score negatively.

1. Rewards credit card

Consider using a rewards credit card to cover certain wedding expenses and later redeem the points or cash back to save on other costs.

If you're planning a honeymoon, a travel rewards card might be beneficial, as earned points or miles can contribute to flights and hotels.

What to consider: A rewards credit card may be suitable if you're confident about making timely monthly payments. Falling behind could impact your credit score and result in carrying a balance at a high interest rate, potentially offsetting any savings gained through rewards.

2. Support from loved ones

Having the support of family and friends willing to contribute to your wedding costs can be a significant relief. Traditionally, the bride's family bore the expenses, but in today's times, it often falls on the couple to cover most of the costs.

Do remember to consider the potential consequences of your relationship with them. Thinking of all possible scenarios of the future might help you make a more informed decision.

3. Protect Your Investments

Before making any expenditures, consider securing a wedding insurance policy.

This insurance can be a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as cancellations due to your venue closing down or a member of the wedding party falling ill.

However, it's essential to scrutinise the details of the policy, as it might not cover every possible scenario.

4. Wedding loan

A wedding loan could be another option to consider for your wedding expenses.

What to consider: Opt for a wedding loan if you prefer a lump sum amount and want to maintain a budget with manageable monthly instalments. Oakbrook loans may be able to help you with an unsecured loan. However, you need to make sure that you can afford the monthly payments and taking a loan could impact your credit score.

Wrapping up

As you prepare to say "I do" to a lifetime of love, commitment, and shared dreams, the worries of finances are natural. With strategic use of options such as 0% APR credit cards, rewards credit cards, or a wedding loan, they can make the entire process possible.

Your dream wedding is not just a possibility; it's a promise waiting to be fulfilled. Here's to the joyous celebration of your love, your commitment, and your financially secure "happily ever after."

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