Avoid pre-wedding financial jitters!

Excited and nervous about your wedding, but dreading the thought of the bills? Worried about how you’ll pay off the debt? With a little forethought, planning and a little honesty, your wedding can be just as you dreamed.


You’ve grown to adulthood managing your own money. So has your fiancée. Now as you approach the wedding of your dreams, you’re faced with the thought of how to pay your bills after the honeymoon.

Firstly, be completely honest with your partner about your financial situation. Money may be furthest from your mind when in love, but is a harsh reality after marriage. Discuss your money, investments, debts, and how to share these after marriage. Don’t let poor finances ruin your relationship.

Work out your budget according to your situation. An expensive marriage may impress your neighbors, but does nothing good for your future finances. The average wedding will set you back by $25,000. Most of this will be taken up by your credit cards, so you’ll not feel the pinch immediately. But you’ll have to live with it for some time.

Several agencies offer you comprehensive wedding packages that include advice, easy loans, travel and honeymoon services, insurance and even a credit card. Check out these wedding planners and select the one that suits you.

If your partner or you own a home or a condo, you could go for a home equity loan. If you already have some money stashed away, let it grow, time permitting, in the money market or other short-term investments.

Don’t ignore the long term. Invest independently in long-term securities, and don’t ignore the IRA. Try and rationalize multiple accounts into the minimum number of joint and separate accounts that you need.

Identify a good financial planner who will help you put away enough for that dream wedding, while also advising you to cut back on the non-essentials. Try and maintain an emergency fund.

You don’t have to let the specter of debt ruin your wedding and honeymoon. Plan your way to a happy married life, and live debt-free ever after.

Planned a great wedding without burning a huge hole in your pocket? How did you do it? Did you seek professional help? Trade tips with us. Help other couples in love plan a wonderful wedding without having to shell out pots of money!