What you should know before using a credit card to pay for part or all your wedding
To all future brides and grooms, congratulations on your engagement! As you start planning for your wedding, it's essential to discuss your finances together. Before making any decisions, we recommend having an open and honest conversation about your financial situation. This will help both of you align your budget and make informed choices for your special day.
Here are 2 options to think about before using a credit card:
Best tips for planning your own wedding
Option 1- Savings:
To begin your new life as a married couple without debt, it is essential to prioritize saving for your wedding. Determine a budget that reflects the style and scale of your desired wedding day, whether it be elegant, vintage-themed, simple/chic, rustic, or family-oriented. Establish a timeframe for reaching your savings goal and consider scheduling your wedding accordingly.
Related: High Yield Savings to Take a Look At
Option 2- Asking your Parents:
If you decide to seek assistance from your parents, it is advisable to establish clear boundaries right from the start. While it may be challenging as they are your parents, it is crucial in order to avoid misunderstandings. If they agree to financially support your wedding, it is recommended to create a formal agreement specifying the amount, whether it is a gift or a loan, and the terms of repayment.
In the event that they will have a say in the planning process, it is important to clearly outline their responsibilities. If they will not be involved in planning, it is still advisable to communicate your expectations and have them acknowledge it by signing a document.
Ensure that both parties have a copy of the agreement and keep one for your records. This will serve as a reference point in case disagreements arise. Best of luck if you choose to pursue this option!
Stop: Before Using a Credit Card
Last resort- Option 3- Credit cards should be your last choice. If you plan on using a credit card for any or all of your wedding planning or honeymoon, make sure you think it through and come to an agreement before using them.
Planning a wedding requires paying multiple vendors multiple payments over a long period, such as caterer, photographer, florist, venue, invitations, just to name a few.
Agree on what should be on the credit card and then use that card for that item only; if you add more that one item, keep a record of what those items are.
So, before spending outside your budget on your big day, seriously consider the worthiness of each line item... Have the money talk... DON’T LET WEDDING DEBT SPOIL YOUR BIG DAY AND BEYOND!!
Tips for Using a Credit Card
As you know, the APR on credit cards can be very high and will cost you more than you bargain for in the long run.
So, we shopped around and found quite a few that NextAdvisor and CardRates.com thinks are the best ones for balance transfers, purchases, and even cashback. Below you will see what NextAdvisor selected for the past 2 years.
NextAdvisor
One that caught our eye is Citi Diamond Preferred Card- 0% for 21 months on purchases, balance transfers, then 12.99% variable. (2018)
For 2020, this particular card caught our eyes - Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then 15.74% - 25.74% (Variable); 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months, then 15.74% - 25.74% (Variable)
CardRates.com
Now let’s see what CardRates.com selections are. One in particular that caught our eyes - Chase Freedom Unlimited - 5 stars overall ratings -
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
No annual fee
No minimum to redeem for cash back
CardRates: For 2021, this particular card caught our eyes, Wells Fargo Platinum Card - 0% intro on purchases for 18 months, then 16.24%-24.49% (variable); 0% on transfer balances for 18 months.
CardRates: For 2022, a few caught our eyes (all 0% APR) Chase Slate Edge, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Capital One Quick Sliver. Explore here
CardRates: For 2025, a few credit cards caught our attention, all offering 0% APR. These include Bank of America, Chase Freedom, Capital One, and the Amex Everyday Card. Explore them here!
% Compare Low APR Credit Cards - 
Credit cards that offer 0% introductory APR rates are a great way to enjoy interest-free purchases. Some of these cards combine a 0% intro purchase APR with a 0% intro balance transfer APR so you can save additional money on expenditures you've already made.. Credit Card FAQs.
Do You Plan on Using a Credit Card To Pay for All or Part of Your Wedding?
Final Thoughts
No matter your credit score, CardRates.com highlights the best cards that will fit your score. So, take some time and go through the list and see which card is right for you, this is if you do plan on using a credit card for all/part of your wedding/honeymoon or even regular purchases.
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