How to pay off wedding debt

1. Start talking about finances

The first step to recovering from wedding costs is acknowledging them, along with the other costs you’re bringing into your partnership. Between the two of you, there may also be education loans, credit card debt, and other financial commitments. 

Put it all out there. Sit down with your spouse to get aligned on all the bills you need to tackle and decide who’s responsible for what. You can even do it on a date night over pizza and wine. (Maybe opt for a not-too-expensive bottle.) For tips on discussing finances with your partner, see “How to Budget and Manage Family Finances.”

 Set regular financial check-ins, such as monthly meetings, to discuss your progress, adjust your budget, and celebrate your wins. This keeps communication open and goals clear, reducing financial stress and strengthening your partnership.

2. Come up with a wedding payment plan

No matter how much the wedding costs, it’s crucial that you take the time to develop a debt paydown strategy that works for you. While there are many approaches, here are some common ones that you can consider:

Debt snowball method

In this method, you focus on paying off your smallest debt first while paying the minimum amount due on the others. By applying the bulk of your money to the smallest debt, you can pay it down more quickly. You’ll get a morale boost when it is paid off, and you can then roll the amount you had been paying toward retiring that debt into the same payment process on the next-largest debt. Continue this process until all your debts have been paid.

Debt avalanche method

In this method, you are paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while paying the minimum amount due on the others. The idea behind this method is that you will spend less money on interest. It may take a little longer to see the “wins,” but this method could save you more money over the course of your debt payoff.

Debt consolidation method

By combining multiple debts into a single new debt with a lower interest rate, you can make payments more manageable, and you will end up paying less because of the lower interest rate.

 This method works best if you have a lot of credit cards with high interest rates. Shop around for a balance transfer card that offers an introductory 0% APR, allowing you to pay more toward the principal while the introductory rate is in effect. However, it’s important to note that many of these card companies require good credit to get approval, and there may be an up-front transfer fee. So do your homework before committing. 

 You could also take out a personal loan to pay off multiple debts. This method is useful if you don’t want to go the balance transfer card route. You will not get 0% APR, but if you have good credit, you can usually secure a loan with a lower interest rate than you would be paying on the credit card after the introductory 0% APR period ends. Once again, there may be up-front fees, so do your homework. 

Whichever method you choose, it’s helpful to automate your payments to ensure that you stay on track. Setting up automatic payments can prevent missed payments, late fees, and additional interest charges, making debt repayment smoother and faster.

3. Find ways to save

Find practical ways for you and your spouse to save. Maybe that means a few more meals at home and less time in restaurants. Making your own coffee instead of opting for the takeaway latte from your local barista is a simple example. (Spending $3 or $4 on coffee each morning adds up to $100 every month, per person.) 

Small things like using the carpooling mode on a shared ride service can make a difference. Also, for some expenses, you can now take advantage of those coveted family plans: health and auto insurance policies, cell phone accounts, even movie and music streaming services. These are all opportunities to cut costs by combining forces.

Consider apps or digital tools that track and categorize your spending. Seeing where your money goes can help identify hidden costs, making it easier to make targeted cuts and enhance your overall saving strategy.

4. Use your monetary gifts wisely

Monetary gifts can be especially helpful for newlyweds. Instead of using them to buy household goods or honeymoon excursions, set the bulk of them aside to help pay off your wedding debt. If possible, open a separate savings account specifically for monetary wedding gifts. Keeping these funds distinct from everyday spending accounts can help avoid temptation and ensure that the money is used effectively toward paying down your wedding debt.

5. Don’t let debt hold up your dreams for the future

Cutting costs now shouldn’t prevent you from thinking about future financial commitments. When you sit down to talk with your spouse, use that time to set long-term financial goals and discuss what’s most important. Is it buying a home? Starting a family? Launching your own business? Talk openly and make a joint plan that feels right for both of you. It’s important to balance investing for the future and tackling costs now. 

 One of the most important moves you can make as a newly married couple is to seek help from a financial professional. They can give you recommendations and guidance not only for paying down your wedding debt, but for getting on track to reach all your goals and milestones, whether it’s paying for college, protecting your family’s financial future, or saving for retirement. Having someone there to help you understand your options ensures that the strategy you follow is the one that will work best for you.

Average wedding debt

Going into debt for a wedding isn’t unusual, many couples use credit cards, savings, or personal loans to cover costs like venues, catering, and attire. Even if wedding expenses extend beyond what’s expected, creating a clear repayment plan and staying consistent can help you manage debt effectively and move forward with confidence

How to pay off wedding debt FAQs

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¹Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling, “How much does the average wedding cost in 2025?”, Zola.com. https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding

² “Modern couples are cutting these pricey traditions from their wedding budget,” New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/07/02/lifestyle/modern-couples-are-cutting-these-pricey-traditions-from-their-wedding-budgets/

³ “Two-thirds of newlyweds went into debt for their wedding, and a third felt pressured to overspend,” LendingTree. https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/newlywed-wedding-debt-survey/