Wedding planning with student loans? Save money in 2026 with these key tips

By Corey Buhay | Published on March 27, 2026

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Planning a wedding is a monumental task even if you don’t have student debt gnawing at your budget. For couples who do, balancing these two competing priorities can feel overwhelming. That’s especially true when you consider the price of a wedding in 2026.

According to data from The Knot, a local celebration costs $32,000 on average, while destination weddings can easily top $41,000. It can be hard to save that kind of money when you’re already losing a chunk of each paycheck to your monthly payments. The good news is that it’s possible to rein in your wedding costs and come in under budget—if you make a few smart choices early on. Here’s how to plan the wedding of your dreams and manage your student debt at the same time.

Talk to your partner about your priorities

If you’re juggling student debt and wedding planning, your first step should be sitting down with your partner. Hopefully you’ve already had the pre-marriage debt talk and have a clear idea of one another’s financial limitations. Now, it’s time to figure out how to work with those limitations.

Talk with your partner about what aspects of a wedding you consider essential, and what you’re willing to let slide.

• Would you prefer an intimate celebration that allows you to allocate more money toward paying down your debt? Or is a blow-out bash important to you?
• Is fine dining a must-have? What about an open bar?
• Do you need high-quality videography and photography, or are you happy to focus on enjoying the moment?
• Are there certain wedding elements you’re willing to splurge on?
• Are there certain elements you’re willing to give up entirely?

Create a wedding budget

Once you’ve ironed out your priorities, create a wedding budget. Tally up your current wedding savings and any projected contributions from family. This will be the total amount you can spend on your celebration right now without going into debt. (Also make sure you’re not eating into your emergency fund.)

At this stage, it’s also worth talking about who’s paying for the wedding. If you don’t yet share a bank account, does it make sense for the person with less debt to contribute a higher amount? Or is it important for you to split everything evenly as a couple?

Once you have your total wedding budget, split it up among the major spending categories to get a more detailed picture. Here are a few averages to keep in mind:

• Venue for wedding reception: $12,900
• Catering (for 75 people): $6,000
• Lights, decor, and other rentals: $3,900
• Photographer: $3,000
• Flowers: $2,800
• Drinks: $2,800
• Dress: $2,100
• DJ: $1,800

Once you’ve got your categories parceled out, you might have an idea of where you’re coming up short. Instead of turning to credit cards or a personal loan to cover the gap, try to rework your savings plan first.

1. Figure out how many months stand between you and your wedding day.
2. Then, figure out how much more you want to have saved between now and then.
3. Split this total by the number of months remaining. That will tell you how much you need to save each month between now and wedding day.

Does this number feel realistic? Look at your monthly budget. Are there any recurring expenses you can trim to get closer to your savings goal? If not, use these tips to reduce your wedding costs even further.

Consider nontraditional wedding venues

The wedding venue is usually its most expensive component. However, there are a few ways to secure an affordable location without sacrificing charm. For starters, consider unconventional locations, including:

• Public parks or national parks (event permits usually required)
• Botanical gardens
• A friend or family member’s backyard
• Summer camps (bonus: there’s built-in lodging on-site)
• Local farms or barns
• Art galleries
• Public libraries
• Art or national history museums

Look for venues that offer all-inclusive packages, which provide catering, decor, and even photography at a lower total cost. Be sure to do some cost comparisons before you put down a deposit, though; some venues have exclusive contracts with certain caterers or other vendors. These vendor restrictions limit you to a short list of vetted suppliers. If the vetted suppliers are all high-end, that can leave you stuck at a higher price point.

Plan an off-season or weekday wedding

Weekday weddings can be much less expensive than weekend weddings, which are in higher demand. If your guests can take PTO in the middle of a workweek to celebrate with you, booking a Wednesday or Thursday wedding can be one way to significantly cut costs.

If you have your heart set on a specific venue that seems out of reach, ask about off-season rates. Many venues offer lower prices for weddings held in winter or early spring, which could net you significant savings.

Keep the guest list small

The micro-wedding trend may have arisen during COVID-19 pandemic, but couples were quick to realize that the benefits go well beyond social distancing. For one thing, a smaller event can feel more personal and meaningful. A smaller guest list also gives you more flexibility when choosing a venue, as you won’t need to accommodate as many people. This could open up more affordable venue options, like national parks or art galleries, which often have smaller headcount limits. But the biggest benefit of a small event is that it’s way more affordable.

According to The Knot, catering alone costs $80 per person on average. That means a $4,000 difference between a 50-person wedding and a 100-person wedding. And that’s just food—add in drink fees or dining chair rentals, and you’re looking at an even bigger disparity.

Rein in your wedding expenses by focusing on close family and friends who have been an important part of your life. No need to invite your distant relatives and coworkers; if they care about you, they’ll understand your decision and be happy to support you from afar.

DIY and borrow your decor

Do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding elements can add a personal touch to your event—and save you a bundle on bespoke decor. From creating your own invitations and seating placards to hand-arranging your florals, there are plenty of details you can manage with the help of family and friends.

Borrowing items is another great way to cut costs. You can often borrow decorations, table settings, or even attire (like a veil or jewelry) off friends or family who’ve recently tied the knot.

You may also be able to find used wedding decorations at low or no cost on Craigslist, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace. Candles, mason jars, potted plants, centerpieces, bunting, and other items often find their way to secondhand sites after their marital debut.

Find new income streams

Taking on a side gig—whether that’s working one day per week at your favorite bar or boutique, doing odd jobs for neighbors, or freelancing on the side—can help you generate extra income for your wedding fund.

If you’re short on time, bring in cash using the assets you already have. Rent your spare room on AirBnb, rent your car on Turo, or sell unused or unwanted items online. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace make it easy to declutter your home and stockpile savings at the same time. Having a hard time selling? Get more traction on your posts with these tips:

• Take high-quality photos with outdoor lighting
• Add multiple photos to each listing
• Make sure used clothing items are clean and wrinkle-free
• Focus on selling electronics and clothing you’ve purchased within the last 5 years
• Include the dimensions of any household items or furniture
• Use tools such as listing analyzers to optimize and boost traffic to your listings

Hire up-and-coming vendors

Wedding vendors—including photographers, wedding planners, caterers, and florists—can be pricey. To cut costs without sacrificing quality, consider booking newer vendors who are looking to build their portfolios. Many talented suppliers offer lower rates but still deliver high-quality services when they’re starting out.

Alternatively, you can ask for recommendations from friends or family who’ve recently gotten married. They might have contacts who offer discounts or work within a specific budget range.

No matter your choice, always ask for quotes from multiple vendors, and don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. Some vendors may be willing to work within your budget if you’re upfront about it. Others may offer a discounted rate for off-season services or for events booked far in advance.

Thrift your wedding dress or tux

This might be one of the easiest categories to save money in—especially if you’re willing to acknowledge that your guests will remember the food and dancing much better than they’ll remember your outfit.

Rental dresses and tuxedos abound on sites like Rent the Runway, and it’s easy to find gently used wedding attire on Stillwhite or Borrowing Magnolia. Many bridal shops also offer sample sales or clearance events where you can find designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. For accessories like veils, jewelry, or shoes, look for secondhand options on websites like Poshmark.

Don’t forget to budget for wedding alterations, which can add extra costs. Look for a seamstress or tailor who offers competitive pricing—or find an outfit that fits right out of the box.

Refinance your student loans

If hefty student loan payments are getting in the way of your wedding plans, it might be time to refinance. Refinancing your student loans allows you to consolidate your existing debt into a single new loan. If you have stable income and good credit, refinancing could help you lower your interest rate—and therefore your monthly payment. That can free up extra funds for wedding expenses.

While refinancing can help some borrowers save thousands of dollars over the life of a loan, it’s not for everyone. Refinancing federal loans with a private lender could mean losing access to benefits like income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs. Consider your options carefully before you pull the trigger, and check your rate ahead of time to get a clearer picture of your potential savings.

If refinancing isn’t the right choice for you, consider consolidating your federal loans through the federal government. This option can help you reduce your monthly payment even if it can’t get you a lower interest rate. You may also be able to apply for deferment or forbearance if you have proof of serious financial hardship.

Consider a personal loan

A personal loan for a wedding can also be an option if you need to cover wedding costs on a shorter timeline. But it works best as a tool—not a blank check. Start with a clear budget, understand what you can realistically afford, and use a loan to fill any gaps rather than expand your spending.

Remember, you’ll still need to repay what you borrow, so it’s important to keep your total costs in check. When used thoughtfully, a personal loan can help you manage timing and cash flow without losing sight of your financial goals.

Say “I do” to your partner—not to more debt

Between family pressure, societal expectations, and all that shiny social media wedding inspo, many couples feel like they have to splurge to have a worthwhile celebration. But the truth is that your wedding day is what you make of it. The thing that matters most is the promise you share with your partner—not the aesthetics of the event.

The best way to honor your commitment to your partner is to work toward building a stronger future together. That includes making choices that will bolster your financial foundation in the long run.

Planning ahead can help you celebrate your wedding without added financial stress. See how a personal loan could fit into your budget—and get the funds you need, right when you need them.

If you’re looking to pay off your existing debts—and avoid taking on new ones—consider using a free dashboard like Earnest’s Payoff Path tool. Payoff Path can help you visualize your current balances and choose an effective repayment strategy. Try it today to see how much you could save.

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About the Author

Corey Buhay

Corey Buhay is a writer and editor based in Boulder, Colorado. She’s passionate about literature, the outdoors, and doing her taxes by hand. She has been writing about student loans and personal finance for Earnest since 2019. You’ll find her work in Outside Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, Smithsonian, and The Denver Post.