A study says 67% of couples who just got married go into debt for their dream wedding

Thekabarnews.com—Recent LendingTree research shows that more and more newlyweds are starting their lives together with debt. More than 1,000 brides and grooms from all over the U.S. participated in the March 2025 study. It found that about 67% of newlyweds indicated they borrowed money to pay for their wedding. 

Many couples may not fully comprehend the reasons behind this decision. We will consume the food, fade the flowers, and take down the decorations. However, the expenses will continue to mount up. Still, the data show that emotional value usually wins out over financial rationale when it comes to weddings. 

Matt Schulz, a consumer finance expert at LendingTree, said people can often view debt as an “investment” if it delivers significant returns. Even if that payout is not money, couples who want to have their dream wedding may think that borrowing money is okay. 

“If having a fantasy wedding is highly essential to a couple, going into debt can make sense,” Schulz said. 

However, he stressed that couples must handle the process carefully and responsibly. Couples should recognize what could go wrong. They should also make sure they can handle the payments without hurting their long-term financial security. 

In the U.S., banks commonly offer out loans for weddings, but this is not the situation in Indonesia. Instead of using special wedding loans, many Indonesians pay for their weddings with unsecured personal loans or credit cards. 

In the last few years, online loan platforms have also been popular. But financial experts argue that these kinds of services usually have high interest rates and short repayment terms. These characteristics can quickly get people into a cycle of debt if they are not careful. 

The rise illustrates a wider trend in society: weddings are no longer just family events. Social media and lifestyle demands drive these public events. Rising social expectations increasingly pressure couples to plan perfect weddings, even if they must borrow money to do so. 

Experts suggest that couples should make sure their goals and their financial plans are in line with each other. A wedding that people will remember should not cost you your long-term financial security, they warn. 

The challenging part is figuring out how to celebrate love without putting a strain on your finances at the start of your marriage.