Updated May 2021
Funding a traditional wedding can be tricky in today’s world, not to mention reserving some money for the honeymoon. The cost of venue locations, entertainment, photography, flowers, invitations and more adds up really quickly. What options does that leave for couples paying for their own wedding?
Today we’re going to help you understand two funding options: credit card points and crowdfunding via Honeyfund.
Using a credit card to earn rewards on wedding expenses.
When you charge the wedding costs to the right credit card, you can get big points toward your honeymoon. And it has the added benefit of protection in case anything goes wrong.
FIRST: Stay Financially Disciplined
Remember to stay financially disciplined when using credit cards. It’s not wise to put the total cost of your wedding on a credit card unless you have the cash to back it up and pay it off right away. The LAST thing you want to do is start piling on interest—that would lead to you owing even more than the original cost!
Instead, use your credit card to earn value back as you spend. Always remember to pay both on time and in full by your credit card due dates. These cards are tools that affect your future depending on how you use them.
Cash Back Reward Credit Cards
Cashback cards are just one type of rewards credit cards. Unlike other rewards cards that might offer points on purchases redeemed for varying value, cashback cards have more straightforward redemption options. You can usually redeem for statement credit, which makes the rewards more like a small discount on the things you buy.
Usually, you’ll get a percentage back—as high as 6%, depending on what you purchase. Credit cards also provide benefits like price protection, insurance and warranties. You’ll save on your wedding purchases as you earn money back.
As long as you can pay off your expenses monthly, these are great for some wedding purchases. For example, the Discover it® card offers rotating categories of 5% cashback. This year, the card provides 5% back on restaurant purchases from July through September, while Amazon.com and wholesale club purchases earn 5% from October through December. That means for any food purchases, Amazon, or wholesale club wedding purchases, you’ll earn 5% back on purchases made during that time.
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you’re ready to start earning money for travel in exchange for spending money, look no further than this list of 2021’s best travel credit cards.
Here’s an example of how the cards are organized. This Chase card is the best for travelers looking for premium experiences:
Crowdfunding Honeymoons
This year, Forbes reported that the average honeymoon cost is $4,466. (Wow.) That’s where Honeyfund comes in! If you already live with your significant other—or just want to start your marriage off on a firm financial foundation—a honeyfund is a great alternative wedding registry to help you achieve your dream honeymoon without adding debt.
As you’re planning your wedding, consider different options to help with the expenses. Credit cards are excellent when used responsibly. They offer extra protection, which can provide you with a sense of security. Cards that offer a 0% introductory APR provide periods during which you can pay off certain expenses. Cashback credit cards offer a percentage of money back on every purchase you make for the wedding. Check into crowdfunding sources to ease the burden of paying for an expensive honeymoon. These options can help make even the most stressful planning days easier!
Jacob Lunduski is a Financial & Credit Card Industry Analyst. His mission is to help consumers save money and earn rewards using credit cards in their financial budgets. He strongly feels the need to educate consumers on doing so responsibly without ever entering expensive debt by using a credit card.