How to Finance a Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

Smart planning starts with understanding your options – learn the essentials of wedding financing so you can create the wedding day of your dreams.

Your wedding day is one of the most important (and memorable) days of your life. But between planning the dress, the photographer, catering, and the venue, all of those dream details can quickly add up. That’s why Telcoe Federal Credit Union is here to help you plan and finance your wedding wisely, so you can focus on your “I dos” without stressing over the dollars.

Whether you're planning something small or large, there are ways to manage the financial side of your big day — and make it unforgettable. Central Arkansas' newest luxury wedding venue, The DeCantillon, could be the perfect place to say yes to forever. Take a look at the following step-by-step guide to finance your dream wedding.

Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget

Before booking anything, sit down with your partner and decide how much you can actually spend. According to The Knot, “the overall average cost of a wedding is $33,000 and the average cost per guest is $284.” The guest count will significantly impact the cost of the wedding, since everything from catering, seating, décor, and invitations is priced per person. It is important to prioritize what matters most to you as a couple. Consider:

• Current savings

• Monthly income

• Make use of support from family and friends (if any)

• What aspects matter most (venue, photographer, catering, etc)

• DIY whenever and wherever is possible

  
  

Pro tip: Allocate around 40-50% of your total budget toward the venue and catering — it’s often the largest expense

Step 2: Explore Financing Options

Not everyone has tens of thousands in the bank for a wedding, and that’s okay. Telcoe offers several affordable financing solutions to help you celebrate now and pay over time:

• Personal Loans with low fixed rates and flexible terms

• Home Equity Loan with lower fixed rates

• Wedding Savings Accounts to start planning early

• Credit Cards with competitive APRs and no hidden fees

Telcoe can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your timeline and goals.

Step 3: Prioritize & Plan Smart

With your budget in place, begin comparing quotes for wedding-day vendors and venues, and explore options that best align with your vision and priorities.

• Package deals (for example, some DJs offer lighting & emcee services)

• Off-season or weekday discounts

• Consider hiring a wedding planner if it fits into your budget

• Trusted vendor recommendations to help simplify your planning.

Step 4: Say “Yes” to the Perfect Venue

Telcoe is thrilled to introduce our members and community to The DeCantillon, a brand-new wedding and event venue opening in 2026, located in the heart of Central Arkansas. It is designed with elegance, charm, and flexibility in mind. The DeCantillon offers:

• Indoor & outdoor ceremony spaces

• On-site bridal & groom suites

• Customizable vendor options

• Ample guest capacity and easy parking

Step 5: Enjoy the Process

A wedding is about celebrating love, not debt. With smart financial planning and the right partners, you can have the day you’ve always dreamed of — and still feel good about your financial future.

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or you’re counting down the days, Telcoe is here to help. Contact us today and ask for a Telcoe wedding loan specialist to learn more about wedding financing and savings accounts.

📞 Call us at (501) 375-5321

🌐 Visit www.telcoe.com

🏛️ Or stop by your nearest branch!