Weddings in Spain stretch beyond the ceremony and into everyday life, reflecting shifting values and timelines. In the past, couples pledged lasting love at a church altar while families often covered the costs, a tradition shaped by earlier connections and expectations. Back in 1975, 271,347 marriages were formalized in this context. Today, INE data shows the figure hovering around 150,000, and many couples marry later, facing higher expenses during uncertain moments. The cost breakdown is familiar: photographer around 800 euros, guest gifts about 900 euros, the bouquet 150 euros, and the wedding dress roughly 1,500 euros. The Basic Wedding Book, distributed by Bodas.net, estimates the average wedding for about 130 guests at roughly 20,500 euros. With the average monthly salary near 1,751 euros in 2021, a couple would need about six months of work to cover those typical expenses. Costs vary by community, with Navarra averaging 229.1 euros per guest and Andalusia about 108.1 euros per guest.
Couples considering a wedding sometimes turn to loans to realize their vision on one of the most important days. Data from Prestalo shows a noticeable rise in wedding loan activity this year, with more than a third higher volume than in prior periods. A financial expert at a comparison firm notes that credits can serve as a bridge when the expectation is that guests will gift funds, though gifts may also need to be declared for tax purposes.
The easing of pandemic restrictions helped restart postponed ceremonies and the demand for financing. While the total number of unions is rebounding, it has not yet reached 2019 levels, according to a finance specialist. At the same time, rising living costs influence the wedding budget. Inflation pushes up prices for food, attire, and services, making planning more challenging.
Experts say that a loan to cover wedding expenses can help when extra liquidity is needed, but it often makes the event costlier in the long run. The decision depends on several factors, including the applicant’s credit score, debt load, income, and family responsibilities. Banks typically request documentation such as supplier contracts to verify spending plans. The average interest rate for this loan category runs higher than general purpose loans, usually around 8 to 10 percent, and repayment is commonly spread over about five years in monthly installments of roughly 450 to 500 euros. Flexibility exists, and early cancellation is usually possible.
Some organizations offer wedding accounts, including checking or savings accounts with special protections and insurance for wedding-related expenses. Separate accounts linked to gifts can make the process smoother, and some services allow adding an account reference on invitations so gifts can be directed to a designated fund. These accounts may also include free wedding list organization and other perks.
Prudent planning involves setting expectations, limiting guests, choosing dates outside peak seasons, and cutting unnecessary costs. Prestalo recommends starting with a budget, detailing costs, and building in a contingency item. If a loan is pursued, experts advise avoiding repayment plans longer than 12 months to prevent long-term financial strain. Consumer groups also remind applicants to compare providers, review cancellation terms, and be aware of potentially high interest or late payment fees if plans change.