Weddings and big events are exciting – but let’s be honest, they can also be expensive. Whether it’s a dream wedding in Queenstown or a milestone birthday bash at your favourite vineyard, those costs add up fast. Between the venue, catering, outfits, entertainment, and a hundred other little things, it’s easy to blow your budget before the day even arrives.
But here’s the good news: there’s a smarter, easier way to finance your wedding or event – without the stress, the hoop-jumping, or the panic about maxing out your credit card.
Let’s talk about how you can plan the celebration of your dreams in New Zealand – and get the wedding finance support you need – with a little help from Loansmart.
Why Do Weddings and Events Cost So Much in NZ?
You probably already know that hosting an event isn’t cheap. A typical wedding in New Zealand can cost more than $30,000, depending on where you’re tying the knot. Even a decent birthday party, engagement do, or anniversary dinner can easily run into the thousands.
Here’s where the money usually goes:
- Venue hire (especially popular spots like wineries or function centres)
- Catering (around $40–$120 per head)
- Photography/videography
- Dress/suit and outfits
- Entertainment and decor
- Transport and accommodation for guests
Throw in unexpected costs – like last-minute upgrades, weather plans, or extra guests – and things can quickly spiral!
Wedding Finance Made Simple
What’s the Smarter Way to Finance Your Wedding?
Not everyone has a pile of savings ready to go. And while it might be tempting to put everything on a credit card or borrow from family, that often creates more stress (and awkward conversations).
That’s where Loansmart’s wedding loans and event finance come in.
We offer personal loans that are fast, fair, and flexible – perfect for funding weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other major celebration without the pressure. You can apply in just 2 minutes, get approved in as little as an hour*, and even have funds in your account the same day*.
Here’s why it makes sense:
1. It’s 100% Online - And Super Easy
Planning a big event is already full-on. The last thing you want is to be buried in paperwork just to get a loan.
With Loansmart, the whole wedding loan application process is done online. No printing, scanning, or trips to the bank. Just a simple, quick form you can fill out from your couch – wine in hand.
✔ 2-minute application
✔ No messy paperwork
✔ No hoop-jumping
We’ll handle the hard stuff in the background, so you can get back to picking flowers and playlists.
2. Flexible Wedding Finance Options That Work for You
Every event is different. That’s why our wedding funding options are flexible enough to match your needs – whether you need $5,000 to top up your budget or $75,000 to go all out.
You can borrow unsecured up to $75,000, or secured up to $150,000*, and choose a repayment term that works for your lifestyle – from 6 months up to 84 months.
And the best part? We compare offers from multiple low-cost lenders – so you can get the best wedding loan interest rate and terms for your situation. We don’t do cookie-cutter loans – we help you make smart choices.
3. Fair, Affordable Special Occasion & Wedding Loans
At Loansmart, we care about your financial health. Seriously.
We’re not here to pile on debt and walk away. We’ll help you get a loan that’s fair, with interest rates starting from just 9.95%*, and repayments that don’t stretch you too thin.
Our goal is to help you set up your big day – and your finances – for success. That means trusted advice, smart lending options, and no hidden nasties.
4. You’re Not Alone - We’ve Got Your Back
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming – but we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis get personal loans for big life moments, including wedding finance.
You might be planning your wedding, or maybe you’re throwing your parents a big anniversary bash. Either way, it can feel overwhelming.
But we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis get personal loans for all kinds of reasons – so we know how to guide you through the process. Our expert team is friendly, fast, and genuinely here to help.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews and loads of happy customers, you can count on us to make borrowing simple and stress-free.
When Does a Loan Make Sense?
We’re not saying you should borrow for just anything. But for big life events that really matter – and when you’ve got a solid plan to pay it back – it can make perfect sense.
Here’s when it might be the smart move:
- You’ve got a special event coming up, but not enough savings
- You want to avoid high-interest credit cards
- You’d rather have one simple repayment than juggling multiple expenses
- You want to actually enjoy the big day without financial stress
A personal loan helps you spread the cost over time, so you’re not stuck paying off everything all at once.
How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget
Even with a personal loan giving you a bit more breathing room, it’s always smart to save where you can. A big event doesn’t need a big budget to be beautiful – just a bit of creativity and clever planning. Here are some easy ways to trim the costs without compromising on the vibe or the experience:
1. DIY Wherever It Makes Sense
Think decorations, signage, wedding favours, photo backdrops, or even invitations. You’d be surprised how much you can create with a few craft supplies, a printer, and a scroll through Pinterest. Not only is DIY budget-friendly, it also adds a personal, handmade touch that makes your day feel even more special.
2. Choose an Off-Peak Date or Time
Saturdays in summer are hot property – and pricey. Consider holding your event on a weekday, a Sunday, or even during the off-season (like autumn or winter). Venues and vendors often charge less outside of peak periods, and you’ll have more availability to choose from too.
3. Trim the Guest List
This one’s tough, but important. Feeding 150 people costs a lot more than feeding 80. Keep the guest list to close friends and whānau – those who truly matter. It’ll make your celebration feel more intimate, and your budget will thank you.
4. Bundle Services for Better Deals
Some vendors offer package deals – like a photographer who also does video, or a DJ who includes lighting and sound equipment. Booking multiple services through the same provider can often save you money (and hassle).
5. Repurpose and Reuse
Use ceremony flowers again at the reception. Turn wedding bouquets into table centrepieces. Or use simple greenery and candles instead of expensive floral arrangements. Small swaps like these really add up!
7. Set (and Stick to) a Budget l
Have a clear budget from the start, and track every dollar. It’s easy to get carried away with “just one more thing” – but having a spending plan helps you stay focused on what really matters. A simple spreadsheet or budget app can do wonders.
6. Go Digital
Instead of printed invites, consider using free or low-cost digital invitation services like Paperless Post or Canva. They look great, save trees, and cut down postage costs too.
Ready to Finance Your Wedding or Special Occasion?
Whether it’s your wedding, 50th birthday, or a long-awaited family reunion, you deserve to celebrate it properly – and without the money stress.
At Loansmart, we make it easy. With fast approvals, low rates, and expert advice, you’ll get the funds you need, when you need them, with a repayment plan that works for you.
So, if you’re planning a wedding or big event, don’t wait until it’s too late. Apply today and get the smarter loan solution that puts you in control.
- Apply online in 2 minutes
- Get approved in as little as 1-2 hours*
- Choose from multiple low-cost lenders
- Celebrate your big day without the financial hangover
