Marriage has always been celebrated as the union of two hearts, a timeless symbol of love and commitment. But in today’s world, it’s increasingly clear that the road to marriage is also paved with financial realities. For many couples, the decision to say “I do” comes with a long checklist and a hefty price tag.
The modern love story often collides with the contemporary economy. Rising living costs, mounting student loans, and ever-expanding wedding expectations can delay even the most committed couples.
Add to this the cultural or religious requirements such as dowry, bride price, or multi-day ceremonies, and you’re looking at an event that can easily rival the down payment on a house.
For couples from different countries, immigration rules, visa applications, and legal paperwork add yet another layer of complexity, often incurring both time and financial costs.
It’s no wonder some couples feel like marriage has turned into an obstacle course. The destination, which is a shared life, remains the same, but the path is cluttered with paperwork, contracts, and bureaucratic hurdles.
When Love is Ready but the Finances Aren’t
Many couples find themselves emotionally ready to commit but financially unprepared to take the plunge. Some put their plans on hold until their savings account matches the image of their “dream wedding.” Others take the leap with what they have, choosing a simpler ceremony over delaying their future together.
The pressure to “get it right” financially before marriage is a relatively modern phenomenon, amplified by social media’s endless parade of luxury weddings and picture-perfect honeymoons.
While it’s natural to want a special day, the idea that a couple must reach a certain income level or savings milestone before marrying can keep people in a state of indefinite waiting.
The Myth of Perfect Financial Timing
The truth is, you don’t need perfect finances to start a marriage, but you do need ideal clarity. That clarity comes from open conversations about money, shared priorities, and an honest understanding of what each partner values.
It means sitting down together and talking about:
- Income and expenses: What does your financial reality look like now?
- Debt: What debts are you bringing into the marriage?
- Goals: Do you want to buy a house, start a business, or travel before having children?
Expectations: How do you envision day-to-day financial management?
When couples align on these points, the size of the wedding budget becomes far less important than the strength of their shared vision.
Building Together Instead of Waiting Forever
Starting small is not a compromise; it’s a strategy.
A modest wedding, a rented apartment, and a commitment to grow together can be just as romantic and far more sustainable than going into debt for a one-day event.
Your resources can grow in tandem with your love. Over time, shared goals, combined incomes, and mutual support can create the stability you once thought you needed before tying the knot.
Because here’s the reality: a wedding lasts one day, but marriage is a long-term partnership. The accurate measure of success is not how much you spent to get married, but how well you build a life together afterwards.
What about you?
What’s holding back your “I do”? Do you think couples should wait until they’re financially “ready” to marry, or is love the only real currency that matters?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tag someone who needs to read this.
Visit marriageandmoney.com.ng for money conversation templates to help you and the person you wish to share love and life with.
Adetutu Afolabi is a Personal Freedom Coach helping families build wealth through aligned values and intentional living. She believes strong relationships are key to lasting financial freedom
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