As the cost of homeownership continues to climb, an increasing number of newlyweds are asking their wedding guests to help fund their future homes rather than giving traditional gifts.
A recent survey from LendingTree reveals a growing shift in wedding gift preferences: nearly half (48%) of homeowners who married within the past two years said they asked guests to contribute toward a downpayment on a home instead of purchasing items from a registry. Additionally, 52% of newlyweds admitted to scaling back their wedding receptions to allow for a larger home purchase.
“Wedding gifts used to be dinnerware, silverware, candlesticks — items that often sat unused,” said Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. “Today, it’s more common and socially accepted for couples to ask for monetary gifts to put toward a downpayment or a honeymoon.”
The survey also highlighted the financial tug-of-war many couples face between planning a wedding and buying a home. More than a third (35%) of newlywed homeowners reported that their weddings delayed their ability to purchase a home, while 36% said the cost of the celebration reduced the size of their eventual downpayment.
However, the strategy of requesting cash gifts appears to be paying off for some. Approximately 26% of respondents said they were able to put down a larger amount on their home thanks to contributions received through their wedding.
These findings come at a time when downpayments are reaching new heights. According to Realtor.com, the average U.S. downpayment rose to $29,900 in 2024, representing a record 14.4% of the home’s purchase price.
Compounding the financial strain, the cost of starter homes — particularly in metropolitan markets — continues to rise sharply. A March analysis from Zillow reported that entry-level homes now cost at least $1 million in 233 cities across the U.S.
With home affordability tightening, weddings are increasingly being viewed not just as celebrations, but as opportunities to secure financial footing for long-term goals.
