You’ve found the right partner, and made the commitment to each other, so what’s stopping you from tying the knot?

There may be many reasons that could be holding you back from saying “I do”. But if you’re keen to start a new life with your loved one in 2024, then here are the top 5 reasons why you can get married, even if you think you can’t.

01. “Weddings cost too much money”

Perhaps the number one reason couples put off getting married is the perceived cost of a wedding. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s latest data, the average wedding in Australia costs anywhere from $36,000 to $51,000 with the bulk of the cost going towards food and alcohol – staggering figures for those who are just starting out in married life.

However, there are many ways in which this figure can be dramatically reduced without compromising on the quality or style of the celebration. For instance, consider having an afternoon wedding with canapés to avoid paying for a full meal for guests, or reduce venue costs by selecting a date that is ‘off-peak’. It’s perfectly acceptable now for brides not to wear a flowing white gown, so look at dresses which aren’t in the wedding section and investigate online bargains.

02. “We can’t afford to get married”

Some couples have parents or family members who will assist with costs, but for couples less fortunate, the reality is that they will have to fund the wedding themselves.

Raising funds for the wedding needn’t be costly. While some people opt for credit cards, a good alternative is to get a personal loan.

As well as the traditional bank loans, there are many new, low-cost online options available. Peer-to-Peer loans for example, are an innovative new alternative for people with good credit to get a personal loan at rates that are often much lower than the banks or credit cards.

Take the time to investigate what type of loan is the best for you and your needs.

03. “We’re too young”

There is no right or wrong age to get married. Marriage is about experiencing life with your spouse, so if you’re ready to make a commitment to one another, be it in your 20s or 30s, why wait? Although statistics show many couples are waiting until they are older, buck the trend. Enjoy hitting milestones, discovering each other’s worlds and growing together as a couple.

04. “We should really wait until we’re in a better financial position”

No matter how much you plan, life will always throw challenges at you; jobs may be lost or your business may suffer a dramatic downturn.

When you are married, it’s easier to share these challenges with your spouse – and also more enjoyable. Furthermore, an American Community Survey showed men who marry in their 20s make more money than those who marry after the age of 30.

If you, or your partner already has outstanding debts then why not consider tackling them together by taking out a personal loan to consolidate both your debts. This smart and effective approach could see you debt free in time for the big day.

05. “Our finances will change once we’re married”

Many financial institutions and laws go out of their way to make life easier for married couples, so your finances could potentially change for the better. For instance, there are tax breaks for married couples and you may be eligible for other financial benefits such as joint health insurance.

In addition, there is no written rule that you have to have a joint bank account when you’re married; you can still have your own bank accounts and separate finances.