- 48% of newlyweds requested down payment help instead of traditional wedding gifts.
- Newlywed homebuyers reported an average down payment of $46,741.
- 35% of couples said wedding expenses delayed their ability to buy a home.
- 52% of newlyweds scaled back their weddings to buy a better or larger home.
- 71% of couples received financial assistance from parents for home or wedding costs.
Instead of china sets and kitchen gadgets, today’s newlyweds often ask for down payment help as their wedding gift. Home prices keep going up, especially in hot spots like Las Vegas. So, couples are swapping toasters for real estate investments. This article talks about how newlywed homebuyers are changing what they want. It also looks at the costs and benefits of getting gifts versus money for a house, and how couples can get set up for long-term financial success without spoiling their big day.
The Rise of Down Payment Requests Over Wedding Registries
We’re seeing a change in what people do: more couples are skipping the usual wedding registry. Instead, they use home fund registries to help with a down payment. A LendingTree survey found that nearly half (48%) of newlyweds who bought a home in the last two years asked wedding guests for cash for a down payment instead of gifts.
This change shows they don’t just prefer money. It shows they are deciding to put long-term financial health first, instead of things they might only use for a short time. Millennials and Gen Z are buying their first homes now. They grew up during or right after the 2008 financial crisis. Because of this, they tend to want stability, investment, and financial freedom more than spending a lot of money on showy things.
Many couples have already lived together before they get married. They already have the basic stuff for their home. So, getting two blenders or fancy dishes doesn’t make sense. Money to help buy a home—something that can last a lifetime—gives them more value, both personally and financially.
Cultural Acceptance Grows
It used to feel awkward to ask for cash. But that is changing. Today, cash registries like Zola, Honeyfund, and Blueprint make it simple to ask for money for homebuying without it feeling strange. These sites let guests feel like they are truly helping with a couple’s future. They often have ways to add personal touches and show how much has been raised, which makes it feel more like a celebration, not just a money transfer.
The Average Down Payment for Newlyweds Today
Buying a home costs a lot of money, especially for young couples. The same LendingTree survey said newlyweds put down $46,741 on average for a down payment. Also, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says first-time homebuyers usually put down about 9% of the home’s price. In 2024, the typical home cost in the U.S. is over $400,000. That means over $36,000 on average just for the down payment.
For couples in places like Las Vegas, where many people want homes and there aren’t many for sale, this much money might not be enough. Steve Hawks, a local real estate expert, said, “In Las Vegas, saving for even a 5% down payment can be hard when couples are trying to pay for a wedding and home prices are going up. Many local buyers think they can do both, but they often end up settling for a less ideal home — or don’t get one at all.”
Why This Matters
The down payment changes your mortgage interest rate, your monthly payments, and how much of the home you own right away. Putting more money down usually means
- Lower monthly mortgage payments
- Getting better interest rates
- Paying less for private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Owning more of your home from the start
And that’s why many couples are deciding to use money they might have spent on a traditional wedding for buying real estate instead.
When Weddings Delay Homeownership
Big weddings often cost you in another way—they can make you wait longer to buy a home.
According to LendingTree
- 35% of newlyweds said wedding costs made them wait longer to buy a home.
- 36% said they had to put less money down than they planned.
- 41% of those who did make a down payment later wished they had put more money toward their home at the start.
Modern weddings can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 (or more). So it makes sense that they often take money that could have been saved for housing. Add in the cost of honeymoons, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and outfits, and the total can be as much as a good down payment on a home.
Emotional vs. Financial Trade-Offs
Many couples later feel unsure about the choices they made to have a large wedding. Memories and photos are great. But the lost chance to build ownership in a home, get higher mortgage rates, or miss out on home opportunities can cost them a lot financially in the long run.
Prioritizing Home Size Over Wedding Size
More than half of couples surveyed by LendingTree (52%) said they made their wedding smaller on purpose. This left more money in their budget for a better or bigger house. Among Gen Z newlyweds and couples with children, that number was even higher at 56%.
This shows that people are thinking more about how to build wealth. Weddings make emotional memories. But real estate can help families financially for many years. Homes can become worth more money. They can be rented out later. And they can be used as part of other investments.
Couples who pick more space in a house over fancy wedding send-offs might find they benefit in other ways too. Feeling financially safe has big effects on mental health and how happy couples are together, especially in the early years of marriage.
Buying a Home vs. Planning a Wedding – Which Is More Stressful?
Dealing with guest lists and mortgage applications are both known to cause stress. But which one makes couples more worried?
The survey found that:
- 36% said buying a home was more stressful than planning the wedding.
- 33% said the wedding planning caused more stress.
- 31% said both were equally stressful.
Both things involve many decisions, budgeting, and deadlines. And they often cause disagreements and different ideas about what is important.
Steve Hawks points out that “stress usually comes from bad planning. Whether you’re buying a home or putting together a wedding, having clear, realistic expectations helps a lot.”
Tips for Reducing Stress
- Make a shared budget early on
- Give jobs or tasks to avoid doing the same things
- Use online planning tools to see how you’re doing
- Talk weekly to check on expectations
Financial Contributions from Parents: A Powerful Boost
A big number of newlyweds (71%) got financial help from their parents. This help was for either the wedding, the home, or both.
Sometimes, this help was a gift. Other times, it was like loans or investments they worked out together. No matter how it was done, this help let many couples buy a home sooner and feel better about it.
“In Las Vegas, we see parents helping with down payments more often than people might think,” Steve Hawks said. “Some smart families use this as part of a long-term plan for their money. They help their kids get started in areas where homes usually go up in value, like Summerlin or Henderson.”
Intergenerational Wealth Planning
Having parents help with your money plans can lead to ways to save on taxes and get better home choices. It can also help you own more of your home from the start. When done carefully, these gifts or loans can be part of family plans for passing down money and property.
Expert Advice: Align Spending with Your Goals
Matt Schulz of LendingTree says it simply: “You are most likely to be happy when your choices match what you care about, what you want to achieve, and what matters most to you.”
Both financial planners and real estate people say that matching spending to your goals is a key rule for big life decisions. Whether it’s a fancy wedding or your first home, the main thing is to make choices that support your overall plan for the future.
Steve Hawks adds, “Couples who spend $30,000 on one day often feel bad about it later. They realize that money could have let them afford homes in better neighborhoods or school areas.”
Creative Ways to Fund Down Payments Without Skipping Celebrations Entirely
Want to have a good wedding day without giving up on saving for a home? You can do both if you plan carefully. Here are some ideas
Micro-Weddings
Have a small event with 20–50 guests. Fewer guests mean lower costs for the place, food, and decorations. This frees up thousands of dollars for your home fund.
Home Fund Registries
Sites like Honeyfund, Zola, or Blueprint let guests give money straight to your down payment. These registries can also let guests fund certain parts of your home, like “Our First Front Porch” or “Kitchen Appliances.”
Destination Weddings
Travel costs money for you and your guests. But destination weddings often have fewer guests and come in set packages. This can sometimes make the total wedding cost less than having it locally.
DIY or Nontraditional Venues
Think about community centers, local parks, or having the wedding in a backyard. A $5,000 wedding can feel just as special as a $50,000 one, especially if you plan it well.
Las Vegas Market Insight: Advice for Local Newlyweds
Las Vegas is still one of the fastest-growing metro areas. So, when you buy a home here and how many other people want it are important for newlywed homebuyers.
Steve Hawks says it is key to act fast: “Homes that are not too expensive are still available in Summerlin, Silverado Ranch, and Henderson. But more people are trying to buy them. Buyers watching their budget should not wait too long. Homes here often get offers for more than the asking price—especially near good schools and new neighborhoods.”
Local Market Tips
- Get pre-approved early so you can move fast when new homes are listed.
- Find neighborhoods with good schools and local services.
- Work with local experts who know how bidding works here.
- Set clear limits on your budget so you don’t spend too much based on feelings.
Practical Tips: Setting Homebuying Up for Success Post-Wedding
If you’ve decided to try and have a celebration and buy a home, these ideas will help you stay on track
- Combine your goals: Make one savings plan for your wedding and house. This helps you see how choosing one affects the other.
- Get pre-approval: Know what you can afford before looking at houses. It helps keep your expectations real.
- Aim for 5–10% down: Putting more down, even if it’s not 20%, lowers monthly payments and helps you own more of your home.
- Look into down payment help: Check for programs in Nevada or through your lender that offer money or loans with no interest for people buying their first home.
- Work with a realtor who gets your situation. This is especially helpful for finding chances to buy and getting better terms.
Choosing What’s Right for You
For some couples, a big wedding is worth every dollar. For others, having a place to live permanently is more important. There isn’t one right answer for everyone. But it makes sense to match your budget to what will matter to you in five, ten, or even twenty years.
Choosing to get money for a down payment as a wedding gift is not just smart financially. It shows you have a shared goal and that you work together on things that matter for your future. Whether you are planning your dream wedding, your dream home, or both, plan it carefully. This will help you build a steady, happy future.
If you are thinking about buying your first home in Las Vegas, Steve Hawks and his team know the local area. They can offer strategies for your budget, timing, and long-term goals. Contact his team to start planning your future together.