Fundraising for a wedding
Weddings are about love, connection, and shared joy. They’re also a major life moment that can come with a big price tag. In the US, the average cost of a wedding has increased in recent years, with couples spending around $33,000–$36,000 on their celebrations in 2024 and 2025. This rise reflects higher prices for venues, food, vendors, and other services that make a wedding feel special.
Because of these rising costs and changing trends, more couples are looking for new ways to fulfill their dreams without added stress. Wedding fundraising is one option many now turn to. Loved ones often want to help and a fundraiser gives them a simple, meaningful way to show their support. GoFundMe makes wedding fundraising easy and personal. Couples can share their story, detail their plans, and receive support all in one place.
Why fundraise for your wedding or honeymoon?
Planning a wedding or honeymoon should feel exciting. Fundraising can help keep it that way. It gives more freedom and flexibility as you plan your next chapter together.
A wedding fundraiser can help reduce financial pressure. It may also open the door to experiences you truly care about, like meaningful travel or time with loved ones. Instead of cutting back, you can create a celebration that feels right for you.
Weddings are emotional moments. Friends and family often want to be involved in a deeper way. Fundraising allows them to support your goals and share in the joy. Many couples find that asking for help brings them closer to their community.
Wedding and honeymoon fundraisers are becoming more common. They’re personal, thoughtful, and rooted in connection. And, most of all, they remind us that showing up for each other matters.
How to fundraise for a wedding
Getting started on GoFundMe is simple. First, create an account and explore the platform. There you’ll find tools to guide you through each step.
Next, set a fundraising goal that feels realistic. Think about what support would help most, whether that’s wedding costs, travel, or a shared experience. There’s no need to ask for everything at once.
Then, write your story. Share how you met, what this milestone means to you, and how the funds will help. Keep it honest and warm. Adding high-quality photos or a short video can help supporters feel connected to your journey.
Once your fundraiser is live, share it with people you trust. Friends and family are often the first to support and share it further.
Some grooms even choose to keep the fundraiser a surprise from their bride. They may use the funds to plan something special for their partner, like an unforgettable wedding-day moment or a dream honeymoon. However you approach it, fundraising can be a great way to add joy to your celebration.
Honeymoon and wedding fundraiser ideas
Wedding fundraising can be creative, social, and fun. Many couples turn it into a shared experience that brings people together long before the big day.
Wedding fundraiser party
Host a themed gathering that reflects your style as a couple. This could be a backyard dinner, beach picnic, cultural evening, or casual cocktail party. Guests can contribute to your fundraiser instead of bringing a traditional gift. Keep it relaxed and welcoming. Food, music, and conversation are often all you need to make it feel special.
Wedding fundraiser games
Games are an easy way to encourage participation. Try trivia about your relationship, a scavenger hunt, or a “guess the couple” challenge. Small contributions can unlock clues, votes, or prizes. These activities create memories and help guests feel involved in your journey.
Experience-based fundraising
Some couples invite supporters to help fund specific moments. This might include a honeymoon excursion, a cooking class abroad, or a special dinner after the wedding. Sharing these ideas helps people feel connected to what they’re supporting.
Skill-sharing events
If you enjoy teaching or creating, turn that into a fundraiser. Host a yoga class, art workshop, music night, or group hike. Supporters can contribute to join in, while you share something meaningful with your community.
Community collaborations
Partner with local businesses or friends. A café might host a donation night, or a friend might offer a service or item as part of a small raffle. These efforts help spread the word while building community support.
These ideas help turn fundraising into something joyful and shared. Instead of focusing on costs, they prioritize connection, generosity, and celebrating love together.
How to promote your fundraiser
Sharing your fundraiser helps people find it. Social media is a great place to start. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook make it easy to post updates and share your story. Photos and short messages help keep people engaged in your wedding planning journey.
You can also reach beyond social media. Tell friends and family directly. Share your fundraiser link by email or text. Simple fliers can work too, especially at gatherings or community events that you might be a part of.
Word of mouth matters. Asking loved ones to share your fundraiser helps it reach new people. Many supporters are happy to spread the word.
Local communities can help as well. Neighbors, co-workers, and groups often want to support meaningful milestones when they understand the story behind them.
Find out more about the best ways to promote your fundraiser
Make your wedding dreams happen with fundraising
Your wedding is about love and support. Fundraising can reflect that same spirit. GoFundMe makes it easy to create a wedding or honeymoon fundraiser and share it with your community.
By telling your story, you invite others to be part of a meaningful moment. Whether you’re planning a simple ceremony or a destination wedding, fundraising support can help bring your vision to life.
Starting is easy, and every contribution adds up. So why not start your wedding fundraiser today?
Wedding fundraising FAQs
Is it okay to ask for money for a wedding or honeymoon?
The short answer is yes. Many couples see fundraising as a thoughtful option to raise money for their big day and allow more people to be a part of it. Starting a fundraiser gives people the opportunity to support your day in the way that is most helpful. Learn more about asking for support here.
What should I write on my wedding fundraiser page?
Share your story, your plans, and why this moment matters so much to you. Adding personal details and information on how you intend to use the funds helps your supporters understand how the money will be spent. Keep it honest and clear.
How much can I realistically raise for a wedding?
What you can raise depends on your network and how you share your fundraiser. Having a clear, realistic goal helps supporters know how to help.
Do I need to explain exactly how I’ll use the wedding funds?
You don’t need to reveal every detail, but sharing your plans helps build trust and makes your supporters feel like they’re more involved in the process. Often, people are more willing to give if they have some idea of how the money will be used.
Can I use GoFundMe to help pay for a honeymoon instead of a wedding?
Yes! This is a growing trend, and many couples fundraise for honeymoons or travel experiences they will take after the wedding. Sharing some of your intended travel plans can help supporters feel like they’re part of it.
How do I thank people who donate to our wedding fundraiser?
A simple thank you message means a lot. As an organizer, you can set up an automatic message to be sent each time someone donates, or choose to do it manually. Updates or photos after the event can also be a nice touch and help your supporters feel included.