06/25/2026
🏡 Would you trade wedding gifts for a down payment on a home?
More couples are saying "yes."
Instead of registering for dishes, cookware, and household décor, many engaged couples are asking guests to contribute toward a future home purchase. And honestly, it's easy to see why.
With home prices continuing to rise, cash gifts can make a real difference when it comes to saving for a down payment.
📊 Consider this:
• About half of engaged couples surveyed by LendingTree said they're asking guests to contribute toward a future home purchase.
• Wedding guests spend an average of $150 on gifts.
• With the average wedding hosting around 117 guests, contributions could potentially add up to thousands of dollars toward homeownership.
Some couples are even choosing smaller weddings—or skipping large celebrations altogether—to put more money toward buying a home.
Others are getting creative by using rental income from their properties to help fund their wedding expenses.
The bigger trend? Younger buyers are focusing on long-term financial goals and finding new ways to make homeownership happen. 💡
If you're planning to buy a home and wondering what funds can be used toward a down payment, it's important to keep good records. Mortgage lenders often require documentation showing where gift funds came from.
Thinking about buying a home in Maryland? Let's talk about your options and create a plan that works for your goals. 🏠