Over the past decade, wedding costs have soared, with the average American wedding now costing near $30,000. That means for every budget bride out there, someone else is spending $50,000 or more. Yikes! Even scarier, more than half of all couples will spend more than they budgeted in the first place. Additionally, fewer parents are paying for these weddings -- so you may have to pay for your own share of the billion-dollar bridal industry.

If you don't have $30,000 just burning a hole in your pocket, but you can't possibly imagine your big day without that ice sculpture, chocolate fountain, designer dress, enormous diamond, and seven course reception dinner, then a wedding loan may seem like a logical option for you.

Wedding loans are available, just like car loans, from various banks and online lenders. But do you really want one? The interest rates advertised as "low" seem to start around 8% (not low), and there may be closing costs or other fees as with other types of loans. Taking out a wedding loan can help you pay for your dream wedding, but did you ever dream you'd still be paying it off years down the road? The wedding is just one day. Do you know how many days you could live off $30,000?

Financial trouble is one of the leading causes of divorce in the US. Before you set your sights on a wedding you really can't afford, make sure you and your future spouse are taking an honest look at your finances and goals for the future. My guess is that if you're considering a wedding loan, your financial priorities could use some reorganizing.