Couples may be able to get a wedding payment plan for certain marriage expenses rather than having to take out an official loan. In essence, a payment plan doesn't require borrowing cash, but rather entails paying part of the money owed for goods or services up front and the rest over time. So you won't have a debt show up on your credit report, and you typically won't have to worry about interest charges. For example, a wedding dress seller could require part of the cost of the dress at the time of purchase and the rest in installments later. The same goes for other services like wedding venues, flowers, catering and more. It's entirely up to the individual merchant whether or not to offer a payment plan.
One good example of a wedding payment plan is from The Last Minute Bride, a website that sells wedding gowns and accessories. For purchases under $500, the buyer can split the cost into 2 - 6 equal payments. For purchases over $500, they can split it into 2 - 8 equal payments. In either situation, each payment is due two weeks after the previous one, and buyers can pay off the full remaining total early with no penalty. There is no interest on your purchase.
Getting a wedding payment plan is best for people who know they will be able to make all of the required payments on time. It's not meant for purchasing items beyond your means and hoping you'll be able to gather enough money by the time a new payment comes due. If you miss a payment, you could potentially owe a penalty fee if one is listed in your payment plan agreement. If you know you can't afford an item, it's better to try to find a less expensive alternative.