Love, Mortgages & Marriage: The New Wedding Gift Everyone’s Asking For
They say June is for weddings—but did you know it’s also National Homeownership Month? At Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, powered by North Shore Trust and Savings, that makes June a perfect time to start your next chapter, both in love and real estate.
Because what’s better than a honeymoon? A home you love coming back to.
The New Wedding Trend: Funding the Future
Gone are the days when every wedding registry was filled with towels, toasters, and wine glasses. Today’s couples are getting creative—and practical—by asking for something bigger: contributions toward their first home.
Across the U.S., more newlyweds are skipping traditional registries in favor of home funds—cash gifts dedicated to a down payment or home renovations. Consider these trends:
- Nearly 1 in 5 couples on The Knot now include a house fund on their wedding registry.
- 33% of couples using Zola create a cash fund specifically for buying a home.
- According to a recent study, 48% of newlywed homeowners used wedding gift money to help with their down payment.
It makes perfect sense: most modern couples already live together before the wedding—88% of couples were cohabiting before engagement in 2024. What wedding gift do they want? A strong financial foundation to build a future together. And that starts with a home.
Why Home Funds Are the New “It” Gift
With rising home prices and interest rates, saving for a down payment can feel out of reach. But weddings now offer couples a chance to make a real leap forward financially.
That’s why more couples are saying: “Let’s skip the gravy boat and register for a front door.”
Here’s how it helps:
- Down Payment Assistance – Gift funds can cover all or part of the cash needed to close.
- Less Debt, More Equity – It reduces reliance on credit or draining personal savings.
- Emotional Investment – Guests love knowing they helped you buy your first home—it’s meaningful, long-lasting, and deeply appreciated.
Even wedding guests are adjusting to this new norm. A Zola study found that 54% of guests prefer giving cash, and most couples say they’d rather receive it. Meanwhile, registry platforms like Honeyfund have made it easy to break up home costs into giftable pieces—like a fund for appliances or paint—so guests still feel connected to what they’re contributing.
From Wedding Vows to Welcome Mats
At Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, we believe homeownership should be part of your love story. Whether you’re newly married, engaged, or just dreaming of a place to call your own—we’re here to help you turn those wedding funds into a set of keys.
Our expert loan officers can guide you through:
- First-time homebuyer programs
- Low down payment options
- Gift fund guidelines and documentation
- Flexible pre-approval for couples planning ahead
For couples who are planning to marry and already own a home, Oak Leaf’s Buy Now, Sell Later loan offers a flexible way to purchase a new home that fits their future—without the pressure of selling their current home first. It allows them to move on their timeline and align their real estate decisions with their financial goals. Learn more by visiting the Buy Now, Sell Later Loan page or contacting an Oak Leaf loan officer.
We also offer personalized mortgage planning that fits your goals, whether you’re buying your forever home, investing in a fixer-upper, or upgrading as your family grows.
Ready to Say “I Do” to a New Address?
This June, don’t just celebrate your wedding—celebrate your next chapter. Homeownership is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy. And what better way to start that journey than with support from the people who love you most?
So go ahead: swap the gravy boat for a home fund. Skip the salad spinner and start house hunting. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Let’s make your real estate love story happen this summer.
Contact Oak Leaf Community Mortgage to get started or apply for pre-approval online.
