How exactly do credit cards work?

In your situation I sincerely doubt credit will be of much help as it sounds like neither of you have established credit and unless you make a substantial income you would, in almost any scenario, be approved for only a small credit limit. (think $500 to $1000) and even if you could financing your wedding is not the greatest idea.

Let me tell you a little story.

I HAD the dream wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Maui. It cost a damn fortune. I was making good money back then, in the $185K per year range, but it still put us in debt. The wedding itself was $35k and her dress was another $20k and it almost all went on American Express. They loved me, for a long time. But guess what, 3 years later my wife and I divorced. POOF! All that money down the drain.

Second time around, my current wife and real love of my life decided to get married in a simple ceremony in Rancho Palos Verdes (very close to where we live) I wore a nice suit and she had a simple dress. It was beautiful, we had 20 people at the reception after, lots of fun and cost us under $8k.

Plus, we took the money we saved and put it toward a fantastic honeymoon, paid off my wifes school debt and live very very happily now.

Remember, its not where you start, its where you finish.

You apply for a credit card. If you have sufficient credit and income to qualify, the card company gives you a line of credit. New cards tend to have smaller limits -- like $500. You use the card, get a monthly statement, and make payments. If you pay less than the full balance, you are billed interest. Interest on credit cards, especially brand new ones, tends to be on the high side.

My advice is that you not borrow any money for the wedding. Look for cheaper ways to go. It is possible to have a very nice wedding without spending a small fortune, especially if you cut back on the reception.

Limit the alcohol -- it's a HUGE expense. Buffet instead of a sit down meal .... or go with just finger food instead of a meal.

A credit card has a limit - that depends on the individual and the company. The total outstanding balance has to stay under that limit. So if you have a card with a $1000 limit, but $800 worth of items and pay $100, then you still have a balance of $700 that you owe, so can buy up to $300 more on it

Why do you have to pay for your families to attend? Are they all poor? Make a nice videotape for them, and go visit them in person some time in the future.

That is much better than everyone milling around, tired from jet lag, hungry, bored, and watching you get stressed out because your perfect wedding is not quite perfect.

{ Our bakery sent us the right cake, but with the wrong colored frosting roses! }

what a lousy way to start a marriage - by accruing a huge debt the first day . don't get caught in the credit card rut . if you want something , SAVE UP for it , do not use credit cards . they are a trap to get you in debt for the rest of your life .

If you're new to credit, I doubt if you could get a high credit limit unless you have jobs with high income that could be verified.

Simple answer...puts you in debt.