Weddings in India are full-blown festivals, especially destination weddings! From glittering outfits to lavish spreads of food, every detail seems designed to outshine the next. In fact, did you know? India, now the most populous country, sees over 10 million weddings every year! But behind all that sparkle and glamour, there’s a question every couple eventually wonders: what does it really cost? So let’s peel back the layers and get to the truth – because when it comes to Indian weddings, the price tag often carries more shock than the guest list! In this blog, we will break down the costs of a real Indian destination wedding!
1. Landing the Venue
Choosing the right venue is one of the first tasks on your wedding checklist. Start by finalizing your guest list for each event, as this will help determine the size of the venue(s) you’ll need. Keep in mind that more guests often mean more costs. Once you have that, allocate a budget for each event to figure out what kind of venue fits your financial plan.
Halls are generally the most affordable option since you can bring your own alcohol, offering a big cost-saving advantage. On the other hand, hotels typically don’t allow outside food or drinks. While an outdoor wedding may sound like a dream, it can quickly add up in costs, as you will need to arrange everything from tents and tables to chairs and even restrooms.
2. Décor
The décor at each wedding event sets the atmosphere, making it a key aspect while planning. It often takes up a significant portion of the budget as well. So it is essential to prioritize this early on. From flowers and linens to dance floor wraps, stationery, and dinnerware, many details need attention. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider choosing a venue with stunning architecture that can enhance the décor naturally. To streamline planning, create mood boards for each event and compile an itemized wish list for vendors to gather accurate quotes.
3. Accommodation
Travel and lodging are unavoidable expenses when planning a destination wedding. For local weddings, your costs typically include venue rental, food, beverages, and accommodations for only a few out-of-town guests. However, with destination weddings, both travel and accommodation become significant components of your budget. You’ll need to account for these additional costs, ensuring that you’re prepared to cover the lodging for your guests who are traveling to celebrate with you.
4. The Feast
Food is a centerpiece of Indian weddings, where the dining experience can make or break the celebration (and your budget too!). With a variety of cuisines available, it is crucial not to skimp on quality. Whether you opt for a lavish spread or stick to local favorites, the key is to ensure guests leave with their taste buds impressed—because, in the end, it’s the food they’ll remember!
5. Fashion Forward
These days, wedding attire can rival catering costs! From lavish outfits to traditional gold jewelry, fashion preferences can significantly impact the budget, especially if you are after a designer piece! Whether to splurge or save is entirely personal, but keep in mind that jewelry prices—especially gold—tend to soar, which can add a hefty amount to your expenses.
6. Photography
Memories last a lifetime, and photography is the way to preserve those moments. Today’s options go beyond traditional photos, with candid shots, pre-wedding videos, and drone footage becoming popular. The cost of photography thus tend to be higher than in a traditional wedding. It will vary based on the number of events and the type of albums or services you choose.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses
Always set aside some extra funds for unexpected costs. These might include makeup artists, wedding invitations, sweets, wedding favors, and the cost of travel and accommodation for guests. A little cushion in the budget can help manage last-minute surprises!
Conclusion
Even with a carefully-planned itinerary, the cost of budget destination weddings in India tend to start from 40 lakhs and onwards for the cheapest setup! However, the overall price will vary based on the total number of guests and the level of luxury you wish to provide. A destination wedding can cost can be modest to extravagant, depending on your preferences. To avoid overspending, it’s crucial to set a budget and plan accordingly, ensuring you balance your dream wedding with practical financial decisions.
