An overview of Wedding cost in India for Average Indians: Weddings are a dream come true event for most couples. It is the single most awaited occurrence in your life. You want it to be extravagant and lavish to whatever extremes possible and while that is absolutely normal for you to expect, the ever-increasing cost of living and inflation has always been major factors in the decision-making of the entire wedding budget. The wedding cost in India is written in brief below.

Vital factors for deciding Wedding cost in India

No two weddings in India will ever cost the same amount because of the different variables involved. The wedding cost in India may vary depending upon vital factors such as:

1. Guest count
2. Number of functions
3. Traditional activities
4. Venue location
5. Food expenses

Today, we will help you understand the various costs that you would have to incur while planning a wedding in India. Right from basic costs up to larger costs, we will try to cover all aspects of a traditional Indian wedding. Since the requirements of every religion differ from one another, the budget will differ too. However, we will give you a stable idea of the expenses incurred in a wedding for average Indians in Pune. 

We pick Pune since it is a metro area and expenses are higher in such areas. Remember, it is always better to assume an upper limit rather than a lower one so that when you save money from your budget, you feel ecstatic.

1. Venue

A wedding venue can cost anywhere from thousands to lakhs and some even crores of rupees! But for an average Indian, the wedding venue must be one of the most time and resource-intensive decisions he has to take for wedding planning. In Pune, an average wedding venue for around 1000-1500 people should cost you anywhere around INR  1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000. This may be subject to change depending upon the number of guests, the location of the venue and the extravagance of it as well.

2. Decoration

A big business in the wedding industry is the venue decoration business. A mediocre wedding decoration set up (depending upon the venue size) can cost you anywhere between INR 70,000 up to INR 30,00,000. However, for average Indians, this cost can be approximately INR 1,50,000 for a simple yet elegant venue set up with flowers and other attractive accessories.

3. Catering

Catering is one of the major wedding costs in India and goes complimentary with the venue location decision. Like we Indians always say, “no one will remember anything about a wedding but the food!” So it is always good to research your options well before you go for any particular caterer. Again the costs will vary from vegetarian to non-vegetarian options. A vegetarian plate should cost you around INR 600 per plate and a non-vegetarian plate should cost you around INR 1,000 per plate or more.

4. Bridal/Grooms Attire

A bride has a thousand expectations for the ideal wedding attire. Her lehenga will cost her anything between INR 25,000 to INR 1, 00, 000. An average Indian girl shall have to bear a cost of INR 40, 000 for the ideal lehenga along with the jewelry that goes with it for around INR 30, 000 extra. If gold jewelry is in the picture, for every tola of gold that you wear, INR 40, 000 shall increase in your list. Make up for the bride can cost INR 15,000 for basic bridal makeup and hairdo. Various bridal dresses from the Haldi, sangeet, and wedding and up to the reception could cost around INR 1, 00, 000.

Similarly, a groom’s sherwani would cost INR 40,000 (averagely priced) along with his other attire requirements such as juttis, turban, etc. 

5. Wedding Invitations

Again,  planning the wedding cost in India is incomplete without a good and attractive wedding invitation card. A wedding invitation card will cost you anywhere between INR 50 – 100 per card. If you want to for more graphically created content, the cost may go up by thousands per card. So depending upon the number of invitees and your choice of content, the cost of your invitation cards can be decided.

6. Photography and Videography

Photography and videography are extremely important for any wedding. When you look back at your wedding, there are tons of precious memories captured through these photos and video creations. Thus, employing a good photographer will cost you around INR 40, 000 per day and videographer will cost you around INR 50, 000 per day.

Go for a packaged deal of photo and videography as a bundle. You will definitely save more money by doing this and you will also get both the facilities from one vendor.

7. Accommodation

Accommodation for guests traveling from outside locations (most weddings have at least some guests coming from outside) can be an added expense for a wedding. This can range from INR 1,000 per room on a twin or triple sharing basis and upwards to any amount depending upon the budget. Based on the number of guests and the number of rooms required, this cost will add up to your final wedding expense list.

8. Miscellaneous expenses

A dozen things pop up out of the blue when the wedding cost in India is ongoing. Therefore it is important for families to keep a small amount of money aside for the same. Last-minute supplies, transportation costs of paying drivers, caterers, etc., or something that you have forgotten to add initially can be covered under this allowance. Additionally, if a DJ is hired for the Sangeet, his fees should be included however this is just an additional expense whereas others are bound to happen. 

Also read: Renting vs buying a home- Which one is better?

Bottom line

Here is a rough summary of the different expenses involved in an Indian wedding:

• Venue: INR  1,00, 000 to INR 3,00,000
• Decoration: INR 1,50,000 to INR 3,00,000
• Catering: INR 600- 1,000 Per Plate 
• Bridal/Groom’s attire: INR 50,000 – 1,00,000
• Wedding Invitation: Rs 50-100 per card
• Photography: INR 50,000 per day
• Accommodation: INR 1,000 per room

Overall, the average wedding in India may cost somewhere between INR 8-10 lakhs, if you are being thrifty. However, this is just an approximation of the wedding cost. Multiple factors will affect your budget and your requirements. Thus, do a thorough check and research extensively for all the above particulars stated in the above list.

Most importantly, do not over-do it. Your wedding should be as per your capability and not to show off to anyone. Be smart and be responsible with your finances. Good luck!

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