Weddings in India are magical, colorful, and full of emotions. But let’s be honest— they can also be very expensive. From the venue to food, from outfits to decorations, the bills keep adding up quickly. If you are planning your big day and wondering how to save money on a wedding, don’t worry. With some smart planning, small changes, and the right choices, you can enjoy your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the average Indian wedding cost, simple budget hacks, and practical tips to bring your celebration to life.
How Can You Plan and Budget for an Indian Wedding?
The first step to how to save on wedding costs is to make a clear budget. The average marriage cost in India depends on the city, scale, and number of guests. For many couples, the middle class marriage budget in India usually falls between ₹5–15 lakh, but costs can go higher depending on preferences.
- Create a Budget: Write down every expense—venue, catering, clothes, decoration, photography, etc.
- Prioritize Spending: Spend more on what matters most to you (like food or photography) and cut costs on less important things.
- Start Saving Early: Open a wedding savings account so money doesn’t get mixed with regular expenses.
- Indian Wedding Cost Calculator: Use free online tools to calculate an average Indian wedding cost. This will help you understand where your money will go.
- Hire a Planner Wisely: A good wedding planner may actually save you money by negotiating better deals.
When Is the Best Time and Venue Choice to Save on Wedding Costs?
Venue and timing can make a big difference in Indian wedding cost.
- Choose Off-Peak Dates: Weekend weddings in peak season are the most expensive. Opt for weekday or off-season weddings for better rates.
- Non-Traditional Venues: Community halls, heritage homes, or even farmhouses cost less than luxury hotels.
- Low Budget Destination Wedding in India: If you dream of a destination wedding, consider affordable places like Jaipur, Udaipur (off-season), Rishikesh, or Goa in monsoon. There are many destination wedding places in India that can be done within budget if planned smartly.
How Do Guest Lists and Invitations Impact the Wedding Budget?
One of the biggest cost drivers is the number of guests.
- Trim the Guest List: Invite only close family and friends. This can cut costs on catering, seating, and gifts.
- Use Digital Invitations: Instead of printing hundreds of cards, send e-invites or WhatsApp invitations. This is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly.
- Combine Functions: Merge Haldi and Mehendi or keep engagement and sangeet together. This reduces venue and catering costs.
What Are the Best Budget-Friendly Options for Attire and Decorations?
Indian weddings are famous for heavy outfits and grand decorations. But you don’t need to spend lakhs here.
- Rent Wedding Attire: Brides and grooms can rent lehengas and sherwanis instead of buying them.
- DIY Decor: Simple things like fairy lights, candles, and marigold flowers look beautiful.
- Indian Wedding Decoration Ideas in Low Budget: Cloth drapes, paper lanterns, or flower rangolis can make your wedding magical.
- Reuse Family Jewelry & Sarees: Many brides style their mother’s saree or jewelry for one of the functions.
- Low Budget Indian Wedding Decorations: Minimalist stage setups, seasonal flowers, and local décor artists can save you a lot.
How Can You Cut Down Food and Drink Expenses at a Wedding?
Food takes the largest share in the average Indian wedding cost.
- Opt for Buffet Catering: It reduces food waste and cost per plate.
- Limit the Menu: Instead of 50 dishes, go for 10–15 popular ones.
- Skip Champagne & Alcohol: This alone can save lakhs.
- Regional Cuisine: Local dishes are cheaper and often loved more than expensive exotic menus.
What Are Other Creative Ways to Save Money on a Wedding?
Here are some simple marriage ideas that really work:
- DIY Wedding Elements: Make your own décor, welcome boards, or gift hampers.
- Skip Expensive Favors: Guests usually don’t mind.
- Borrow Décor Items: Many families have wedding décor items stored at home.
- Minimal Makeup Packages: Choose smaller bridal makeup packages instead of heavy ones for every event.
How Much Does an Indian Wedding Cost on Average?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the average Indian wedding cost:
- Budget Wedding: ₹5–10 lakh
- Mid-Range Wedding: ₹10–25 lakh
- Big Fat Wedding: ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore+ (especially for 500+ guests)
So, if you are wondering, how much does an Indian wedding cost or how much does a wedding cost in India, it really depends on how grand you want it to be.
What Factors Influence the Cost of an Indian Wedding?
Several things affect how much does Indian wedding cost:
- Guest Count: More guests = higher catering cost.
- Location & Venue: Metro cities are more expensive than small towns.
- Event Duration: More days = higher costs.
- Decorations: Simple vs. luxury setups.
- Catering: The biggest expense.
- Jewelry & Attire: Designer outfits increase costs.
- Photography & Videography: Destination photographers are costly.
- Entertainment: DJs and celebrity singers add huge costs.
What Other Considerations Should Couples Keep in Mind?
- Regional Variations: A wedding in Delhi costs more than in Indore.
- Financing: If taking loans, borrow carefully.
- Societal Pressure: Don’t spend just to show off—keep it personal.
- Eco-Friendly Weddings: Minimal plastic, local décor, and reusable items save money and nature.
What Are the Best Tips for Managing a Wedding Budget?
- Prioritize Wisely: Spend only on what matters most to you.
- Smaller Guest List: Every guest adds cost.
- Simpler Venues: A community hall can save lakhs.
- Negotiate with Vendors: Always bargain.
- DIY Where Possible: Adds a personal touch and cuts costs.
- Track Payments: Keep a checklist of every payment made.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With these simple marriage ideas, you can celebrate your big day beautifully without financial stress. Whether you dream of a low budget destination wedding in India or a traditional ceremony at home, careful planning is the secret.
Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but how much love and happiness you share. For more ideas and professional wedding planning support, you can always explore Final Touch.
FAQs
1. Is 20 lakhs enough for a wedding?
Yes, ₹20 lakhs is enough for a good middle class marriage budget in India. With smart planning, you can cover the venue, food, outfits, and décor for 300–400 guests. If you keep the guest list small and go for low budget Indian wedding decorations, you can even make it look grand.
2. How do I save money on my wedding?
To save money in wedding, start by trimming your guest list, choosing an off-peak wedding date, and picking a non-traditional venue. Rent outfits, go for DIY décor, and limit the food spread. Small changes like skipping champagne or combining pre-wedding functions can also cut costs.
3. What is the 30 5 rule for weddings?
The 30/5 rule means you should spend no more than 30% of your annual income or five years of savings on your wedding. It’s a way to prevent overspending while still enjoying your big day.
4. How to reduce the cost of a wedding?
If you are wondering how to save on wedding costs, focus on the three biggest expenses—food, venue, and décor. Choose buffet catering, smaller venues, seasonal flowers, and digital invitations. A low budget destination wedding in India can also be cheaper than hosting in a metro city.
5. What is the average cost of a wedding in India?
The average marriage cost in India depends on scale:
- Budget weddings: ₹5–10 lakhs
- Mid-range weddings: ₹10–25 lakhs
- Big fat weddings: ₹50 lakhs to over ₹1 crore
So, if you ask how much does a wedding cost in India, the answer depends on your choices.
6. How much jewellery does a middle class wedding cost?
For a middle class marriage budget in India, families usually spend ₹2–5 lakhs on gold and diamond jewelry. Many brides also reuse family jewelry to reduce costs.
7. How can I decorate a wedding stage cheaply?
For Indian wedding decoration ideas in low budget, use fairy lights, cloth drapes, marigold flowers, or paper lanterns. A simple marriage idea like adding colorful backdrops and DIY photo booths also creates charm without high costs.
8. What is the average cost of decorations for a wedding in India?
The average cost of decorations for a wedding in India can range between ₹1–5 lakhs, depending on theme and venue size. Minimalist décor and low budget Indian wedding decorations can keep it under ₹1 lakh.