A Grand Indian Wedding: 1 Crore Budget Dream?

Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, with people spending lakhs of rupees on decor, outfits, food, and souvenirs. The average wedding in India may cost somewhere between INR 8-10 lakhs, but this is just an approximation as multiple factors affect the budget. These include the venue, which can cost anywhere from thousands to lakhs or crores of rupees, catering, which can be around INR 600-1000 per plate, and the bride and groom's attire, which can cost around INR 50,000-1,00,000. Other expenses include wedding invitations, photography, videography, accommodation for guests, and miscellaneous costs. With a budget of 1 crore, one can splurge on luxurious venues, designer outfits, extravagant decor, and the best photographers and makeup artists.

Venue: Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 3,00,000 for 1000-1500 guests

When it comes to Indian weddings, families go above and beyond to make the celebration truly memorable. The union of two people is at the core of the occasion, but it also involves joining two families through prayer, celebration, and community.

The venue is an important aspect of any wedding, and for 1000-1500 guests, you're looking at a budget of Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 3,00,000. Here are some options to consider within this budget:

Udaipur

Udaipur, known for its majestic palaces and white city, offers a range of venues suitable for extravagant and budget-minded events.

• Aaram Mahal: Located near Lake Pichola, this venue offers hospitality, rooms, meals, and events within your budget.
• Aranya Vilas: Tucked away amidst lush greenery, this venue offers a serene and elegant setting. It has 20 rooms, with accommodation costs ranging from INR 4000 to 6000, and meals costing between INR 12000 and 30000.
• Tatsaraasa Resort and Spa: This unique venue offers the latest facilities, including outdoor pools and spas. It has 92 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 8000 to 10000 per night, and meals costing between INR 1600 and 2800.
• Bamboo Saa Resort and Spa: With a dedicated team, this venue provides unmatched hospitality and service. It has 71 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 6000 to 8000, and meals costing between INR 1200 and 2500.
• Valley View Resort: Set against a tranquil cityscape, this resort combines culture, heritage, and simplistic architecture. It has 72 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 5000 to 7000, and meals costing between INR 1000 and 1800.
• Ramee Royal Resort and Spa: Overlooking the Aravalli mountains, this venue emanates rich culture and heritage. It offers rooms from INR 4000 to 7000, meals from INR 1000 to 2200, and decor from INR 6 lakhs to 15 lakhs.
• Jeevan Tara Resort: With a serene ambiance and unparalleled hospitality, this venue has been a favourite for many celebrations. It offers 34 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 5000 to 7000, meals from INR 1400 to 2500, and decor from INR 6 lakhs to 14 lakhs.
• Season Park Resort: Located about 9km from the Udaipur railway station, this resort offers a convenient and accessible location. It has an outdoor lawn, a poolside area, and indoor halls. It provides 39 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 4000 to 6000, meals from INR 1200 to 2200, and decor from INR 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
• King's Abode: Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, this resort offers serenity, lush greens, and lazy evenings. It has 24 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 6000 to 8000, meals from INR 1400 to 2700, and decor from INR 7 lakhs to 15 lakhs.
• Inder Residency: This elegant venue is sprawled across 3.75 lakh sq. ft. of area, with easy access to the airport and railway station. It has 125 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 5500 to 8000, meals from INR 1100 to 2400, and decor from INR 6 lakhs to 15 lakhs.

Goa

Goa is a sought-after destination for couples seeking a serene environment mixed with wildness for their beach wedding.

Bogmallo Beach Resort: Located close to the Arabian Sea, this venue offers beautiful sunset backdrops and banquet arrangements. It has 150 rooms, accommodating up to 400 guests.

Shimla

Shimla is a beloved snow destination and a budget-friendly option for a destination wedding, with packages ranging from 50 lakhs to 1 crore. It is also close to Manali, a popular honeymoon spot.

Jaipur

Jaipur offers a magical atmosphere with vibrant culture.

• Chomu Palace: This grand palace captures the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, blending modernity and ancient heritage. It has 70 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 7000 to 12000, meals from INR 15000 to 30000, and decor from INR 7 lakhs to 22 lakhs.
• Rajbagh Palace: Conveniently located near major tourist destinations, this venue offers a grand and royal setting. It has 56 rooms, with costs ranging from INR 5500 to 9000, meals from INR 1500 to 2500, and decor from INR 7 lakhs to 22 lakhs.

These venues offer a range of options to suit your preferences and budget. With careful planning and the right choices, you can certainly have a memorable Indian wedding within your budget of 1 crore.

Decoration: Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 30,00,000

Decoration is a crucial aspect of any Indian wedding, with flowers, lighting, and colour schemes all playing a part in creating a beautiful and memorable setting.

If you are working with a budget of Rs 1,50,000, there are many ways to create a stunning visual impact without breaking the bank. Flowers are a traditional and popular choice for Indian weddings, with marigolds, roses, jasmine, and sunflowers providing colour and beauty. Using locally sourced flowers is a great way to save money and support local businesses. You can create flower walls, arches, garlands, and centrepieces to add a touch of elegance to your venue.

DIY decor is another fantastic way to stay within your budget. Get creative with fairy lights, paper lanterns, streamers, and origami to craft unique decor pieces. You can even make your own centrepieces using mason jars, old wine bottles, or fruit for a rustic feel.

Minimalism is also an option, where simple decor pieces like candles, fairy lights, and ribbons can create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Choose a colour scheme and stick to it to create a cohesive look throughout the venue.

If you have a larger budget of Rs 30,00,000, you can consider more extravagant options while still being mindful of your spending. Here are some ideas:

• Choose a venue with a breathtaking backdrop, such as a palace or a beach, that will enhance your decor and create a fairy-tale-like setting.
• Opt for a destination wedding, which can often be more affordable than booking a traditional wedding hall.
• Look into wedding packages offered by resorts and hotels, which can include accommodation, meals, decor, and entertainment within your budget.
• Consider renting out outfits for the wedding party to save money and still achieve a designer look.
• Invest in a professional wedding planner to help you make the most of your budget and create a stress-free experience.
• Prioritize your spending by focusing on dressings, ornaments, photography, and return gifts.

With careful planning and creativity, you can definitely have a good Indian wedding with a budget of 1 crore, including stunning decorations that will leave a lasting impression.

Catering: Rs 600-1,000 per plate

Catering is a crucial aspect of any Indian wedding, with guests being considered equivalent to God, and as such, they should never go home without eating. The food served at your wedding will leave a lasting impression on your guests, so it is important to choose a caterer that suits your budget and requirements.

When it comes to catering costs, the price per plate can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the event, the reputation of the caterer, the number of staff required, the number of guests, and the food menu. For example, vegetarian options tend to be cheaper than non-vegetarian options. It is also worth noting that catering can take up to 20% of your total wedding budget, so it is essential to plan and estimate costs in advance.

For a per-plate price ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000, you can expect a range of options and services. At the lower end of this price range, you may find caterers charging Rs 600-800 per plate, offering a more economical option. This price range can provide you with delicious and well-presented food, served by a professional and well-groomed staff. You will likely have options for customising your menu, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices available.

As you move towards the higher end of the price range, with caterers charging Rs 800-1,000 per plate, you can expect more elaborate spreads and additional services. This price range often includes established caterers with extensive experience in the industry. You can expect a wide variety of food items, multiple food stalls, and impeccable service. These caterers may also offer specialised services such as live cooking stations, customised presentations, and premium meat options like shrimp and fish.

When choosing a caterer, it is essential to discuss all the details, including the menu, the number of guests, the number of stalls, and any additional services you may require. It is also important to ask about any hidden costs, such as overhead charges, labour costs, linens, and cutlery, to ensure that you stay within your budget.

By planning carefully and selecting a caterer that suits your needs and budget, you can create a memorable dining experience for your guests, leaving them with a positive impression of your wedding.

Bridal attire and makeup: Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 18,00,000

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet challenging task, especially when it comes to budgeting for various aspects of the celebration. In the context of a budget of 1 crore for an Indian wedding, allocating a significant portion of the funds for the bridal attire and makeup can result in a luxurious and memorable experience for the bride. Here is a detailed breakdown of how you can achieve this within the specified budget range of Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 18,00,000:

Bridal Attire:

The cost of bridal wear in India can vary depending on several factors, including the type of outfit, the place of purchase, and the designer label. Here are some estimates to consider:

• Chandni Chowk: For pocket-friendly options, Chandni Chowk offers lehengas ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 80,000.
• Upscale Markets: Showrooms in upscale markets typically have bridal wear ranging from INR 60,000 to INR 1.5 lakh.
• Designer Labels: Popular designer labels like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Anita Dongre have lehengas priced upwards of INR 2.5 lakh.
• Other Options: For pre-wedding and post-wedding functions, you can explore sarees, long waist belt dresses, long gowns and maxis, or lehenga cholis within a range of INR 5,000 to INR 20,000.

Bridal Makeup:

The cost of bridal makeup can vary based on factors such as the city, the type of makeup, and the experience and reputation of the makeup artist. Here are some estimates for your reference:

• Parlor Makeup Artist: A parlor makeup artist with no certification may charge around INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 in a metro city. However, they may lack experience and not provide the desired level of finishing.
• Custom Makeup Artist: For a custom makeup artist, the price range can be INR 8,000 to INR 20,000, depending on their experience. An artist with more than two years of experience will likely provide a better finish and handle pressure more gracefully.
• Celebrity Makeup Artist: Engaging a celebrity makeup artist can cost upwards of INR 20,000, but their output may not differ significantly from an experienced certified makeup artist.

Additional Considerations:

When planning your budget, keep in mind that bridal attire and makeup are just one aspect of the overall wedding expenses. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Wedding Jewellery: Matching bridal jewellery can enhance the overall look. Remember to allocate a portion of your budget for jewellery, as it can be a significant expense.
• Comfort and Fit: Ensure that you prioritize comfort when selecting your bridal wear. A comfortable outfit will help you stay relaxed and glow on your special day.
• Timing: Start shopping for your bridal wear at least two months in advance to allow time for fittings and tailoring, especially for the blouse or choli.
• Personalization: Remember that your bridal choices should reflect your personality and style. Don't feel pressured to follow every tradition or trend; instead, make selections that align with your tastes and preferences.

Photography: Rs 50,000 per day

Photography is an essential part of any wedding, capturing the magic of the day to be cherished for years to come. With a budget of Rs 50,000 per day, you can hire a professional photographer to artistically document your special day.

Professional wedding photographers in India typically charge Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000 for a 6-hour session. This rate ensures you receive high-quality images, as experienced photographers will capture numerous shots to seize the right moments and undergo a thorough editing process to deliver the final product.

When selecting a photographer, it is essential to consider their skill level and the type of event they specialise in shooting. Top professionals with extensive portfolios, strong skills, and years of experience will likely charge higher rates. Additionally, the location of your wedding can impact the cost, as travel fees may apply if the photographer needs to travel outside their local area.

To make the most of your budget, discuss your specific requirements with the photographer. They can provide quotes and suggest themes based on your needs. You can also inquire about packages, which often include a set number of hours, digital images, prints, and albums.

By allocating Rs 50,000 per day for photography, you can ensure that your Indian wedding is beautifully and professionally captured, creating lasting memories that you can treasure forever.

Frequently asked questions