Planning a wedding in India involves a multitude of expenses that can vary widely based on several factors such as regional traditions, family financial status, the number of guests, and personal preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the typical costs associated with a wedding in India from both the bride’s and groom’s perspectives.

Bride’s Family Expenses

1. Jewellery: 5-15 Lakh INR

Jewellery is a significant part of Indian weddings, especially for the bride. This expense includes gold and diamond jewelry which is traditionally given to the bride and is often considered an essential part of the dowry.

2. Wedding Hall/Venue: 2-5 Lakh INR

The cost for renting a venue for the wedding ceremony can vary based on the location and amenities provided. A lavish venue in a metropolitan area will cost significantly more than a simpler venue in a smaller town.

3. Catering/Food: 8-15 Lakh INR

Food is a major expense, as Indian weddings typically include multiple meals over several days, featuring an array of traditional dishes. The catering cost depends on the number of guests and the menu selected.

4. Sarees and Clothing: 1-3 Lakh INR

This includes the bridal saree and additional sarees and outfits for various pre-wedding and post-wedding functions. The bride typically wears different outfits for different ceremonies.

5. Makeup and Beauty Services: 1-2 Lakh INR

Professional makeup artists, hairstylists, and other beauty services are employed to ensure the bride looks her best on her special day. This also includes pre-wedding beauty treatments.

6. Decoration: 2-6 Lakh INR

Decorations include floral arrangements, lighting, and thematic decor for the wedding venue. The cost varies depending on the complexity and scale of the decorations.

7. Photography and Videography: 2-5 Lakh INR

Capturing the wedding through professional photography and videography is crucial for most families. This expense ensures high-quality documentation of the event.

8. Invitation Cards: 50,000 – 1 Lakh INR

Designing, printing, and distributing wedding invitations is an important part of the wedding preparations. The cost varies based on the design complexity and the number of invitations.

9. Priest and Ritual Expenses: 50,000 – 1 Lakh INR

Fees for the priest conducting the wedding and other ritual-related expenses are necessary for performing traditional wedding ceremonies.

10. Transport: 50,000 – 1 Lakh INR

This includes transportation for the bride’s family and guests, such as hiring cars or buses.

11. Miscellaneous Expenses: 1-2 Lakh INR

This category covers additional costs such as mehendi (henna) artists, music and entertainment, and other small but necessary expenses.

Total for Bride’s Family: 23-46 Lakh INR

Groom’s Family Expenses

1. Clothing: 50,000 – 1 Lakh INR

This includes the groom’s attire and gifts for guests, often in the form of traditional clothing items.

2. Reception: 6-10 Lakh INR

The reception, which often takes place after the wedding ceremony, includes expenses for the venue, food, and decorations.

3. Accommodation for Guests: 2-5 Lakh INR

If the groom’s family is hosting guests from out of town, this expense covers hotel accommodations or other lodging arrangements.

4. Invitation Cards: 25,000 – 50,000 INR

Printing and distributing invitations for the reception or any other events hosted by the groom’s family.

5. Transport: 50,000 – 1 Lakh INR

Transportation for the groom’s family and guests, including hired cars and buses.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses: 1-2 Lakh INR

Additional costs such as gifts, small ceremonies, and entertainment.

Total for Groom’s Family: 10-20 Lakh INR

Additional Considerations

  • Pre-Wedding Functions: Engagement, mehendi, sangeet, and other cultural events can add another 5-10 Lakh INR to the overall cost.
  • Post-Wedding Functions: Expenses for additional celebrations hosted by either family.
  • Honeymoon: The cost of the honeymoon can range from 2-10 Lakh INR, depending on the destination.

Grand Total

The overall cost for a wedding in India, including all the above expenses, can range from 35-76 Lakh INR or more, depending on the scale and luxury involved.

Why Are Weddings in India So Expensive?

  • Cultural Significance: Weddings are considered highly significant cultural events, involving numerous rituals and traditions over several days.
  • Guest List Size: Indian weddings typically have large guest lists, often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand people.
  • Lavish Celebrations: There is a cultural expectation to host grand and opulent celebrations to showcase family status and hospitality.
  • Gold and Jewelry: Jewelry plays a crucial role, symbolizing wealth and often given as dowry or gifts.
  • Multiple Events: Indian weddings involve a series of functions including engagement, mehendi, sangeet, the wedding ceremony, and the reception, each with its own set of expenses.

How Do These Costs Add Up?

By breaking down these expenses into categories, we can see how the total cost accumulates. The numerous events, large guest lists, and cultural emphasis on lavish celebrations contribute significantly to the overall expense. This detailed understanding helps in planning and managing the budget effectively for a memorable and culturally rich wedding.