Luxury weddings in India are a dream for many, but they come with a hefty price tag. Drawing inspiration from Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s grand nuptials at the luxurious Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, let’s break down what it takes to plan a lavish wedding in India. We’ll also compare costs with other iconic wedding venues like the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, highlighting every expense to help you understand the intricacies of luxury wedding planning.

1. Venue Costs

Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer

Kiara and Sidharth chose the majestic Suryagarh Palace for their wedding, a venue known for its royal ambiance and exceptional services. Here’s what the costs look like:

  • Room Rates:
    • Basic rooms: ₹20,000 – ₹65,000 per night.
    • Suites: Can go up to ₹1,00,000+ per night.
  • Total Estimate:
    • For a guest list of approximately 100-125 people with all rooms booked, accommodation alone costs ₹2-3 crore for a 3-day event.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Another favorite for luxury weddings is the Taj Lake Palace, offering an ethereal experience with its location on Lake Pichola.

  • Room Rates:
    • Rooms: ₹45,000 to ₹6,00,000 per night.
    • Total accommodation for 80 rooms: ₹1 crore for 2 days.
  • Venue Fee:
    • No separate venue charge if the entire property is booked.

2. Catering Costs

Suryagarh Palace

The cost of catering at Suryagarh includes a lavish mix of Rajasthani cuisine and international dishes.

  • Cost per plate: ₹5,000-₹8,000 per meal.
  • Total Catering Costs:
    • For three meals over three days for 125 guests: ₹1.5-2 crore.

Taj Lake Palace

The catering charges at Taj Lake Palace are slightly higher due to the inclusion of premium cuisines.

  • Meal Costs:
    • Lunch: ₹9,500 + 18% taxes.
    • Dinner: ₹12,500 + 18% taxes.
    • Beverages: ₹1,000-₹1,250 + taxes per meal.
  • Total Estimate: ₹1-1.5 crore for 160 guests over 2 days.

3. Wedding Décor

Decor is where personalization shines. From mandap setups to cocktail night lighting, the expenses can vary greatly.

Suryagarh Palace

  • Decor costs for Kiara and Sidharth’s wedding included floral arrangements, tenting, and thematic designs.
  • Cost Range: ₹30-50 lakh.

Taj Lake Palace

  • Traditional and modern decor elements, including floral setups and furniture.
  • Cost Range: ₹15-40 lakh depending on customization.

4. Makeup and Mehendi Costs

Makeup

  • For the Bride: ₹10,000-₹25,000 per session.
  • For Guests: Makeup artists may charge ₹5,000-₹10,000 per session.

Mehendi

  • Bridal Mehendi: ₹5,000-₹10,000.
  • Guest Mehendi Artists: ₹2,500 for 3 hours.

5. Entertainment Costs

DJ and Sound

  • Suryagarh Estimate: Professional DJs and sound systems cost ₹5,00,000-₹10,00,000 for multiple functions.
  • Taj Lake Palace Estimate: Similar costs, ranging from ₹5,00,000-₹10,00,000.

Folk Artists

  • Hiring Rajasthani folk artists enhances the cultural vibe.
  • Cost: ₹15,000-₹25,000 for a group of 5-7 performers.

6. Photography and Videography

Suryagarh Palace

  • Professional photographers and cinematographers create lasting memories.
  • Cost Range: ₹20-40 lakh.

Taj Lake Palace

  • Similar pricing, with packages between ₹3,00,000-₹6,00,000 for 2-3 days.

7. Logistics and Transportation

Guest Transfers

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop: ₹1,800 per trip.
  • Full-day Rentals: ₹4,000 for 12 hours per vehicle.
  • Total Costs: ₹10-15 lakh for large-scale coordination.

8. Band Baja Costs

To make their wedding truly unforgettable, Kiara and Sidharth also incorporated a professional band baja company into their baraat festivities. A high-end company can charge ₹4-₹5 lakhs for a grand baraat package.

Their package included:

  • Vibrant lights to set the mood.
  • Energetic dhols to keep the guests dancing.
  • A regal buggy for the groom’s grand entrance.
  • A traditional band for authentic tunes.
  • A majestic ghori to complete the baraat’s royal feel.

This attention to detail brought a spectacular vibe to the event, showcasing the perfect blend of tradition and opulence.

9. Miscellaneous Costs

  • Gifts for Guests: Personalized wedding favors can cost ₹5-10 lakh.
  • Permits: Venues like Taj Lake Palace may require permissions for decor and furniture movement.
  • Contingency Budget: Always set aside ₹20-30 lakh for unexpected expenses.

Grand Total: A Luxury Affair
The estimated cost of Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s opulent wedding, hosted at the regal Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, ranges between ₹4.1 crore and ₹6 crore. This comprehensive budget reflects every aspect of a grand celebration, from world-class venues and exquisite catering to stunning décor, professional photography, and unforgettable entertainment.

This level of investment showcases how meticulous planning and attention to detail can transform a wedding into a truly magical experience.

Challenges and Restrictions

Suryagarh Palace

  • Expansive but requires meticulous planning for guest logistics and vendor management.

Taj Lake Palace

  • Booking the entire venue is mandatory (80 rooms).
  • Furniture movement is restricted, and permits are needed for decor adjustments.

Adding More Insights

Luxury weddings, such as Kiara and Sidharth’s, require more than just finances; they demand detailed planning and collaboration with experts. Below are additional areas to consider:

Special Performances and Entertainment

Incorporating Bollywood performances, celebrity appearances, or international artists can elevate your event. Such additions can cost anywhere from ₹10-50 lakh depending on the star power.

Customized Invitations

High-end invitations with intricate designs, luxury materials, and digital elements can range between ₹2,000-₹5,000 per card, costing ₹2-5 lakh for 250 guests.

Specialty Catering

Adding bespoke bars, live food counters, and international chefs can enhance the dining experience. This can add ₹10-20 lakh to catering expenses.

Wedding Planner Fees

Professional planners simplify logistics, especially for multi-day events. Planner fees range from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, depending on the scale and complexity.

Conclusion

Luxury weddings in India, like Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s stunning celebration, reflect a perfect blend of culture, opulence, and meticulous planning. While venues like Suryagarh Palace and Taj Lake Palace offer breathtaking settings, understanding the costs involved ensures that your dream wedding is both magical and well-planned. From venue bookings and decor to entertainment and logistics, every detail contributes to creating unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a grand celebration, these insights will guide you in making informed decisions for your luxury wedding in India.