Planning a Dream Wedding in India on a Budget of 10 Lakhs

Weddings in India are known for their grandeur and celebration, but they can also be expensive. Many couples worry that a beautiful wedding means spending a fortune. The good news is, you can plan a memorable and elegant wedding within a budget of 10 lakhs. With smart choices and careful planning, your dream wedding can come true without breaking the bank.

This guide will help you understand how to allocate your budget wisely, choose the right vendors, and create a joyful experience for you and your guests.

सुंदर और बजट में शादी मंडप सजावट

Set Priorities for Your Wedding

Start by deciding what matters most to you and your partner. Is it the venue, the food, the outfits, or the photography? Knowing your priorities helps you spend money where it counts and save on less important areas.

• Venue: A beautiful location can set the tone for the entire event.

• Food: Guests often remember the quality of food.

• Outfits: Traditional attire is important but can be rented or bought smartly.

• Photography: Capturing memories is essential but doesn’t have to be costly.

  
  

Make a list of your top three priorities and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those.

Choose the Right Venue

Venue costs can take a big chunk of your budget. To save money:

• Look for community halls, banquet halls, or gardens that offer reasonable rates.

• Consider hosting the wedding and reception at the same place to reduce transportation and decoration costs.

• Book your venue during off-peak seasons or weekdays for discounts.

• Negotiate with the venue for package deals that include catering or decoration.

  
  

For example, a well-maintained community hall in a city like Jaipur or Pune can cost between ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs for a day, including basic amenities.

Manage Catering Costs Smartly

Food is a major expense but also a highlight of any Indian wedding. Here’s how to keep it affordable:

• Choose a limited menu with popular dishes rather than an extensive buffet.

• Opt for local and seasonal ingredients to reduce costs.

• Serve vegetarian food, which is generally cheaper than non-vegetarian options.

• Limit the number of courses to two or three.

• Hire a caterer who offers customizable packages within your budget.

  
  

For example, serving a simple thali with dal, rice, roti, vegetable curry, and dessert can cost around ₹300-₹400 per plate in many cities.

Decoration on a Budget

Wedding decoration can be stunning without being expensive. Use these tips:

• Use fresh flowers that are in season and locally available.

• Incorporate traditional elements like marigold garlands and banana leaves.

• Use fairy lights and diyas for a warm, festive look.

• DIY some decorations with help from family and friends.

• Rent decorative items instead of buying new ones.

  
  

A simple mandap decorated with marigold flowers and lights can cost around ₹50,000 to ₹70,000, depending on the scale.

Wedding Outfits and Jewelry

Wedding attire is important but can be managed within budget:

• Rent bridal and groom outfits instead of buying new ones.

• Buy outfits during sales or from local markets.

• Choose lightweight jewelry or artificial jewelry that looks elegant.

• Borrow family heirlooms or jewelry from relatives.

• Limit the number of outfit changes to reduce costs.

  
  

For example, renting a bridal lehenga can cost between ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, which is much cheaper than buying.

Photography and Videography

Capturing your wedding memories is essential but does not need to be expensive:

• Hire photographers who offer packages within your budget.

• Choose candid photography over elaborate setups.

• Limit the number of hours to the main events only.

• Ask friends or family to help with some photos.

• Use a mix of professional and smartphone photography.

  
  

A good photographer in cities like Delhi or Mumbai may charge around ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 for a day.

Invitations and Gifts

Invitations and return gifts can add up quickly. Save money by:

• Sending digital invitations via WhatsApp or email.

• Printing simple cards instead of elaborate designs.

• Choosing useful and affordable return gifts like sweets or small handicrafts.

• Buying gifts in bulk for discounts.

  
  

Digital invitations can save you ₹20,000 or more compared to printed cards.

Entertainment and Music

Music and entertainment keep the energy alive during the wedding:

• Hire a DJ instead of a live band to reduce costs.

• Use playlists and speakers for some parts of the event.

• Invite talented friends or family members to perform.

• Limit entertainment to key moments like the sangeet or reception.

  
  

A DJ can cost between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the city and duration.

Transportation and Accommodation

If your wedding involves guests from out of town:

• Arrange group transportation to save on costs.

• Book budget hotels or guesthouses for accommodation.

• Negotiate group discounts with hotels.

• Provide clear directions and schedules to avoid confusion.

  
  

Transportation and accommodation can be managed within ₹1 lakh if planned carefully.

Final Budget Breakdown Example

| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (₹) |

|-----------------------|---------------------|

| Venue | 2,50,000 |

| Catering | 3,00,000 |

| Decoration | 60,000 |

| Outfits & Jewelry | 1,00,000 |

| Photography | 70,000 |

| Invitations & Gifts | 30,000 |

| Entertainment | 25,000 |

| Transportation & Stay | 65,000 |

| Total | 9,00,000 |

This leaves some buffer for unexpected expenses.

Planning a wedding within 10 lakhs in India is possible with clear priorities and smart choices. Focus on what matters most to you, negotiate well, and use local resources. Your wedding can be beautiful, joyful, and memorable without overspending. Start early, plan carefully, and enjoy your special day with your loved ones.