How to plan your wedding on a budget: 5 handy tips for smart spending

When Delhi-based Sandeep Gupta, 28, and Manali Pandey, 27, got married last December, they had budgeted wedding expenses for up to Rs 10 lakh. Despite meticulous planning, which went on for nine months, they overshot their budget and expenses came to around Rs 11.5 lakh.

The sounds of the clarinet (shehnai) — a folk instrument elevated to classical music — can be heard from a distance, as the Hindu wedding season approaches. Weddings have become a big business.

The wedding season kicks off on November 12, 2024. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has projected that there will be a staggering 48 lakh weddings across the country this November and December. CAIT estimates these weddings are expected to generate Rs 6 lakh crore in business.

Weddings cost big money. And it’s just as easy to cross your budget because not only does the celebrations last for several days, we emotionally tend to overspend, because of that innate feeling: ‘hey! We’re-only-going-to-get-married-once’.

And, just like Gupta and Pandey did a mid-course correction to bring down their expenses yet went beyond their initial budget estimates, it’s important for couples and families to keep their spending in check. Here’s how you should do it.

Estimate expenses that make up the bulk of a wedding budget

Venue and catering top a wedding’s expense list. “Allocate up to 50 percent of your budget under these heads, as they cover the location, food, beverages, and, at times, even décor,” says Manya Singh, Co-Founder, Weddingplz.com, a wedding vendor search portal. Then there are expenses for attire, entertainment and photography to budget (see graphic).

“The couples should first set their entire budget, and then allocate funds strategically,” says Trivesh D, chief operating officer at Tradejini, an online stock trading platform.

Common budgeting pitfalls to avoid

Gupta admits the couple made budgeting mistakes initially. “We ended up spending excessively on decorations, compromising on other essential areas. We didn’t do research or compare prices for services from multiple vendors before finalising them,” he says.

Many couples exhaust their budget in venue, catering and decorations without leaving enough flexibility for other elements. “Couple are known to spend up to 70 per cent for these expenses and leave little or no room for entertainment, photography, travelling or accommodation for their outstation guests,” says Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder & Managing Director (MD), FNP Weddings. It’s important to set priorities, identify early on what matters most—an unforgettable venue, stunning decor, or a gourmet menu—and allocate your budget accordingly, he adds.

And then, there are taxes and service charges that inflate your bills, almost invisibly. “Get detailed quotes from vendors that clearly outline all potential charges,” says Gutgutia. Compare quotes from multiple vendors to avoid overpaying and ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment, he adds.

“If the budget exceeds limits, identify non-essential items where you can cut costs,” says Singh.  It is always suggested to keep up to 10 per cent of your entire budget as a contingency fund for last-minute changes or emergencies, like vendor cancellations or unexpected expenses, she adds.

Also read | Knot on a cruise: 45% of Indian couples ready to stretch budgets by up to 50% for destination weddings

Red flags to watch out while selecting vendors

A major red flag is when a vendor is vague or unclear about their pricing structure. “If a vendor is vague about pricing or hesitant to provide a written contract, that’s a red flag. Always insist on clear terms and conditions,” Singh cautioned. On the other hand, be cautious of vendors promising too much for too little. This is also a sign of hidden costs or subpar service, she adds.

Timely and professional communication is critical when planning a wedding. “If a vendor takes too long to respond to emails, avoids phone calls, or doesn’t follow through on promised information, it’s a sign that they may not be reliable when it matters most,” says Gutgutia. Aggressive upselling without consideration for your budget is a warning that a particular vendor may not be the best fit, he adds.

Always check reviews and testimonials from past clients. If a vendor has a history of poor reviews or inconsistent feedback, proceed with caution.

Also read | On their own terms: Millennials who foot their own wedding bills

Limit your guests

Here’s the tricky part. Try and avoid over-inviting guests. Every additional guest can significantly increase costs, especially when it comes to catering. According to FNP Weddings, the average catering cost per guest can range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000 at banquet halls. “The solution to overcome this hurdle is to create a guest list based on priority. Discuss it with family members and be firm about limiting the guest count to a manageable number,” says Akash Bachchan, Director, Wedding Sutras, a wedding planning firm. Prioritise close family and friends. Avoid inviting guests out of obligation from extended families.

Also read | How to accumulate gold for your children's wedding?

Track your spending regularly

Gupta and Pandey recognised their overspending around six months before their wedding date. They swiftly regrouped, re-evaluated their priorities, and made strategic adjustments to their wedding expenses. On a correction course, Gupta created a spreadsheet to track every transaction, used budgeting applications to monitor spending regularly and set up a separate bank account for wedding expenses.

“Overspending on a wedding can impact your financial goals, which include going on a honeymoon or buying a house, due to budget overruns,” says Gutgutia.

Tips to save on wedding costs

• Off-beat, off-season

“Creative ways to save on wedding costs include opting for weddings during off-peak seasons to enjoy potential discounts on venues and vendors. You can also consider a weekday wedding for savings on venues and other services,” says Anam Zubair, Director, Consumer Marketing at WeddingWire India.

• Negotiate

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with vendors to secure better deals.

• Do it yourself

You can also incorporate do-it-yourself (DIY) elements into your wedding to reduce costs on decorations. “Save on stationery and postage by opting for digital invitations,” says Bachchan. There are several online platforms that offer customised templates at a fraction of the cost of printed invites.

• Rent or buy?

“Instead of purchasing dresses and attire, or even jewellery, consider renting them. Some bridal shops rent wedding dresses and jewellery," says Bachchan.

• Choose venue with care

Incase planning for a destination wedding then prefer tier 2 or tier 3 cities. “Metro cities and popular tourist destinations tend to have higher venue costs compared to tier 2 or tier 3 towns,” says Zubair. You can also explore rural venues, where expenses can be substantially lower compared to cities, Trivesh adds.