Wedding Planning on a Budget: Making ₹15 Lakhs Work for Your Big Day

Wedding planning (and especially wedding planning within a budget) is an extreme sport.

Did you know that an average Indian is likely to spend over a fifth of their lifetime’s earnings on a wedding? They can cost anywhere between ₹5 lakh and ₹5 crore.

Therefore, while it may sound like a wedding might come with a hefty price tag, it does not necessarily have to break the bank if you want to have a dreamy wedding! From picking the right venue to finding the perfect attire and delicious catering, every detail can be planned to maximise your wedding budget.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process and share tips and tricks for creating a beautiful, memorable wedding without going over your budget. 

Allocating a Budget

Before diving into the specifics of wedding planning, it's crucial to set a clear budget. ₹15 lakhs might seem challenging, but it’s more than feasible with the right approach. Start by categorising your expenses into key areas: venue, catering, outfits, decor, invitations, and a contingency fund. This will help you stay organised and ensure no aspect is overlooked while planning a wedding.

Setting the Budget

To help you allocate funds efficiently and ensure you cover all essential areas without overspending, try setting your wedding budget by breaking it down into percentages. You can rank the different aspects of the event in terms of importance as per your preference and assign percentages to these aspects accordingly. As everyone has different priorities, the budget allocation for the venue, for instance, may be the highest for one person and perhaps second or third in allocation for someone else.

Venue Selection

Who doesn’t want a dreamy background in pictures that will bring up fond memories of the day for the rest of your life? However, just because you aren’t planning a wedding in a foreign country, does not mean you have to miss out on any of those romantic locations!

The venue is one of the most significant expenses. Generally, venues get allocated 25% to 30% of the budget but this is not a hard and fast rule. Depending on your budget and preferences, consider options such as community halls (which are budget-friendly and often come with basic amenities), small resorts (which have beautiful settings and offer package deals), or even a picturesque outdoor location (such as gardens or beaches). 

Many venues offer package deals that include decor and basic amenities, which can help you save. You can check out venues for a destination wedding under 5 lakhs in India, which can help you in this search. Alternatively, you can also opt for off-season dates or weekdays for better rates and availability.

Catering

Next, let's talk about the food.

We all know that food is a cornerstone of any Indian shaadi with most people allocating 25% to 30% of their budget to it. But as per your preference, you can either choose to splurge for a reputable caterer who can offer a diverse menu or opt for small brands that are up-and-coming and looking for exposure.

Additionally, opting for buffets can be more economical than plated dinners and just as enjoyable. Plus, you can choose quality over quantity and opt for a lesser variety of dishes, which can help you save money while wedding planning in a budget.

Bride and Groom Outfits

Now, coming to your outfits. On your special day, it's only normal to want to feel like you’re the lead of the rom-com movie that your life is.

So, compromising on the quality of outfits for your big day because you are wedding planning in a budget?



A big no!

While you can allocate around 15% to 20% of your budget here, you can still look stunning without overspending. No matter your budget, it is not difficult to find an outfit that is royal and elegant when you have access to the correct brands. One such example is Mohey, where you can find the best lehengas for your big day and other outfits like sarees or indo-western fits for your other events, depending on your vibe! 

For all the groomsmen, you can always rely on Manyavar for access to exquisite Sherwanis, fine Indo-Westerns, Royal Bandhgalas, matching accessories, etc.

Decor & Flowers

Having set the significant expenses out of the way, now we come to decor. Decor totally sets the tone for your marriage and it can help any venue look magical! So, if you are not able to score a decent venue, adding a touch of magical decor can totally help you set up a dreamy wedding location! 

Consider getting creative with DIY projects—a great way to bond with your partner as you both plan and decide on beautifying the venue! You can also consider minimalistic yet elegant themes that require fewer flowers and props, and focus on key areas such as the stage, entrance, and dining tables. Simple yet elegant arrangements can make a significant impact without overspending.

Invitations

Wedding invitations are your guests’ first glimpse into your wedding. You should be able to create memorable invites even when wedding planning in a budget. Further, you can turn this into a DIY project, too, which will help you add a lovely personal touch to your invites, and help you save. Alternatively, digital invites are cost-effective, not to mention environmentally friendly! So, if you want an area to cut costs, this is it!

Setting Aside for a Rainy Day

You can plan all you want, but the best things in life always happen unexpectedly, right? Some of those can be unexpected expenses, in case of which, it’s wise to have a contingency fund. Whether it’s last-minute changes, additional guests, or any other unforeseen costs, having this buffer can save you from financial stress.

Conclusion

The day you are to be married is one of the most important days of your life. By planning wisely and making informed choices, you can create a memorable day even within ₹15 lakhs. The key is to focus on what matters most to you and your partner and remember that the essence of the day lies in the moments you will share with your loved ones.

Be it venues, outfits, decor, or anything else—the key is to choose the most cost-effective option which does not compromise on quality.

Ensure you have stunning outfits that fit your budget — explore Manyavar and Mohey to find the perfect attire!