Planning a destination wedding in India is an exciting journey, but managing the budget can be challenging. From selecting the perfect venue to booking vendors and accommodating guests, costs can quickly add up.
In this blog, we’ll provide expert budget planning tips and a detailed cost breakdown to help you plan a stunning yet affordable destination wedding in India.
India is home to breathtaking wedding destinations, from the regal palaces of Rajasthan to the serene beaches of Goa. With these unique options, couples can tailor their celebration to their dream vision. However, knowing how to budget your destination wedding costs is essential for ensuring your wedding is memorable without overspending.
The location of your wedding significantly impacts your overall expenses. Whether it’s a royal palace wedding in Udaipur or a beachside ceremony in Goa, each destination comes with its own pricing structure.
Udaipur (Royal Weddings): ₹30 lakhs to ₹1 crore+
Goa (Beach Weddings): ₹10 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs+
Jaipur (Heritage Weddings): ₹20 lakhs to ₹80 lakhs+
Kerala (Backwater Weddings): ₹10 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs+
Expert Tip: Check for accessibility and additional travel costs for your guests, as remote locations can drive up the overall cost of a destination wedding.
Having a clear guest list early on helps you manage your destination wedding budget more effectively. With destination weddings, guest lists are often smaller, which allows you to save on accommodation and food costs.
Average Guest Count for Indian Destination Weddings: 100-200.
Expert Tip: The smaller the guest list, the more you can invest in the venue, decor, or entertainment while staying within your budget.
The venue will likely be one of the largest expenses. Prices vary significantly depending on the location, so choose a venue that aligns with your vision and budget.
Udaipur Palaces & Forts: ₹30 lakhs to ₹1 crore+
Goa Beach Resorts: ₹10 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs+
Jaipur Heritage Hotels: ₹20 lakhs to ₹80 lakhs+
Kerala Resorts: ₹10 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs+
Expert Tip: Always request a detailed breakdown, including venue rental fees, taxes, and hidden costs. Many venues offer discounts for off-season weddings.
Catering is an integral part of any Indian wedding, and destination weddings offer unique opportunities for regional cuisine. However, it's important to keep the catering budget under control.
Per Plate Costs: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the destination and style (buffet vs. plated dinner).
Expert Tip: Opt for live food counters or speciality regional dishes to impress guests. For smaller events like the Mehendi or Haldi, choose simpler menus to save costs.
Accommodation and guest travel will take up a significant portion of your destination wedding budget. Many venues offer bridal suites and guest rooms in their packages but make sure to budget for additional rooms.
Room Costs: ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 per night. Flight Costs: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per guest for domestic flights.
Expert Tip: Book early for group discounts and special offers on flights and hotels. Look for deals at nearby hotels to save on guest accommodation.
Destination weddings often benefit from the natural beauty of the location, but you’ll still need to budget for wedding decor, including flowers, lighting, and themes.
Decor Costs: ₹5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs.
Expert Tip: Choose a venue that aligns with your wedding theme, whether beachy or regal, to minimize decor expenses.
Entertainment plays a major role in Indian weddings. For destination weddings, local cultural performances can add a unique touch while staying within budget.
DJ/Band Costs: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs. Cultural Performances: ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs.
Expert Tip: Hiring local entertainers can reduce travel costs and add an authentic regional vibe to your wedding.
Capturing every special moment is crucial. For a destination wedding, factor in the photographer’s and videographer’s travel and accommodation expenses.
Photography & Videography Costs: ₹2 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.
Expert Tip: Hire local photographers who are experienced with the location, or negotiate packages that include travel and accommodation.
For a 2-3 day destination wedding in India, the total cost can range from ₹30 lakhs to ₹1.5 crores. Here’s how the costs break down: Category Estimated Cost Range (INR) Venue ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore Catering (per plate) ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 Accommodation (per night) ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 Decor ₹5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs Photography & Videography ₹2 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs Entertainment ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs Miscellaneous ₹5 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs
| Category| Estimated Cost Range (INR)| | --- | --- | | Venue| ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore| | Data | Data | | Data | Data | | Data | Data |
Prioritize Key Elements: Focus on what’s most important, like venue, food, or decor. Negotiate with Vendors: Vendors are often flexible on pricing, especially for off-season weddings.
Use a Budget Tracker: Keep a detailed spreadsheet of expenses to stay on track.
By following these expert budget-saving tips and understanding the total cost breakdown, you can plan a beautiful destination wedding in India without breaking the bank.
