How Much Does A Wedding Cost In India?
A wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, and it's natural to want to make it memorable by organising it lavishly. Knowing the importance of this occasion, your parents may have been saving for your wedding for several years. However, with rising inflation, the wedding ceremony cost has only increased over the past few years. In India, marriage expenses can quickly add up, covering everything from venue bookings to catering and attire. With rising wedding costs, a Personal Loan can provide the financial support needed to bring your dream wedding to life. Let’s discuss the average marriage cost in India and explore how a Personal Loan can help manage these expenses.
How Much Does a Middle-Class Indian Wedding Cost?
The entire wedding expenditures are determined by many things. The number of wedding guests, the wedding location, the amount spent on jewellery, and so on are only a few of them. It also depends on whether the bride and groom share the cost of staging the event or if it is solely carried by one party.
In case you are organising a light wedding, it will still cost you somewhere between Rs 15,00,000 and Rs 25,00,000. Whether you're planning an extravagant or a more intimate wedding, the average wedding cost in India ranges from Rs 15,00,000 to Rs 25,00,000.
How Much Does a Wedding Venue and Decorations Cost?
The selection of a wedding venue is the first step in the planning process. Before we go into the big fat destination weddings in Rajasthan's royal palaces, let's look at what most Indians choose.
You can plan to organise your wedding at open banquet lawns, hotels, or a farmhouse. These venues' wedding packages are vastly different from one another. For example, in a hotel, the banquet hall, basic lighting, and decoration expenses are included in the per plate cost at a wedding. And, you have to pay an extra amount for rooms, additional decoration, and other services.
If you reserve an open lawn or a farmhouse, the inclusions in the package are limited
Here's a table that gives you a rough sense of venue costs.
| Venue Type | Venue Expenses | Additional Venue-Related Charge |
| Hotels | Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,500 (per plate) *Guest size 500 to 1000 persons | Minimum Rs 1.5 Lakh |
| Banquet Lawns & Farmhouses | Starting from Rs 2,00,000 for Tier-II cities. | Minimum Rs 1.5 Lakh |
| Destination Wedding at Royal Palaces | Rs 75,00,000 to up to a few crores | Minimum Rs 20 Lakh |
Remember, these are approximate costs of weddings in India and can vary based on location and customisation.
What Percentage of Total Wedding Expenses was Spent on Apparel?
The term "wedding" does not only mean "seven pheras," as many other rituals and functions are there to consider. For example, the pre and post-wedding celebration comprise events such as a bachelorette party, ring ceremony, Haldi, reception, and a few more. And for each different function, the bride and groom require different dresses. Now, the answer to the above question is you have to spend somewhere around 10% to 20% of your entire wedding costs on apparel. Here's the break-up to help you understand this better
| Function | Groom | Bride |
| Ring ceremony | Starting from Rs 7,000 | Starting from Rs 10,000 |
| Wedding | Starting from Rs 12,000 | Starting from Rs 25,000 |
| Other event | Between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000 | Between Rs 30,000 and Rs 60,000 |
Apart from these, don't forget about the cost of dresses given as gifts.
Here are the approx. costs of a wedding in various categories
Apparel - Rs 28,500, Flowers - Rs 15,000, Photography - Rs 14,300, Wedding Cards - Rs 5,000, Rings - Rs 8,200, Ceremony - Rs 8,000, Music - Rs 11,000, Reception - Rs 96,000, Favours and Gifts - Rs 4,000.
To find the percentage of total wedding expenses spent on apparel:
Total wedding expenses = Rs (28,500 + 15,000 + 14,300 + 5,000 + 8,200 + 8,000 + 11,000 + 96,000 + 4,000) = Rs 200,000.
Expenses on apparel = Rs 28,500.
Percentage spent on apparel = (28,500 / 200,000) * 100 = 14.25%.
Hence, 14.25% of the total wedding expenses were spent on apparel.
Also Read: Complete Wedding Decor Checklist for Your Big Day
How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?
India is known for its delectable cuisine. And the food is something that Indians prioritise when it comes to planning a wedding. However, this cost on the Indian marriage expense list depends upon the number of guests and the package available with caterers and hoteliers. In general, caterers offer six different menu packages, three vegetarian and three non-vegetarian. The basic package starts at Rs 1,000 per plate. Apart from that, they also provide customisation options. For example, you will have to pay extra if you increase the number of starters or add some curries to the main course beyond your basic package.
How Much Does Wedding Jewellery Cost?
Presently, gold prices are trading at over Rs 77,130 per 10 grams. So, if you are not adding this cost to your simple Indian wedding budget, you are committing a mistake. A lightweight necklace weighing roughly 30 grams will set you back around Rs 2,50,000.
In addition, you also have to spend money on gold bangles, mangalsutra, nose rings, etc. The total cost of these will be between Rs 3,50,000 and Rs 6,00,000. Last but not least, engagement rings. The trend is for a diamond ring and a good quality IF diamond ring with decent weight costs around Rs 1,25,000.
How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost?
The concept of wedding photography has evolved. It is not limited to covering your big day. People are now looking to cover every pre-wedding ritual and a couple of pre wedding shoots
There is also a new concept called cinematography shoot. Therefore, when booking a photographer, you need to understand the inclusions of their photoshoot package. Check how many photographers they provide, whether the LED projectors are part of the package, and if they have drones or other high-tech systems to cover your wedding. Also, check the inclusion of the wedding album.
The wedding photography package in India starts at Rs 75,000.
Also Read: 13 Hidden Wedding Costs You May Forget To Budget
Miscellaneous Expenses
In addition to the major expenses listed above, there are other small expenses that individuals overlook. However, such costs have a substantial influence on their bank account. Here's the table highlighting the expenses to be included in the middle-class marriage budget in India.
| Nature of Expense | Amount |
| Transportation cost | Rs 65,000 to Rs 1,50,000 (AC bus) |
| DJ | Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Sweet | Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 |
| Others | Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,00,000 |
Regional Variations in Marriage Costs
Marriage costs in India vary depending on the region. Each region has its unique traditions, guest counts, and spending patterns, which affect the overall wedding expenses. Let's explore the cost differences in North and South Indian weddings.
North-Indian Weddings Cost
| Expense Type | Cost Range |
| Venue | Rs 2-8 Lakh |
| Catering (per plate) | Rs 500-1,500 |
| Decorations | Rs 2-6 Lakh |
| Bridal Attire | Rs 50,000-2 Lakh |
| Photography & Videography | Rs 1-4 Lakh |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Rs 50,000-2 Lakh |
South-Indian Wedding Cost
| Expense Type | Cost Range |
| Venue | Rs 1.5-5 Lakh |
| Catering (per plate) | Rs 300-1,200 |
| Decorations | Rs 1-4 Lakh |
| Bridal Attire | Rs 30,000-1.5 Lakh |
| Photography & Videography | Rs 1-3 Lakh |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Rs 30,000-1 Lakh |
How to Plan the Middle-Class Marriage Budget in India?
By now, you should have a clear idea of the average cost of a wedding in India. If you plan to cover the entire wedding with your savings, you may risk depleting your funds. The best approach is to budget wisely by combining your savings with a Personal Loan. This way, you can manage the costs effectively and ensure a memorable celebration without financial constraints.
The benefits of opting for this loan are they are unsecured and provide you with a flexible repayment tenure. They
also have an affordable interest rate. In fact, the personal loan interest rates depend upon your credit profile. If you have a good track record of managing past debts and have a decent income, you can qualify for a low-cost loan. A personal loan can help take off your financial burden to some extent
Also Read: A Step-by-step Guide to Getting Unsecured Personal Loans
How to Plan Your Travel for Your Honeymoon
Planning your honeymoon is creating memorable experiences. It's an indirect marriage expense, which can be easily handled using a travel loan from Hero FinCorp. With sufficient funds, you can book everything in advance, including air tickets, hotel, local transportation and even sightseeing slots. Here's a breakdown of expenses related to honeymoon travel
| Expense Category | Average Cost Range (in Rs) |
| Flight Tickets | 40,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Accommodation | 50,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Local Transportation | 20,000 - 50,000 |
| Meals and Dining | 30,000 - 80,000 |
| Activities and Tours | 40,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 20,000 - 50,000 |
Tips to Save on Marriage Costs in India
- Plan your wedding in the off-season, if possible
- Make sure to invite only near and dear one
- Compare prices from multiple vendors for better deal
- Choose a local or budget-friendly venue to save on rental
- Combine rituals and ceremonies to minimise overall expenses.
- Plan your honeymoon to off-season destinations in India to save on this wedding-related costs.
- Ask friends and family for help with wedding arrangements, such as photography, music, and decorations.
- Prioritise your marriage expenses by focusing on what truly matters to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
Also Read: Personal Loan For Marriage: Best Way to Fund Your Wedding
How to Apply Marriage Loan to Manage Your Wedding Cost?
Applying for a Personal Loan for a wedding online is simple and quick. Here’s how you can get started:
- Visit the Hero FinCorp website or install the loan app
- Go to the Personal Loan page and click ‘Apply Now’
- Enter your mobile number and verify with the OTP received
- Choose the loan amount you need
- Verify your KYC details to check income eligibility
- Click ‘Submit’ to complete your application
Conclusion
In India, weddings are known to drain a significant portion of your savings, often up to one-third. With changing trends and rising inflation, the average Indian wedding cost has become higher than ever. Rather than depleting your savings and emergency reserves, consider funding some expenses with an instant Personal Loan for wedding. The pocket-friendly EMIs and flexible repayment terms can make managing wedding-related spending much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 15 Lakh Enough for a Wedding?
The sufficiency of 15 Lakh for a wedding depends on the scale to which you are planning, location, and personal preferences. While it can cover essential expenses for a modest wedding, larger or extravagant weddings may require a higher budget.
2. Why Are Indian Weddings So Expensive?
Indian weddings involve multiple ceremonies, guest accommodations, lavish decorations, gourmet cuisine, and traditional attire. Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, couples and parents dislike compromising on any aspect.
3. How Can One Avail a Wedding Loan?
To avail a wedding loan, one can approach Hero FinCorp, as we offer instant loans. The eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, loan amount, interest rates, and repayment terms vary. It is advisable to compare loan eligibility, evaluate repayment capabilities, and consider the terms and conditions before applying for a wedding loan.
4. How much does decoration cost for a wedding in India?
The decoration cost for a wedding in India can range from Rs 50,000 to 10 Lakh or more, depending on the venue size, theme, and complexity of the decorations.
5. How Much Does Average Middle-Class Marriage Cost In India?
The average cost of a middle-class marriage in India typically ranges from Rs 5 to 15 Lakh, including venue, catering, attire, and other essential expenses, depending on location and preferences.