How to Plan the Perfect Budget Wedding in India: Tips, Tricks & Strategies

H2: Introduction

Wedding Planning is a beautiful, fun experience. But it can also be very stressful and expensive. Luckily there are plenty of ways to keep your dream wedding on a budget.

We have put together this comprehensive guide to help you find a way to make sure your wedding is a dream come true. By being just mindful of the costs, having an action plan, following cost-saving tips, and keeping an eye out for deals, you'll be able to plan the perfect Budget wedding for yourself.

Here's what we have found:

H2: Set Your Wedding date

The most important thing is to set a date that works for you and your partner. If you are planning a destination wedding, it's best to check with the venue in advance if they have availability on the date you want.

If there are no problems with booking a specific day or time, you can choose a date when fewer weddings are scheduled in your area. But keeping the Indian climate in check, we recommend using one of these seasons for your ceremony:

Autumn - November through December (fall)

Winter - January through February (winter)

H2: Set Your Budget & Priorities.

First, you must know where you will be spending your money. Create your budget accordingly. Set clear priorities so you know what is most important to you, and then create a list of vendors you will need to plan your dream wedding.

H3: Create your wedding vendors team

Here's a list of categories that you can refer to create your wedding vendor team:

1.       Clothing and accessories

2.       Venue

3.       Caterers

4.       Wedding cards and e-invites

5.       Photography

6.       Gifts and Favours

7.       Decoration and planning

8.       Music and dance related

9.       Jewellery

10.   Other categories (This includes Make-up, Mehndi, Pandits, Transportation, etc.)

H3: Finalise Budget for each event

As per the survey conducted by our team recently, the Top 3 categories which make up a significant chunk of the expenses are Venue, Catering, and Jewellery (20%, 18%, and 17%, respectively). Then comes the Clothing and accessories section, which constitutes 6-7% of your wedding budget.

Some categories are such that only some spend the same. But you can end up spending a significant amount on these categories, which are decor and Photography.

Once you have finalized the budget for each category, start researching which vendors are within your budget. You don't have to settle lower than what you expected or imagined. If it's in the budget, keep it, and trim other expenses elsewhere to ensure it fits.

For more help, preparing a budget for your dream wedding, click on this link to help us do it!

H2: Choose the Right Venue and Vendor Partners.

Choosing the right venue and vendors can make a big difference, not only in terms of budget but also in creating the ambiance you want for your wedding.

H3: Explore, Negotiate, and Referrals

Start by setting realistic expectations based on the size of your guest list and your budget. Consider visiting different venues to find one that you can afford and is within a reasonable distance from home or your desired location. Get quotes from several vendors before you book anything. Don't just go with the first vendor who gives you a quote. Ask for references, negotiate prices, and walk away if something needs to be more suitable for your budget or style.

H3: Ask the right questions!

To help with this venue selection process, here are some questions that can help guide your decision-making:

1.       Ask about the vendor's experience

2.       Ask about their past work and some samples if possible

3.       Ask about their preferred styles and colors for your wedding day and what they think will look best on you (and why).

4.       Ask about What is included in my package?

5.       Do they have everything I need?

6.       Is there anything missing that would cost more than what they quoted me?

H3: Document everything

Be sure to ask how much time they need from you before they start working on your big day. Not only will this ensure that everything goes smoothly, but it may also save money by reducing overtime charges from already booked vendors! And there can be something specific in mind that needs extra attention, such as planning music or decorating details for every room of your venue (like adding flowers). Don't hesitate to communicate these needs, so everyone involved knows what needs tending when starting with these tasks later down the line.

For other vendor partners, follow a similar approach. You can also visit our other articles to learn about the selection process and the vendors available to meet your style and needs.

H2: Prep Your Guest List.

Creating a guest list is an essential step in determining the budget for your wedding. Keep it as small as possible to help reduce costs. Be sure to research how much an average guest spends on gifts and decide ahead of time if you would like to include those costs in your budget. It's also best to make room for unexpected guests or delays in your budget for smooth sailing during the planning process.

H2: Choose the Perfect Menu

In India, we are sure you would have heard the question, Shaadi kaisi thi? (How was the wedding) and the responses like Khana Thik Tha! (Food could have been better!) or Bahut Badhiya, khane me maja aa gaya! (The food was great, I had a great time!). Believe it or not, most weddings are rated basis of the quality and taste of food.

H3: In-house catering or not?

As most venue vendors provide in-house catering, this becomes one more parameter to deciding your venue partner. But going in with your caterer can give you the extra edge. It will allow you to bring a more dedicated and specialized team on board to meet your taste palette for your dream wedding.

H3: Seasonality of Food

The food and drinks chosen for your wedding can determine the catering cost. Decide if you'd like a sit-down dinner, buffet-style, or select between light bites to keep costs low. Consider the seasonality of food in your area when sourcing ingredients, as this will be more economical and prevent the wastage of uneaten food. Try to avoid expensive and elaborate dishes that require much effort from the chef. Instead, look for simple but tasty dishes that can be prepared quickly and served in large quantities. Remember to include an alternative vegan or vegetarian meal as there is often someone who is not fond of meat dishes.

And most importantly, plan your tasting sessions with your vendor to know what you will serve at your wedding.

Check out our article on the best ten caterers for your dream wedding.

H2: Decide on your overall wedding style.

H3: Choose a theme (Click to get ideas on The wedding palette themes that would suit you)

If you have specific ideas for your wedding, it's best to narrow them down before getting started. Do you want an outdoor ceremony? A lavish affair at a resort? An elegant wedding in the heart of your city? Your choice will shape the rest of this process, so make sure that theme is suitable for you!

H3: Choose your color scheme. (Click to get ideas on The wedding palette Colour that would suit you)

Once you've decided on the overall look and feel of your wedding and all its components, it includes things like music style, entertainment style, etc. Think about what colors will best match those choices. You don't want one element pulling focus away from another. Keep things balanced, so everything looks unified when viewed together as one piece rather than separate parts fitting together haphazardly over time.

H2: Personalize and Stay Organized using checklists and a timeline!

When it comes to throwing a successful and wonderful wedding, personalization is critical. Knowing whom you are inviting, what your guests like, and what means most to the bride and groom individually can help create an intimate atmosphere that everyone will remember.

The day-of wedding is stressful for everyone, and it's essential to keep things moving as smoothly as possible. A wedding timeline will help you stay on track and ensure everything goes according to plan.

H3: What should go into your wedding timeline?

The most important thing is having an accurate idea of what needs to be done for your ceremony (and reception) to take place at its best. It includes any last-minute changes venue staff needs, transportation arrangements, rehearsal dinners (if applicable), etcetera. As well as this list of details, consider including anything else that may come up throughout the planning process—like if there's anything new or unexpected about your guest list since last week's meeting! You'll want all these things accounted for before arriving at the venue, so there aren't any surprises later on down the road."

H3: Use a Checklist to keep it organised

Make sure to use an easy-to-maintain spreadsheet system and an organizational checklist of tasks to get everything necessary. This way, you're sure to stay on top of your budget!

Check out the link to explore "The Wedding Palette's Checklist to personalize your wedding"!

Your dream wedding doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially in India! With our ultimate guide to planning a budget wedding, you'll have all the tips, tricks, and strategies you need to make your special day unforgettable without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to start planning the budget wedding of your dreams! Follow our guide and get ready for a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to planning a dream wedding on a budget. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.