We all would agree to the fact that weddings are not only stressful but expensive too. These two thought always cross our minds when we talk about wedding budget planning, but if done right they can be avoided. One thing we have said again and again in our previous blogs that sticking to your budget is really important while planning your wedding. This will help you make your wedding planning process fun and cost-efficient as well. You should always start with a budget breakdown as knowing exactly how much every element of the wedding generally costs will further help you in determining the amount needed to be allocated for each service.

 

Here’s how it should be done!

 

 

First things first- Venue, Catering and all the Rental Costs- 50%

 

This is simple maths! The major chunk of your budget should be used for big-ticket items! These mainly cover venue, catering, alcohol, all rentals such as furniture and everything! They require a good amount of money. Therefore, at least 50 % of the wedding budget should be kept for all this.

 

 

Second most important – Photography and Videography- 12%

 

While planning your budget, you need to keep aside at least 12% of your budget for capturing the wedding moments. Your wedding pictures and videos are really important as they will be the keepsakes of your special day! They will be treasured forever by you and your family. Therefore, you need to get a good photographer and videographer who can capture the best moments at the right time.

 

 

Most important for brides- Attire, Hair and Makeup- 11%

 

You need to be sure to earmark at least 10% of your wedding budget for your wedding lehenga and other attires. Of course, this should also include the cost of hair, makeup and accessories for your wedding day!

 

 

Wedding day décor- 9%

 

Décor is the essence of your wedding celebration therefore it needs special attention too! This would include the cost of the decorator as well as flowers, lighting and accessories that go with it!

 

 

Wedding day entertainment- 8%

 

Indian wedding goes dull if there is no music. The bridal entry or groom entry, almost everything needs some good music that makes it even more special. Therefore, you would require to hire some DJ or live band that will add entertainment to the celebration. For that, we would suggest keeping at least 8% of your budget.

 

 

If you are planning to hire a wedding planner- 3%

 

It’s not an easy task to plan an Indian wedding therefore, one should always hire a planner. They can make a really big difference when it comes to planning a wedding. They will be the ones handling all the wedding tasks whereas you can sit back and enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. Therefore hire a professional that will take care of everything and save at least 3% of your total budget to cover the cost.

 

 

Wedding invites and envelopes- 2%

 

Wedding invites and envelopes are really important in Indian Weddings! All those charges for getting it designed and printed should be kept as wedding stationery. We would suggest you reserve at least 2% of your budget for your wedding stationery.

 

 

Transportation for you and your guests- 2%

 

Transportation is really important! If you are planning a residential or destination wedding then you may need to arrange transportation for your guests. You can get a bus or shuttle from hotels to venues. For such arrangements, you may need to keep aside at least 2% of your wedding budget.

 

 

Goodies and Favours for Guests- 3%

 

This has also become an important part of Indian Weddings. All the party and wedding favours are needed to make the celebration even more special! They are noted as small gestures that will help your guests to remember your celebration and union.

 

 

After this general understanding of the allocation of funds in a wedding budget, it will be easy for you to go ahead with the planning!