How much does a middle class indian wedding cost in India? An Indian wedding is a significant financial undertaking, reflecting the cultural importance of marriage in India. It’s a blend of tradition, celebration, and, let’s face it, a fair bit of showing off. But at its heart, it’s all about family, love, and the joy of starting a new life together. Hopefully, this breakdown helps you grasp the grandeur and expense involved in hosting a middle-class Indian wedding.
1. Pre-Wedding Rituals and Preparations
Venue and Decor for Pre-Wedding Functions
Indian weddings kick off with several pre-wedding functions like engagement, Mehendi, Sangeet, and Haldi. These can be held at home or in small banquet halls, depending on the guest list size. Renting a decent venue for each event might cost around INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 ($250 to $625) per function. Decor costs can range from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000 ($125 to $375) per function, depending on how elaborate you want it.
Attire and Jewellery
Pre-wedding function attire for the bride and groom can vary widely. A decent outfit could range from INR 5,000 to INR 25,000 ($62 to $312) per person. For jewellery, families often use existing pieces, but purchasing new items could start from INR 30,000 ($375) and go up significantly.
Catering
Food is a big deal at Indian weddings. For pre-wedding functions, catering costs depend on the menu’s complexity and the number of guests. It can range from INR 500 to INR 1,500 ($6 to $19) per plate, with events typically hosting 50 to 200 guests.
2. Wedding Day Expenses
Venue and Decor
The wedding day demands a larger and more decorated venue. Renting a decent wedding hall or lawn can cost anywhere from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 ($625 to $2,500). Decor for the wedding day, including flowers, lights, and thematic elements, can range from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 ($625 to $1,875).
Attire and Jewellery
Wedding attire for the bride and groom is significantly more expensive. A good quality bridal lehenga (dress) or groom’s sherwani can range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 ($250 to $1,250). Jewellery costs can skyrocket, starting at around INR 50,000 ($625) and going up to several lakhs, depending on the family’s choice and budget.
Catering
Catering for the wedding day is more elaborate, with costs ranging from INR 700 to INR 2,000 ($8.75 to $25) per plate. Considering a guest list of 200 to 500 people, the food alone can be a significant expense.
3. Photography and Videography
Capturing the moments of an Indian wedding is crucial. For decent photography and videography services, couples spend from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 ($625 to $2,500). This typically includes coverage of all major functions, a traditional photo album, and a video summary of the events.
4. Miscellaneous Expenses
Invitations
Invitation cards can range from INR 30 to INR 300 ($0.37 to $3.75) per card, depending on the design and paper quality. For a middle-class wedding with around 200 to 500 invites, this can add up.
Transportation and Accommodation
Arranging transport for guests and booking rooms for those coming from afar can cost INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 ($250 to $1,250), depending on the number of guests and the type of accommodation.
Gifts and Favors
Gifts for the guests, bridal party, and family members can vary greatly but expect to spend at least INR 50,000 ($625) on this.
5. Total Cost Breakdown
Adding up all these elements, a middle-class Indian wedding can cost anywhere from INR 5,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 ($6,250 to $18,750) overall. This is a ballpark figure, and the actual cost can vary based on personal preferences, the number of guests, and the chosen extravagance level.
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