How to Plan a Hindu Wedding on ₹20 Lakh Budget (Complete Breakdown 2025)

Last Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

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Introduction

Planning a Hindu wedding on ₹20 lakhs isn't just possible—it can be absolutely beautiful. While the average Indian wedding now costs ₹36.5 lakhs, many couples create memorable celebrations for significantly less by making strategic choices.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly how to allocate ₹20 lakhs across all wedding expenses, share money-saving tips that don't compromise quality, and reveal where to splurge versus save.

What You'll Learn:

• Realistic budget allocation by category
• 200-guest wedding breakdown
• Money-saving strategies for each expense area
• Common budget mistakes to avoid
• Free downloadable budget tracker

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The ₹20 Lakh Wedding: Is It Realistic?

Short answer: Yes!

According to WeddingWire India's 2024 report, weddings range from ₹5 lakhs to ₹2+ crores. Your ₹20 lakh budget puts you in the "mid-range comfortable" category—enough for a beautiful celebration without financial stress.

What ₹20 Lakhs Can Get You:

• 150-250 guests comfortably
• 2-3 pre-wedding ceremonies (Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi)
• Professional photography & videography
• Quality catering with variety
• Beautiful decor and ambiance
• Traditional ceremonies with proper rituals
• Comfortable bridal outfits and jewelry

What You'll Need to Adjust:

• Destination wedding → Local venue
• 500+ guests → 200-250 guests
• Celebrity photographers → Talented local professionals
• 7-day celebration → 3-4 day focused events

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Complete Budget Breakdown: ₹20 Lakh Wedding

Here's the recommended allocation based on industry standards and real couple experiences:

1. Venue & Catering (40% = ₹8,00,000)

This is typically your largest expense—and for good reason. Food and venue create the foundation of guest experience.

Breakdown:

• Venue Rental: ₹2,00,000 (for 2-3 days)
• Catering (200 guests):
  • Mehendi lunch: ₹600/plate × 150 = ₹90,000
  • Sangeet dinner: ₹800/plate × 200 = ₹1,60,000
  • Wedding dinner: ₹1,200/plate × 200 = ₹2,40,000
  • Breakfast/snacks: ₹50,000
  • Subtotal: ₹5,40,000
• Beverages (soft drinks, welcome drinks): ₹60,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book venues during off-season (March-September) for 20-30% discount
• Choose Thursday-Sunday over Friday-Saturday for lower rates
• Negotiate package deals (venue + catering bundled)
• Opt for lunch receptions (30% cheaper than dinners)
• Limit events: Skip haldi lunch, do cocktail snacks instead of full dinner
• Farm/resort venues often cheaper than hotels with comparable beauty

Where to Splurge: Wedding day dinner menu—guests remember the food!

Common Mistake: Not accounting for taxes (18% GST), service charges (10%), and gratuity. Always ask for "all-inclusive" quotes.

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2. Photography & Videography (10% = ₹2,00,000)

You'll look at these photos for decades. This is worth prioritizing.

Breakdown:

• Photographer (2-3 days): ₹1,20,000
  • 2 photographers for all events
  • 1000+ edited photos
  • Online gallery
• Videographer: ₹60,000
  • Cinematic highlight film (15-20 min)
  • Ceremony documentation
  • Drone shots (if outdoor)
• Pre-wedding shoot: ₹20,000 (optional but popular)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Hire photographers in early career (talented but building portfolio) for 40% less
• Skip traditional video, go cinematic-only (saves ₹30,000)
• Book 8-10 months in advance for early-bird rates
• Ask for alumni referrals (photographers offer discounts for word-of-mouth)
• Bundle: Same team for pre-wedding + wedding (negotiate 15% discount)

Where to Splurge: Main wedding day coverage—don't skimp on photographers here.

Where to Save: Skip coffee table albums (₹40,000+), get digital files and print yourself later.

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3. Bridal Outfits & Jewelry (12% = ₹2,40,000)

The bride typically has 3-5 outfits, groom has 3-4. Jewelry can be rental or owned.

Breakdown:

• Bride's Outfits:

  • Wedding lehenga: ₹80,000
  • Mehendi outfit: ₹25,000
  • Sangeet outfit: ₹30,000
  • Reception saree: ₹25,000
  • Subtotal: ₹1,60,000

• Groom's Outfits:

  • Wedding sherwani: ₹40,000
  • Sangeet indo-western: ₹20,000
  • Reception suit: ₹15,000
  • Subtotal: ₹75,000

• Jewelry (rental or purchase): ₹5,000 (rental) or ₹50,000+ (purchase)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Rent designer lehengas for 10% of retail price (₹80,000 lehenga for ₹8,000)
• Buy from Surat, Chandni Chowk, or online (Pernia's Pop-Up, Aza) during sale season
• Multi-designer stores have better deals than single-brand boutiques
• Rent jewelry instead of buying (saves ₹1-2 lakhs)
• Groom's wedding sherwani can be reworn for other weddings—invest here
• Buy Mehendi/Sangeet outfits from affordable brands (Manyavar, Kalki, Biba)

Where to Splurge: Bride's wedding lehenga—the one outfit that matters most in photos.

Where to Save: Sangeet outfit—trending styles change quickly, rent instead.

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4. Décor & Flowers (12% = ₹2,40,000)

Decor sets the mood and ambiance for each event.

Breakdown:

• Mehendi décor: ₹40,000 (colorful, bohemian)
• Sangeet stage & lighting: ₹70,000 (stage, LED screens, lights)
• Wedding mandap & decor: ₹1,00,000 (flowers, drapes, backdrop)
• Reception décor: ₹30,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Use seasonal local flowers (marigolds, roses) instead of imported (orchids, lilies)
• Reuse sangeet stage elements for wedding mandap (negotiate with decorator)
• Daytime mehendi needs minimal lighting (saves ₹20,000)
• DIY centerpieces with simple flowers + candles
• Choose venues with beautiful natural settings (less decor needed)
• Skip reception if budget tight—wedding dinner can double as reception

Where to Splurge: Wedding mandap—this is the focal point of your ceremony and every photo.

Where to Save: Entrance arches, walkway decor—guests barely notice these.

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5. Makeup & Styling (3% = ₹60,000)

Includes bride's makeup, hairstyling, draping, and sometimes groom's grooming.

Breakdown:

• Bride's makeup (3 days): ₹45,000
  • Mehendi: ₹10,000
  • Sangeet: ₹12,000
  • Wedding day: ₹18,000 (includes trials)
  • Draping, accessories: ₹5,000
• Groom's grooming: ₹5,000
• Family members (mothers): ₹10,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book makeup artist for wedding day only, DIY or use parlor for other events (saves ₹20,000)
• Hire freelance artists (cheaper than salon-based)
• Ask for package deal if booking photographer + makeup together
• Learn basic draping/hairstyling for Mehendi, Sangeet (YouTube tutorials)
• Get trials done 2-3 months before (avoids last-minute rush surcharge)

Where to Splurge: Wedding day makeup—you want to look flawless for 12+ hours and in HD photos.

Where to Save: Mehendi event—simple, natural makeup is perfectly appropriate.

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6. Invitations & Stationery (2% = ₹40,000)

Includes physical invites, save-the-dates, ceremony programs, thank-you cards.

Breakdown:

• Main wedding invitations (250): ₹25,000 (₹100 per invite)
• Save-the-date cards: ₹5,000
• Ceremony programs/menu cards: ₹5,000
• Thank-you cards: ₹5,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Send digital save-the-dates (free via WhatsApp, Greenvelope, Paperless Post)
• Order from online printers (cheaper than local stationers)
• Print yourself with quality card stock from Amazon + Canva templates (saves 60%)
• Skip inner envelopes, tissue paper, embellishments (saves ₹50/invite)
• Order 10% extra only (not 30%) to avoid waste
• Use QR codes for RSVP tracking (free via Google Forms)

Where to Splurge: Main wedding invitation—this is the first impression guests get.

Where to Save: Thank-you cards—a heartfelt message matters more than fancy cardstock.

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7. Entertainment & DJ (4% = ₹80,000)

Music and entertainment make sangeet and reception memorable.

Breakdown:

• Sangeet DJ + sound system: ₹40,000
• Live band/singer (optional): ₹30,000
• Baraat band: ₹10,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Use venue's in-house sound system (saves ₹15,000)
• Book DJ for sangeet + wedding, not reception (saves ₹25,000)
• Create your own Spotify playlists for Mehendi, cocktail hours (free)
• Hire emerging singers/bands (equally talented, 50% cheaper)
• Skip dhol players if not part of tradition (saves ₹15,000)

Where to Splurge: Sangeet DJ—this event is all about music and dancing!

Where to Save: Reception entertainment—recorded music works perfectly fine.

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8. Pandit Ji & Religious Items (1.5% = ₹30,000)

Includes priest fees, puja materials, ritual items.

Breakdown:

• Pandit ji dakshina (all ceremonies): ₹20,000
• Havan materials, flowers, puja items: ₹5,000
• Mandap setup (religious items): ₹5,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Ask family pandit for discounted rate (long-term relationship)
• Buy puja materials from wholesale markets (Chandni Chowk, local mandis) vs. packaged kits
• Reuse brass/steel items across ceremonies
• Combine smaller pujas (ganesh puja + kalash sthapana together)

Where to Splurge: Pandit ji's dakshina—show respect and gratitude for blessing your union.

Where to Save: Decorative puja thalis—simple brass/steel works as well as ornate silver.

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9. Wedding Favors & Gifts (3% = ₹60,000)

Gifts for guests, parents, siblings, bridal party.

Breakdown:

• Guest favors (200): ₹30,000 (₹150 per favor)
• Parent gifts: ₹15,000
• Sibling/bridal party gifts: ₹10,000
• Vidaai gifts: ₹5,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Give edible favors (sweets, chocolates, tea) or plants instead of decorative items
• Order in bulk from wholesalers (50% cheaper)
• DIY favors with family (mehndi cones, spices, homemade cookies)
• Skip favors for sangeet/mehendi, only give for wedding
• Personalized photo frames with wedding picture (heartfelt + affordable)

Where to Splurge: Parent gifts—honor those who raised you with something meaningful.

Where to Save: Guest favors—simpler is often more appreciated (guests often leave behind elaborate items).

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10. Transport & Accommodation (4% = ₹80,000)

Logistics for couple, families, and key guests.

Breakdown:

• Decorated bridal car: ₹15,000
• Guest transport (buses/vans): ₹40,000
• Out-of-town guest accommodation (10 rooms × 3 nights): ₹25,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Negotiate hotel room blocks (15+ rooms = 20-30% discount)
• Choose venue with on-site accommodation (saves transport costs)
• Baraat transportation: Rent car yourself + DIY decoration (saves ₹10,000)
• Ask local guests to carpool (reduces bus rental)
• Book transport 3-6 months early for better rates

Where to Splurge: Bridal entry car—this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment!

Where to Save: Guest buses—basic comfort is fine for short trips.

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11. Miscellaneous (8.5% = ₹1,70,000)

Buffer for unexpected expenses, tips, last-minute needs.

Includes:

• Choreographer (₹30,000)
• Mehendi artists (₹40,000)
• Marriage registration (₹5,000)
• Insurance (₹10,000—yes, wedding insurance exists!)
• Emergency supplies (₹10,000)
• Last-minute alterations, additions (₹75,000)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Use YouTube for DIY sangeet choreography (free)
• Mehendi artists: Book package for all ladies vs. per-person rate
• Always keep 10-15% buffer—every wedding has surprise costs

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Complete Budget Summary Table

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Top 10 Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

Based on feedback from 500+ couples who planned affordable weddings:

1. Guest List Discipline
Every guest costs ₹2,000-3,000 (food + favors + logistics). Cutting 50 guests = ₹1-1.5 lakh saved.

2. Off-Peak Timing
March-September weddings cost 20-35% less than October-February peak season.

3. Midweek Magic
Thursday-Sunday weddings get 15-25% venue discounts compared to Friday-Saturday.

4. Package Power
Bundled services (venue + catering + decor) from one vendor = 15-20% savings vs. individual.

5. Timeline Advantage
Book 10-12 months ahead = better rates, more negotiation power, early-bird discounts.

6. Prioritization Matrix
Identify your top 3 priorities (e.g., food, photography, decor), splurge there, cut elsewhere.

7. DIY Selectively
Choose 2-3 DIY projects (invites, favors, centerpieces) = save ₹50,000-1,00,000.

8. Rental Revolution
Rent designer outfits, jewelry, decor items for 10-20% of purchase price.

9. Negotiate Everything
Average 10-15% discount possible on every vendor if you ask confidently and book early.

10. All-Inclusive Insistence
Always get "all-inclusive" quotes including taxes, service charges, gratuity to avoid surprise 30% markup.

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Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid

Not accounting for taxes & service charges
GST (18%) + service charges (10%) add 28% to every bill. Always calculate post-tax costs.

Underestimating guest count
Uninvited plus-ones and last-minute relatives happen. Budget for 10-15% more guests.

No emergency buffer
Last-minute alterations, additions, and surprises always happen. Keep 10-15% buffer.

Paying full advance too early
Pay 10-25% advance to book, not 50%. Preserve negotiation leverage.

Verbal agreements
Every promise must be in written contract. Verbal commitments get "forgotten."

Comparing package prices without reading fine print
"₹8 lakh venue package" might not include alcohol, decorations, or setup—suddenly it's ₹12 lakhs.

Ignoring cancellation/refund policies
Read contracts carefully. Some vendors have 0% refund policies even 6 months before.

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Where to Find Affordable Vendors (Without Compromising Quality)

Photography:

• Instagram hashtags: #delhiweddingphotographer #indianweddingphotography
• Facebook groups: Wedding Photography India, Indian Wedding Photographers
• Ask recently married friends for referrals (often discounts for references)

Venues:

• FarmStays and resorts (search Airbnb, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo)
• Community halls (club houses, local marriage halls)
• Hotel off-season packages

Outfits:

• Surat (wholesale hub—60% cheaper than Mumbai/Delhi boutiques)
• Chandni Chowk, Delhi (bargaining gets 30-40% discounts)
• Online: Pernia's Pop-Up, Aza Fashions (sale season 50% off)

Decor:

• Small local decorators (not big names)—equal creativity, half the price
• Package with venue's in-house team

Makeup:

• Search "bridal makeup artist [your city]" on Instagram
• Check reviews on Google, not just Instagram grid (real clients)

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Sample: ₹20 Lakh for 200 Guests, 3-Day Wedding

Day 1: Mehendi (150 guests, afternoon)

• Venue: Farm/resort ₹30,000
• Décor: Colorful, boho ₹40,000
• Lunch: ₹90,000 (₹600/plate)
• Mehendi artists: ₹40,000
• Bride outfit: ₹25,000
• Photography: Included in package
• Subtotal: ₹2,25,000

Day 2: Sangeet (200 guests, evening)

• Venue: Same resort ₹40,000
• Stage + lighting: ₹70,000
• Dinner: ₹1,60,000 (₹800/plate)
• DJ + sound: ₹40,000
• Bride outfit: ₹30,000
• Groom outfit: ₹20,000
• Photography: Included
• Subtotal: ₹3,60,000

Day 3: Wedding + Reception (200 guests, evening)

• Venue: Banquet hall ₹1,30,000
• Mandap + décor: ₹1,00,000
• Dinner (premium): ₹2,40,000 (₹1,200/plate)
• Pandit ji + religious: ₹30,000
• Bride lehenga: ₹80,000
• Groom sherwani: ₹40,000
• Makeup (bridal): ₹45,000
• Photography + video: ₹2,00,000
• Baraat band: ₹10,000
• Subtotal: ₹8,75,000

Other Fixed Costs:

• Invitations: ₹40,000
• Jewelry rental: ₹50,000
• Transport: ₹80,000
• Guest favors: ₹60,000
• Miscellaneous: ₹1,70,000
• Subtotal: ₹4,00,000

GRAND TOTAL: ₹18,60,000 (under budget by ₹1,40,000!)