The first step in planning a wedding is to choose the venue and destination for the big day. This is largely dependent on your budget. It is best to set aside 60-65% of your wedding budget for travel. This will leave you with more money to spend on other aspects of the wedding.
You can use e-gift cards or video messages to send out invitations instead of the traditional paper ones. This option will give you a more personalized touch and save you a lot of money. It is also one of the quickest ways to send out wedding invites. You can also make them yourself using free templates or printables online. These methods will save you a lot of money and help you get a beautiful invitation for your wedding.
Apart from catering, you should consider other expenses that will add up to the total cost of the wedding. Aside from the venue and the guest list, there are other expenses that will add up to the total budget. These costs can include last-minute wedding supplies, transportation, wedding music, and alcohol for the cocktail.
Transportation is an essential part of the wedding, whether it is for the venue or for the out-of-town guests. For long distances, you may need a car or two, which is expensive. The cost of hiring a car varies according to the number of guests and the type of car. You can also use a government approved Taxi drop-off facility instead of hiring separate taxis for each guest.
Renting wedding jewellery is also becoming more common. Not only does it help you save a few lakhs, but it also allows you to accessorise in style. Some brides opt for a rental of bridal sets, which can range from Rs 2,500 to over Rs 15,000. And if you’re worried about the budget, you can consider DIY wedding favors to save some money and add a personal touch. Whatever you choose, make sure that the gifts are useful and meaningful.
The cost of catering is another important expense. Food is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding, and the cost per plate can be anywhere from 150 to 300 rupees to 3,000 rupees. Catering costs will take about one-third to half of your budget, depending on the type of food. In addition, if you’re opting for international food, the cost per plate will rise further.
Photography and videography are also important aspects of a wedding. A decent photographer and videographer will cost around INR 40, 000 and 50, 000 respectively. You can save money by purchasing photo and videography packages from the same vendor, or by opting for a package deal.
Another major expense is accommodation for out of town guests. This can cost anywhere between INR 1,000 per room on a twin-sharing basis, depending on the number of guests you’re inviting and the number of rooms you’ll need.