How to Build a Realistic Budget for Your South Asian Wedding

1. The biggest cost driver: How Many Events Are You Hosting?

Unlike most Western weddings, South Asian weddings are often multi-day affairs. Your budget should reflect the fact that you’re planning not one, but potentially 3 to 5+ events.

Here’s what I accounted for:

• Ganesh Puja or Religious Ceremony (if applicable)

• Haldi/Pithi or Mehndi

• Sangeet

• Wedding Ceremony

• Reception

• Post-wedding brunch or afterparty

💡 Tip: Each event may require separate decor, food, entertainment, and outfits—so don’t just budget for the “wedding day” alone.

2. Figure Out Your Guest Count (Yes, Now!)

This is the biggest driver of cost for most South Asian weddings. My guest list started at 150 and crept to 275 just from family invites alone. The bigger your list, the higher your per-head costs for:

• Catering

• Decor (larger space = more tables to dress)

• Rentals (extra chairs, linens, plates, etc.)

• Transportation & accommodations (if covering for family)

💡 Tip: If your family insists on a large guest count, try limiting certain events like your mehndi or haldi to just immediate family and close friends to save costs.

3. Split Your Budget by Percentage, Not Just Dollar Amounts

When I first set my budget, I tried plugging random numbers next to each vendor—but the best advice I got was to split the overall amount into percentages first. Here’s what worked for me:

• 50% toward venue, food & beverage

• 15% toward decor & rentals

• 10% toward photo & video

• 10% toward entertainment (DJ, dholi, baraat, etc.)

• 10% toward attire & beauty (outfits, hair, makeup)

• 5% toward miscellaneous (permits, vendor tips, gifts)

💡 Tip: Every couple’s priorities will vary. If photos or decor are your non-negotiables, you may shift percentages slightly—but this is a solid starting point.

4. Don’t Forget the “Hidden Costs” That Blew Up My Budget

Here’s where I got blindsided:

• Vendor insurance upgrades (some venues require vendors to carry higher liability coverage)

• Power and WiFi fees at the venue

• Parking costs for guests

• Extra hours for decorators to set up or tear down

• Vendor overtime (when your reception runs late)

• Travel & baggage fees for out-of-town vendors

💡 Tip: Always ask every vendor about hidden fees upfront. I now build a buffer of at least 5-10% of my total budget just for surprise costs.

5. Build a Line-Item Tracker Early (And Don’t Skip the Small Stuff)

A basic spreadsheet helped me track quotes, actual payments, and final invoices side by side. Here's what I included:

• Deposit amounts

• Final payment deadlines

• Taxes & service fees

• Payment method (so I could track Venmo vs. credit card vs. check)

• Gifts for bridal party or family

• Outfit tailoring fees (yes, even that $75 blouse alteration!)

💡 Tip: Over-communicate with family—if parents are covering part of the wedding, have them track expenses in the same sheet so you don’t double-book vendors.

6. Be Honest About What You Can DIY vs. What’s Worth Outsourcing

I saved on small things like DIY guest favors and simple mehndi decor, but splurged on a professional decorator for the wedding day mandap and reception stage. Trying to DIY everything will burn you out—choose your battles.

💡 Tip: DIY is great for guest welcome bags, handwritten notes, and small decor elements at home events, but hire pros for core wedding & reception decor, photography, and makeup.

The Earlier You Plan, The More You Save

Starting my budget 12+ months out gave me time to compare vendors, negotiate discounts, and avoid rushed decisions (which usually cost more). The sooner you start tracking, the more likely you’ll be able to stick to your ideal spend—without sacrificing the magic.

💡 Looking for vendors who actually work with your budget instead of blowing it up? Check out Plan My Desi Wedding.