Planning A Big-Fat Indian Wedding? Here Are 6 Top Tips

Weddings in India are grand, multi-day affairs involving several ceremonies. According to a report by a leading wedding planning platform, the Indian wedding industry was worth ₹4.74 lakh crore in the 2023-24 wedding season. Considering each wedding hosts 300+ people on average over 2-3 days, it requires intensive planning and savings.

Amidst all the excitement, planning a grand wedding can become overwhelming. To avoid the stress and anxiety that come with last-minute preparations, it is important to start planning as early as possible. By planning ahead, you will feel more prepared, both mentally and financially, when the final day arrives.

Also read: Securing Small Personal Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide

6 Tips to Planning the Wedding of Your Dreams

1. Fix a Budget

Set a realistic budget. Emotion is often a big factor in weddings, so much so that people tend to spend more than their financial means. Overspending can disturb your financial goals and lead to regret down the road. To avoid overspending, you need a detailed budget with a set upper limit. Further, by listing all the expenses based on priority, you can identify where you can cut your costs. Remember to keep some extra cash aside for unexpected expenses.

2. Manage Your Funds

Once you have finalised your budget, start working on arranging funds for it. The earlier you can begin, the better it will be. Many banks provide wedding loans that can be repaid in easy installments. But before you apply for a loan, ensure that your credit score is high enough so you can get a lower interest rate.

3. Finalise Your Guest list and Venue

Part of figuring out your budget includes figuring out how many people you want to invite to the grand celebration. Besides, the guest list is also a deciding factor for booking the venue and caterers. Make sure to inquire about any hidden costs or additional fees associated with the venue. By carefully assessing both the financial and logistical aspects of potential venues, you can make a well-informed decision, ensuring that the wedding is both memorable and within your financial capabilities.

4. Find Your Dream Vendor Team

Choosing the right vendors can make or break your wedding day. Create a checklist of all the essential vendors, such as caterers, wedding planners, photographers, etc., as well as secondary vendors like Mehendi artists, DJs, and choreographers. Remember to negotiate prices wherever possible to secure the best deal within your budget. If you’re short on funds, consider the OnePL Personal Loan as an option to cover your expenses.

5. Start Wedding Shopping Early

Hands down, shopping for wedding clothes and jewellery is one of the most exciting, but expensive parts of wedding planning. Whether exploring high-end boutiques or browsing local markets, finding the perfect outfit always requires time and patience. But purchasing them from anywhere without any research or negotiation will, at the end, make you spend more than required. Renting your attire and jewellery is also a cost-effective option you can consider. Nevertheless, start looking as early as possible. Ideally, start looking six to nine months in advance to ensure you don’t have to compromise on your dream outfits.

6. Personalise Your Big Day

Adding a personalised touch to your celebrations can make your special day even more memorable. After all, this celebration belongs to you and your partner and should feel like it is yours. There are countless ways to personalise your experience, from custom decor to a unique location. It’s up to you to decide the level of personalisation you want to incorporate. Consider using a credit card for wedding expenses to earn cash back, reward points, or travel miles. Pay off the monthly balance to avoid interest charges and maximise your benefits.

Planning a big, fat Indian wedding can be daunting, but it can also be an enjoyable experience with the right guidance. A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most important events in a person’s life, and it is equally important to be disciplined about finances while spending for it.