Setting a budget can be one of the most painstaking tasks of wedding planning. But in between constant ‘advices’ and host of other choices, it is extremely crucial to consider what is important to you. Regardless of personal tastes and preferences, there are things that you should totally splurge on, and others that should be skimped at best. While setting a wedding budget is definitely a relative choice and may differ from person to person, our ultimate save and splurge list will ensure that your wedding planning sessions are a bit easier!
What You Should Splurge On…
1. The Venue
Whether you are hosting an intimate wedding in your own city or a grand destination wedding at an exotic location, your wedding venue is the most important aspect of your shaadi. Do not cut costs when choosing a venue and consider important elements such as space, services, hygiene among others before zeroing down.
2. Lighting & Decor
Many people tend to overlook the lighting and decor aspects of the wedding venue. And they usually rely on the tastes of the wedding decorater. Remember, lighting and decor arrangements can create an aura and mood and also make a major difference to your wedding photos. A good amount of money and research is important for your lighting and decor.
Pretty up your intimate sit down dinners with dreamy fairy lights available on Amazon for Rs 499.
3. Photography
What is a wedding without great photographs? A good photographer knows what to capture and how to capture and guarantees you pictures that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Investing on a professional photographer and videographer would be one of the best investments. We are sure, you’d never regret this. Here’s a list of the most amazing photographers to follow on Instagram
4. Make-up Artist
It’s not always about looking great in pictures! Sometimes, the way you feel is of utmost importance. And we are sure, you don’t want to be caught dead with caked up make-up on your wedding day! Do yourself a favour and hire a professional makeup artist after thorough research and recommendations. Remember, beauty does come with a price! Here’s a list of the most amazing makeup artists to follow on Instagram
A compact make-up kit like this will surely be handy for all those post wedding functions. Get it on Nykaa for Rs 3,500.
5. Good Food & Drinks
This should be a no brainer. Regardless of ‘hard to please’ guests, you certainly don’t want to disappoint yourself and others with a bad food spread. Go for food tastings and select a caterer who promises quality, hygiene and a spread that looks and tastes great. Here are some unique ideas to serve food at your wedding.
6. Wedding Outfit
Your wedding outfit carries an emotional sustenance that cannot be put into words. Even though this might be the only time you’d wear it, make sure you choose nothing but the best. This can be totally optional though, and many people may have mixed thoughts on this one. But trust us, it’ll be worth it!
We’re loving this burnt orange maroon bridal lehenga by designer Ridhi Arora. Available on PerniasPopUpShop for Rs 250,000.
7. Honeymoon
Who wouldn’t want a relaxing honeymoon escapade after all the wedding stress?! Do yourself a favour and check yourself into a swanky hotel at your dream destination. No stopping there, you totally deserve it!
What You Should Save on…
1. Invitations & Wedding Favours
Sure, all guests love elaborately decorated wedding favours. But to us, they sometimes feel like an obligation rather than a token of love. Wedding favours can sometimes turn out to be extremely expensive, so if your budget does not permit, do not worry about it. Think of affordable yet thoughtful options. Here are some unique ideas you could check out. Same goes for invitations. Think offbeat, like a beautifully designed website or even an E-invite is perfect for your loved ones!
Move over those costly wedding invites and create a free personalized wedding website on E Wedding!
2. Pre Wedding Beauty Packages
All your aunties, relatives and even your friends could really pressurize you to opt for specialized bridal packages, but beware, do not fall into the beauty trap! And if you have sensitive skin, then such beauty treatments should better be avoided. Go for natural and homemade beauty treatments instead that don’t even irritate your pocket as much!
3. Trousseau Outfits
This is a dark horse in all the wedding planning and can really make you overshoot your budget. Pick the few and necessary trousseau items that you need and stick to it. You never know when the shopping for all your post wedding functions can turn into a real financial disaster! Plus, trends change every season and who wants to be stuck with expensive outfits that are out dated.
A beautiful salwar set like this, would be perfect for all your post wedding functions. Get it on The Loom for Rs 9,599.
4. Entertainment
While great music helps in setting the mood, you don’t really have to go overboard with fancy dance performances or live singers to ensure that your guests have a great time. A good DJ with some performances by the family members is good enough to get the party started. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!
5. Table Cloth & Cutlery
While ‘attention to detail’ is a great characteristic to have, we suggest you don’t waste your money on exquisite tableware items, that can surely burn a hole in your pocket. Your guests will remember the food, not the cutlery! The cutlery you use could be basic, just make sure it’s nice and clean and you’re sorted. If you really do care about it, opt for fancy cutlery at one of the more intimate functions with fewer people.
If all that talk just made you want to buy a cutlery set for your new home, then here’s a 24 piece set on Amazon for Rs 949 only!
6. Floral Arrangements
While flowers are everyone’s favourite decor item, they are also one of the most expensive part of the decor. In fact, flower arrangements could make for a huge chunk of your wedding budget. We suggest you experiment with other quirky decor elements such as paper flowers, fairy lights, kaleeras, mason jars… The list is endless! While this may not be possible for all the functions, you can totally do away with flowers for a function or two. Here are 9 amazing ideas for the decor if you want to avoid flowers. Btw, genda phool does not cost a bomb and will be perfect for your mehendi venue!
7. Wedding Planner
This is quite a controversial decision. As part of the current millennial, hiring a person or a group of professionals to organize your wedding might seem like an ideal choice, and you should totally, if you have the budget for it. But if you are looking to save some cash and also be the creator of your own wedding, then you should definitely take the onus. Besides, there is a certain charm of planning your own wedding, why give the rope to others?!
Internal Images: Shutterstock
