Budget and spending tracker
Enter the vendor’s actual quote under “Budget”; changed budgets show in blue. Enter advances or full payments under “Paid”. This tracker is saved only in this browser.
| Category | Budget (₹) | Paid (₹) | Balance |
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How to plan a wedding budget
The biggest wedding costs in India are food (catering) and the venue, which together usually take 40–50% of the total budget. That makes the guest count the single biggest budget decision. Change the number of guests above to see how much the total moves.
Typical wedding planner estimates: venue 20–28%, catering 18–25%, decor 10–16%, photography 7–10%, clothes and makeup 10–15%, and 5–10% kept aside for contingency (unexpected costs). Jewellery is often the largest separate amount and depends on the price of gold.
Ways to save money
- Hold haldi and mehndi at home or in a small hall, and keep the guest list for these functions smaller.
- When fixing a per-plate rate, plan for 10–15% extra plates, but give the final count only 3–4 days before.
- When fewer weddings happen (such as the summer months), venues and photographers are often cheaper.
- Sending digital invitations (e-invites) to distant relatives saves the cost of printed cards and courier.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an average Indian wedding cost?
It depends a lot on the city and style. A simple wedding for 150–250 guests in a small town can cost ₹8–15 lakh, while a standard wedding for 300 guests in a metro often reaches ₹30–50 lakh. The tool above estimates it for your situation.
How much does food cost per plate?
In 2026, a vegetarian wedding meal in big cities usually costs ₹800–1,500 per plate, and premium menus go up to ₹2,000–3,500 per plate. Rates in small towns can be 30–40% lower.
Is this estimate exact?
No. It is an estimate based on typical market rates to help you get started. Enter the vendor’s real quote in each category to build your own budget.