Wedding Under 10 Lakhs? Here are 7 Practical ways to make it Possible

Congratulations on tying the knot and starting the next phase of your life!. Now is the time to plan the dream wedding you’ve always and you do not need to spend a fortune to make your wedding a super special occasion of your life. A wedding under 10 lakhs, does not need to be a myth but can be a reality

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Now is the time to plan the dream wedding you’ve always wished for and contrary to popular belief, you do not need to spend a fortune to make your wedding a super special occasion of your life.

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Even on a tight budget, you may have the most stunning wedding. 

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All you need to do is to figure out where you absolutely need to spend for your wedding and what can be easily avoided.

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We’ve listed out numerous cost elements that might make or break your wedding budget.

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These are the big-ticket items you should prioritize, knowing that the minor bills will come.

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The Wedding Date

The most preferred wedding season in India occurs in the cooler months following Diwali - November, December, January, and February.

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Consider getting hitched during the off-season periods to save money as all wedding-related expenses will be reduced and that can help you save big on the entire event.

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Try to Reduce/Merge the Events

An Indian wedding typically consists of various events like mehendi, haldi, sangeet, wedding ceremony, reception - the list of activities goes on and on, and your costs climb with each addition.

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So keep your events to a minimum. If you're planning a multi-event wedding, group your events together, such as mehndi and sangeet at the same time, and merge your reception soon after following the wedding ceremony. Having all of your events in one location will also reduce your costs. 

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You can also host pre-wedding festivities such as haldi and mehendi from your home to enjoy a more personalized ambience and cut down a chunk of costs in venue and arrangements for these ceremonies.  

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Trim the Guest List

This is a no-brainer. The more guests you invite to your wedding, the greater your expense at each level, especially if you're organizing a multi-event marriage ceremony.

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To keep your budget in check, keep a firm grip on your guest list - modify and review it as needed.

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Select Offbeat Location 

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The location, party plots, and elegant luxuriant lawns are not cheap. To save money, consider using local banquet halls or hotel ballrooms.

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To ensure your wedding ceremony is a private and beautiful affair, you can also plan your events in a friend's farmhouse, a relative's home garden, or even the communal plot at your place of residence!

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These places can result in some extremely special and one-of-a-kind memories.

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Don’t go Overboard with Catering

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This is one area where you can really let loose.

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Food is such an important aspect of our culture, and it plays an even larger role in our weddings.

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It's easy to get carried away with caterers creating menus that are a mile long with new and unusual delicacies from cuisines all over the world.

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Make sure to adhere to the basics and focus on food quality rather than food variety.

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Choose your Decor Wisely

This is one area where there might be a lot of discussion.

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There can be a difference of opinions in taste and decor elements in the family, but in this do not forget the bigger picture of finances -  remember that the decor is only temporary, and consider how you may put the money to better use.

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Indulge in Meaningful Shopping

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Wedding attire, jewelry, and other trousseau purchases can significantly deplete your finances. Spend your money carefully on the essentials.

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Raid your mother's and grandmother's closets for wedding attire, and make use of the ancient, priceless sarees. As an added bonus, wear your family heirloom jewelry.

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Here are a few Additional Tips to make Life Easier

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A small bridal party is preferable to none at all

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A modern-day quandary that Indian brides face would be whether they should invite a bridal party (also known as bridesmaids and groomsmen) on their wedding day.

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In retrospect, if you think about it, you’ll realize it's not even an Indian custom! It is said to have been carried down from Ancient Roman times. 

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In any case, times are changing, and contemporary western values are increasingly becoming the norm for our weddings.

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Consider whether or not having a bridal party will have an impact at your wedding. Your family and best friends will always be there to help on the big day, and you don't need to label them.

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Don't overdo it with the flowers

While growing up, we’ve all envisioned how our big day should be - no less than a fairy tale event or the talk of the town. But, now reality sets in.

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Florists today are highly accommodating, and if you have a specific image or theme in mind, they can provide floral arrangement possibilities that suit your wedding budget.

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Choosing smaller or less expensive floral arrangements as your centerpieces isn't always a bad thing.

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Your wedding venue may be able to incorporate centerpiece and floral arrangement packages, or they may be able to recommend florists or stylists with whom they have good business relationships.

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However, do your research and comparison shop. Remember to always select flowers that are in season. This has a significant impact on your budget.

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Start saving for the big day as soon as you can

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Keep detailed records and open a savings account. This will keep your sanity in check and prevent you from squandering money. 

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If you're extremely frugal with your money, open a wedding savings account. If you’re overwhelmed with parting with a chunk of your money each month, you should install the Jar app and watch yourself grow a bountiful amount of savings.

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You can set aside a small amount of cash for the wedding each week leading up to the big day. It doesn't matter how much it is; just keep in mind that a little goes a long way. If at all possible, avoid using your credit card.

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Invite family and friends to participate

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Delegate responsibilities to family and friends. Accept assistance when it is provided, but be prepared. You don't want a grumpy uncle or bridesmaid who hasn't been given detailed guidelines. This not only saves time, but  also money!

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Every bride wishes to be the ideal Sabyasachi bride. Consider whether you will feel comfortable in a non-designer label.

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Will you be able to survive without the need for a design by Manish, Tarun, or Sabya?

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It's good to fantasize, and if you're lucky, your loved ones will assist you in making your dreams come true. It's all about being flexible and staying to the budget.

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With these tips, you’ll be able to have your dream wedding within 10 lakhs! Try them out and have a memorable experience!