How to Plan Your Entire Intimate Wedding in Less Than 5 LAKHS!

This couple managed to pull off an intimate wedding for under ₹5 lakhs by embracing simplicity, creativity, and smart budgeting. They prioritized what mattered, from choosing a small, non-traditional venue and opting for local caterers to crafting DIY décor and sending out digital invitations. By keeping the guest list under 50 and focusing on meaningful details like personal touches in the decor and handmade wedding favors, they created a beautiful and memorable celebration without breaking the bank. Their smart choices, such as renting outfits and hiring a freelance photographer, allowed them to have a dreamy wedding without the financial strain.

Wedding Venue (₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000)

For their venue, the couple opted for a budget-friendly location, spending between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. They chose a small, intimate space such as a community hall or a friend’s backyard, which added a personal touch to the celebration. By avoiding traditional, high-cost venues and picking an off-season date, they created a beautiful setting without overspending, allowing more room in their budget for other essentials.

• opt for smaller, non-traditional venues like a friend’s backyard, a farm, or a community hall.
• Explore weekday or off-season dates to get discounts.
• Some couples may even have a destination wedding at a lesser-known location.

Wedding Outfits (₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000)

The couple kept their outfit expenses between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 by making smart choices. Instead of splurging on designer wear, they opted for local designers or rented their wedding attire. The bride went for a beautiful yet budget-friendly lehenga, while the groom chose a classic sherwani, ensuring they looked stunning without overspending. By focusing on quality over brand names and keeping accessories simple, they struck the perfect balance between elegance and affordability.

• Look for budget-friendly bridal and groom outfits, such as local designers or rental outfits.
• A mix of DIY accessories and pre-loved outfits can further reduce the costs.
• Avoid buying multiple wedding day outfits and focus on one signature look.

Wedding Decoration (₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000)

• For the décor, the couple allocated ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, focusing on a minimalist yet elegant setup. They opted for DIY elements, using locally sourced flowers and simple, rustic arrangements that added charm without inflating the budget. By reusing decorations across different events and incorporating personal touches like hand-crafted centerpieces, they were able to create a beautiful ambiance that perfectly suited their intimate wedding, all while keeping costs under control.
• Go for minimalistic, DIY décor or use locally sourced flowers and materials.
• Consider themes like rustic, boho, or vintage for a charming yet inexpensive touch.
• Reuse décor from the pre-wedding events for the wedding day to save costs.

Wedding Food and Catering (₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000)

The couple allocated ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000 for food and catering, ensuring a delicious yet cost-effective experience. Instead of opting for elaborate multi-cuisine spreads, they focused on a carefully curated menu featuring local and traditional dishes that resonated with their intimate guest list. By choosing buffet-style service or food stations, they reduced staffing costs while still offering a diverse and enjoyable dining experience. This approach allowed them to provide high-quality meals without exceeding their budget.

• Food trucks or buffet-style catering could reduce serving costs.
• Limiting alcohol choices can help manage bar expenses.

Wedding Photography & Videography (₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000)

The couple kept their photography and videography budget between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 by hiring a talented freelance photographer instead of opting for high-end professionals. They focused on capturing candid moments rather than elaborate photo shoots, which added a more personal and authentic feel to their wedding memories. By prioritizing key events and opting for a shorter coverage time, they were able to beautifully document their special day while staying within their budget.

Wedding Guest List (Under 50 People)

To maintain an intimate atmosphere and manage costs, the couple limited their guest list to under 50 people. This allowed them to focus on celebrating with their closest family and friends, creating a more personal and meaningful experience. A smaller guest list also helped them save on venue space, catering, and other related expenses, ensuring they could allocate their budget to other important elements while still hosting a warm, memorable wedding.

Wedding Mehendi, Makeup, and Accessories(₹25,000 – ₹50,000)

• Keep mehndi and makeup simple or consider doing DIY makeup for smaller functions.
• Borrow jewelry or go for artificial jewelry sets that match the bridal look.

Wedding Invitations (₹5,000 – ₹20,000)

• opt for digital invitations to save costs on paper and printing.
• If printed invites are preferred, choose simple designs with minimal customizations.

Wedding Entertainment (₹20,000 – ₹50,000)

• Use a curated playlist instead of a DJ or live band, or hire a local artist or small band.
• Dance performances by friends and family add a personal touch while cutting down on costs.

Wedding Miscellaneous (₹25,000 – ₹50,000)

• Miscellaneous costs like transportation, wedding favours, and last-minute changes can be accounted for within this range.

Tips for Couples:

• Prioritize what matters most to you, whether it’s food, décor, or photography.
• Negotiate with vendors and explore smaller, homegrown businesses.
• DIY projects can add a personal touch while saving costs.
• Keep it personal and focus on creating memories rather than having grand displays.

Do it only if you’re okay missing out on all the BRIDEY stuff that all weddings have. My idea of a wedding was fun and to celebrate the hilarious friendship my Husband and I have shared over the past 8 years. It poured on my party, Mehedi and wedding. Since it was just all people, I’m really close to, we all got drenched a bit, cleaned up, put up our hair in buns and continued having the best possible time I could have asked for. Definitely get your parents on board, and remember that you’ll be in charge of everything.