Average Wedding Cost in India for Middle-Class Families (2025 Guide)

Average Wedding Cost in India (2025 Overview)

The average wedding cost in India in 2025 is estimated to range between ₹10-25 lakhs for middle-class families. While some couples manage to keep things simple at around ₹5–7 lakhs, others see their budgets climb toward ₹30 lakhs in metro cities. The big gap shows how diverse India is — not only in traditions and ways of life, but also in how much people can spend.

Recent surveys show that venue and catering alone take up almost 50–60% of the budget, making them the single largest expense. Families in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore typically spend more due to higher costs for food, décor, and rentals, while those in smaller towns can often host the same celebrations for 30–40% less.

According to a 2024 report by News18, nearly 73% of households earning between ₹5–10 lakhs annually aim to keep their wedding budgets around ₹7–10 lakhs. Inflation in things like food, gold, and home decor has made the overall costs go up more recently.

For middle-class families, planning a wedding isn’t just about the feelings—it's also about sticking to a budget. Knowing the average helps couples understand what’s realistic and prevents them from taking on more debt than they need.

Expense Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?

Understanding the average wedding cost in India isn’t just about knowing the total figure — it’s about seeing where the money is actually spent. Breaking down expenses helps middle-class families allocate funds smartly and avoid overspending. Below is a detailed guide for typical wedding costs in 2025:

Venue & Catering: The largest chunk of the budget, often covering hall rent, food, drinks, and staff. Picking a date in the off-season or inviting fewer guests can really cut down the expenses.

Decor & Entertainment: Includes floral arrangements, lighting, wedding bands, DJs, and other performances. DIY décor and local entertainers can save thousands without compromising elegance.

Clothing & Jewelry: Bridal lehengas, groom’s sherwanis, gold jewelry, and accessories. Renting outfits or buying semi-precious jewelry can help keep the budget in check.

Photography & Videography: Professional services are essential for capturing memories. Many couples negotiate package deals or hire newer professionals with strong portfolios for cost savings.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Invitations, gifts, transportation, and unexpected costs. Setting aside a contingency fund of 5–10% of the total budget is highly recommended.

It's important to set aside money for each ceremony. For a detailed guide on the rituals involved, refer to our article on Hindu Wedding Rituals Step by Step: From Roka to Reception. This can assist in estimating costs for each segment. 

By understanding this breakdown, middle-class families can prioritize what matters most. For example, if the couple values photography over décor, funds can be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, a smaller guest list can free up money for a premium menu or a more elegant venue.

Splitting costs into different categories helps couples compare vendors better. It makes it easier to see where the money’s going and helps ensure they get the most out of every rupee. This way, they can plan a memorable celebration without stressing over unnecessary expenses.

Budget Allocation for ₹5L, ₹10L and ₹15L Weddings in India

To make the average wedding cost in India more actionable, let’s look at how middle-class families can plan within different budget ranges. These examples show practical allocation across major expense categories and the advantages and limitations of each budget.

1. ₹5 Lakh Wedding

Pros:

• Fits a tight budget without loans.

• Encourages smaller, more intimate celebrations.

• Easier to manage logistics and guest lists.
  
  

Cons:

• Limited options for venue and decor.

• May require renting outfits or jewelry.

• Less flexibility for premium catering or entertainment.

2. ₹10 Lakh Wedding

Pros:

• Allows for mid-sized guest lists.

• Can include better decor and catering.

• Moderate flexibility for outfits and photography.
  
  

Cons:

• Still limited for luxury or premium services.

• Requires careful budget allocation to avoid overspending.

3. ₹15 Lakh Wedding

Pros:

• Suitable for larger weddings in metro cities.

• Offers premium menu, professional decor, and better outfits.

• More flexibility in entertainment and photography.
  
  

Cons:

• Higher risk of overspending without careful planning.

• Requires more coordination and planning effort.

Factors That Increase Wedding Costs:

• Guest List Size: The bigger your guest list, the more you'll spend on food, drinks, seats, and invites..

• Location & Venue: Big cities and fancy venues tend to be much pricier than smaller towns or local halls.

• Season & Date: Peak wedding seasons (November–February) usually have higher venue and catering prices.

• Decor & Entertainment: Things like custom decorations, big themes, and hiring professional performers all cost more.

• Clothing & Jewelry: Designer outfits, gold jewelry, and accessories can add lakhs to the budget.

• Photography & Videography: High-end professionals and cinematic packages raise costs.

Choosing the right location can impact your photography budget. Explore our list of Top 7 Dreamy Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations in India for Every Kind of Couple to find the perfect backdrop.

• Inflation & Price Trends: Inflation and changing prices are making everything more expensive—food, supplies, services—they’re all going up across the board.

Factors That Reduce Wedding Costs:

• Smaller Guest Lists: Cutting down the guest list can really help save a good chunk of money.

• Off-Season Weddings: Booking in off-peak months can lower venue and catering costs.

• Local Vendors & DIY Options: Choosing local vendors or making your own decorations can help save money.

• Renting Outfits or Jewelry: Instead of buying new designer pieces, renting can save lakhs.

• Simplified Decor & Entertainment: Minimalistic setups or smaller entertainment options reduce costs without compromising elegance.

Selecting the right music enhances the wedding atmosphere. Check out our curated list of Bollywood’s 10 Best Bridal Entry Songs for Every Vibe – From Dreamy to Dramatic to choose the perfect track.

• Package Deals: Combining catering, venue, and decor from the same vendor often comes cheaper.

By being aware of these factors, middle-class families can strategically plan a wedding that balances dreams with budget. Changing just a few of these things can really cut down the average wedding cost in India without taking away from the overall feel of the celebration.

Survey Data: Actual Spending Patterns of Middle-Class Indian Weddings

While the average wedding cost in India provides a useful benchmark, real families often spend differently based on priorities and location. Surveys and news reports reveal how middle-class couples allocate their budgets in 2025.

Destination weddings can be significantly more expensive. A detailed financial analysis by banker Sarthak Ahuja breaks down the significant costs associated with destination weddings in India, which can range from ₹75 lakh to ₹5 crore.

The 100 billion dollar Indian wedding industry continues to grow as the second-largest global wedding industry. 

Real-life examples show useful ways to do things:

• Families often rent outfits or jewelry to save money.

• Smaller guest lists reduce catering costs dramatically.

• Choosing local vendors for decor, photography, and entertainment lowers expenses without sacrificing quality.
  
  

These insights show that while the average wedding cost in India is a useful guideline, flexibility and smart choices determine whether a wedding stays memorable yet affordable.

Proven Cost-Saving Strategies for Middle-Class Weddings in India

Managing the average wedding cost in India can feel overwhelming, but with smart planning, middle-class families can have a beautiful celebration without overspending. Here are practical strategies:

1. Prioritize Your Expenses: Decide what matters most — whether it’s venue, catering, photography, or outfits — and allocate more budget there.

2. Trim the Guest List: Cut down the guest list to save money on food, seats, and invites.

3. Book Off-Season Dates: Weddings in off-peak months often come with discounted venue and catering rates.

4. Rent or Borrow Outfits and Jewelry: Instead of buying new designer pieces, rent bridal and groom outfits or use family jewelry.

5. Use Local Vendors: Try using local vendors for things like decoration, photos and entertainment. They often cost less and still do a good job.

6. Combine Services: Some vendors bundle services like the venue, catering and decorations, which can help save money overall..

7. Set Aside a Contingency Fund: Keep 5–10% of the total budget for unexpected expenses to avoid last-minute stress.

By implementing these strategies, families can manage the average wedding cost in India effectively, ensuring a memorable celebration while staying financially smart.

For a detailed planning guide, refer to our Wedding Planning Checklist India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Bride to ensure no detail is overlooked.