Wedding Expenses in India – Your Budget Guide

wedding expenses India can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into clear categories makes the numbers manageable. When planning wedding expenses in India, you consider everything from venue rent to food, outfits, and the photographer. Also known as wedding budget, it drives every choice you make for the ceremony and reception.

Key cost areas to watch

One of the biggest line items is wedding photography costs, the fee a photographer charges for covering the whole event, editing, and delivering final images. In 2025, Mumbai photographers typically charge between ₹15,000 and ₹1,00,000 depending on experience and package inclusions. This cost influences budget allocation because high‑quality images are seen as lasting value beyond the day itself. Wedding expenses in India therefore include a photography budget that reflects both the day’s coverage and post‑production work.

Another related expense is event photography pricing, rates applied to corporate gatherings, parties, or any event that needs professional coverage. While similar to wedding rates, event pricing often uses a per‑hour model and may add extra fees for travel or equipment. Understanding this helps you compare offers and avoid hidden costs when negotiating with vendors.

Tips for the photographer add another layer to the total spend. The practice of giving a wedding photographer tip, a gratuity that acknowledges the photographer’s effort and extra time varies, but a common guideline is 10‑15% of the agreed fee. Including this tip in your early calculations prevents last‑minute surprises and shows appreciation for quality work.

Don’t forget the pre‑wedding photoshoot cost, expenses for the engagement or pre‑wedding shoot that many couples book to capture their story before the big day. These shoots often run between ₹5,000 and ₹30,000 and can influence the overall wedding budget, especially if you plan to print albums or create digital memories. Factoring this in early helps you decide how much to allocate to the main ceremony versus supplemental photography.

Putting all these pieces together—venue, food, outfits, photography fees, tips, and pre‑wedding shoots—creates a clear picture of your total wedding expenses. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each cost area, offer budgeting worksheets, and share real‑world examples from Mumbai couples. Use the insights to fine‑tune your own budget and keep your dream wedding financially realistic.