Planning a luxury destination wedding is a dream for many Indian couples and their families — but with grandeur comes complexity. From multi-day celebrations to travel, décor, and catering, the costs can quickly add up if not planned wisely.
At Bespoke Weddings Abroad, we’ve helped hundreds of Indian families create opulent weddings that balance aspiration with practicality. Whether your heart is set on a palace in Udaipur or a beachfront mandap in Mexico, here’s how to budget for your luxury destination wedding — without compromising on magic.
1. Start with a Total Budget — and Be Honest About It
Before you get into details, determine how much you’re comfortable spending overall. For Indian destination weddings, this often involves multiple contributors (bride’s family, groom’s family, or even the couple).
Typical luxury destination wedding budgets range from £75,000 to £300,000+, depending on location, guest count, and experience level.
Pro Tip: Add a 10–15% buffer for currency fluctuations, taxes, or last-minute upgrades.
2. Choose the Right Destination Based on Value, Not Just Glamour
Some destinations offer the same luxury experience for a fraction of the cost.
High-end but value-driven destinations include:
- Portugal (Lisbon, Algarve)
- Thailand (Koh Samui, Phuket)
- Mexico (Riviera Maya, Cancun)
Meanwhile, Lake Como, South of France, and Dubai sit at the higher end — but offer unparalleled elegance and service.
Ask your planner for location-specific cost breakdowns before locking anything in.
3. Venue & Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense
Most Indian destination weddings are multi-day affairs (welcome dinner, mehndi, sangeet, wedding, reception). This means venues must be flexible and ideally all-inclusive or full buyouts.
Key venue costs to factor in:
- Event space rental (for 2–5 events)
- Minimum F&B spends
- Guest accommodation (some families cover this fully, others partly)
Tip: Negotiate packages that bundle events and rooms — many resorts offer discounts for multi-day weddings.
4. Catering: Don’t Compromise on Taste or Tradition
Indian weddings are known for lavish spreads — and destination weddings are no exception. Ensure the venue allows:
- Indian chefs or external catering
- Live stations and traditional dishes (chaat, dosas, tandoori grills)
- Jain, vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free options as needed
Costs vary dramatically based on the menu, but catering can account for 15–25% of your total budget.
5. Décor & Production: Set the Mood (and Budget)
From floral mandaps to LED sangeet stages, décor plays a starring role in Indian weddings.
Average décor & production budgets:
- Intimate weddings: £15,000 – £30,000
- Grand-scale weddings: £50,000 – £100,000+
Save smart: Repurpose décor across events (e.g. floral arches for both sangeet and wedding ceremony).
6. Entertainment & Extras: Make It Unforgettable
Indian destination weddings often feature:
- DJs, live bands, dhol players, and cultural dancers
- Fireworks or drone shows
- Welcome hampers, personalised signage, and bespoke itineraries
Plan for 5–10% of your budget here depending on how immersive you want the experience to be.
7. Guest Travel & Hospitality
Whether or not you’re covering flight costs, it’s customary to arrange:
- Group transfers
- Airport pickups
- Welcome events & guest management
Tip: Use a wedding planner with concierge-style services so your guests are cared for from arrival to farewell.
8. Work with a Planner Who Understands Indian Wedding Budgets
The best way to avoid hidden costs? Hire a planner experienced in luxury Indian destination weddings.
At Bespoke Weddings Abroad, we don’t just create stunning weddings — we guide you through every financial decision, helping you stay on budget while delivering the wow factor.
Final Thoughts
A luxury destination wedding is one of life’s greatest celebrations — but it doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming. With the right guidance, clarity on costs, and a planner who understands your culture and expectations, your dream wedding can be both magnificent and manageable.
Ready to Start Budgeting for Your Destination Wedding?
Get in touch with our team at www.bespokeweddingsabroad.com to begin planning a celebration that reflects your vision and values — beautifully and brilliantly.
