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Limit your expenses.

Rajalakshmi Sivam

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Marriages may be made in heaven, but the riches that are spent are funded only from earth! Indian weddings have become high-budget affairs calling for considerable planning by the groom and the bride. With inflation topping 7 per cent, the cost of a normal two-day wedding may equal a year’s pay for the youngsters who have just embarked on their career and can’t fall back on savings. So, for all of you, here is a plan for the gala day:

The average cost of a standard Indian wedding may range anywhere between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 6 lakh. So, start by penning down the liquid funds that you have on hand.

This could probably include your investment in mutual funds, stocks and the balance in your savings account. Rank them on the basis of returns they generate, liquidate those that deliver the least returns. Borrowing is not advised as that might increase your financial burden, post-wedding, and prevent you from immediately taking up your other more crucial financial goals, in future. In marriage, “fall in love not in debt”.

Write down roughly the number of people you expect will turn up. This is the basis for all further assumptions you would make regarding your wedding expenses. So keep the figure at realistic levels. If you are particular about the location and the food you want to serve, then you may have to start hunting for the hall and the caterer at least six months prior to your proposed wedding date.

When it comes to these bookings, time really is money! You may end up paying a premium if you leave it to the last minute! Very broadly, the following could be the different heads of expenditure for a wedding:

Wedding hall rent; invitation card printing; catering service; photographers; orchestra; decorators; guest accommodation; trousseau, jewellery. If you hire an event manager who would take charge of the above, relieving you of the tension, then be prepared for his bill too.

Limit the guest list: Longer the guest list, the higher would be the cost. Additional invitations, additional plates for the caterer, additional rooms for accommodation, will all balloon into a one big sum. Confine your guest list to the most loved and dear ones. You could always throw a small party for the office colleagues and friends at your home after the marriage.

Invitation: Usual wedding cards are priced anywhere between Rs 15 and Rs 50 a piece. One money saving move could be to e-mail your invite. Friends don’t look for formal invitations; so scan a card and mail it across to them. Also, choose a card that is simple in looks. Even a plain card could be made to look elegant through the choice of words.

Save on cuisine: How many of us taste each and every dish served in the feast at weddings? And those of us who do so, do pop antacids on coming back home! So, serve a limited variety of good quality food and don’t go for an expansive 12-course menu. Give the choice of chef more importance than the choice of spread. Making it a buffet could also save a lot of money.

Wedding wear: Most Indians spend heavily on the wedding trousseau. But the attire need not be very dazzling, to fit the occasion. Simple saris and kurtas would do. Remember that your heavy designer wear cannot be worn on any other occasion after your wedding.

Finally, the wedding is not an end in itself…it’s the beginning. Beginning of a life, where you may have several new commitments to keep. Plan! Save! For the life that’s to follow after the big day.

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Plan your wedding finances well

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