If you’ve ever googled “how to save money on a wedding,” you’ve probably been told to cut your guest list or DIY your décor. Sure, those help, but South Asian weddings can’t always lend themselves to “small” or “simple.” Between the multiple events, guest expectations, and cultural traditions, trimming costs takes strategy, not sacrifice.
Here are a few non-obvious ways to save money that still keep your celebration beautiful and stress-free.
1. Pick a Venue That Doesn’t Need Heavy Décor
One of the sneakiest expenses in any wedding budget is décor. It’s not just the cost of flowers or fabric, but the labor, logistics, and installation fees that come with transforming a blank space.
Tip: Choose a venue that already feels beautiful on its own — think character-filled heritage properties, lush gardens, art galleries, or boutique hotels with statement interiors. The less you have to “cover up,” the more you save.
2. Bundle Events with the Same Vendor (Strategically)
South Asian weddings often have multiple functions: mehndi, sangeet, ceremony, reception. Working with the same caterer, decorator, or DJ across events can unlock better pricing because vendors save on setup and logistics.
You can often negotiate:
- A discounted package rate for multiple events.
- Add-ons thrown in (like an extra LED wall, upgraded menu items, or an additional night of sound setup).
The key is to ask for value, not just a lower price.
3. …But Also, Know When Not to Bundle
This one might sound contradictory — but using the same upscale vendor for every event can actually waste money.
For example:
- Your pre-wedding house events like haldi or mehndi might only need casual, hearty catering — not a five-star spread.
- Your main reception, on the other hand, might deserve that premium caterer and polished service.
Mixing and matching vendors based on the tone of each event can help you get the best of both worlds: quality and savings.
4. Choose Hotels That Allow Food Flexibility
If you’re planning a destination wedding, one of the most overlooked ways to overspend is on in-between meals — the breakfasts, teas, and late-night snacks that quickly add up.
Look for venues or hotels that let you bring in your own grab-and-go options. For instance:
- Arrange local pastries, samosas, or dried snacks from nearby bakeries.
- Offer tea, coffee, and fruit platters from local vendors rather than the hotel kitchen.
- Create small welcome snack stations or hearty welcome bags with namkeen, dried fruit, or sweets for guests to help themselves between events.
This small switch can save hundreds (even thousands) while still keeping guests happy and fed.
5. Reuse, Repurpose, and Embrace Daytime Events
There’s a growing trend toward sustainability in wedding planning, and your wallet benefits too. Reusing and repurposing not only cuts costs but also minimizes waste.
Here are some easy ways to do it:
- Flowers and décor: Reuse florals and greenery from your ceremony at your reception, or repurpose ceremony backdrops for the next event with lighting or fabric changes.
- Signage and props: Reuse custom signs, trays, candles, and vases across functions — you can easily refresh them with small styling tweaks.
- Backdrops: Reconfigure large installations or arches for