Indian Wedding Costs in the UK · A Planner's Guide
What Does an Indian Wedding Really Cost?
There's no single answer. Venue hire can start from around £3,000 and catering from £20 a head, while a large London wedding with several events often reaches £60,000 to £150,000 or more. Where yours lands depends on three things above all: how many guests you invite, how many events you hold, and which venue you choose. Here's how the budget breaks down, and where the hidden costs catch couples out.
Typical costs
Where the Money Goes
Starting prices and typical ranges in the UK. Costs can vary significantly with guest numbers, and for catering and drinks packages, the larger your guest list, the lower the price per head tends to be.
| Item | Typical Cost | What Drives It |
|---|---|---|
| Venue hire | From £3,000 to £30,000+ | Location, date, capacity and what's included |
| Catering, one meal | From £20 per guest | Menu, service style and number of courses |
| Catering, wedding and reception on the same day (two meals) | From £45 per guest | Menus for both meals and service style |
| Cocktails and drinks | From £15 per guest | Drinks package, bar hours and corkage |
| Decor and flowers, including the mandap | £5,000 – £15,000 | Mandap design, stage, florals and lighting |
| Pre-wedding events (mehndi, haldi, sangeet) | £5,000 – £10,000 | Number of events and guests at each |
| Bride's outfits and accessories | From £500 | Number of outfits and designer |
| Groom's outfits and accessories | From £400 | Number of outfits and designer |
| Gold jewellery | £5,000 – £10,000 | Family traditions and gold prices |
| Photography and videography | £3,000 – £10,000 | Number of days, team size and albums |
| Entertainment and music | £2,000 – £7,000 | DJ, dhol, live acts and performers |
| Sound, lighting and AV | £1,000 – £3,000 | Venue power, staging and screens |
| Transport | £1,000 – £3,000 | Baraat, guest coaches and wedding cars |
| Invitations and stationery | £500 – £2,000 | Printed or digital, number of events |
| Guest gifts and favours | £1,000 – £5,000 | Guest numbers and family customs |
| Wedding planner | From £750 per day to £5,000+ | Day coordination or full planning |
Figures are a general guide and will vary for every wedding. Your consultation includes a budget tailored to your plans.
Example
Catering for 250 Guests
One meal from £20 a head comes to around £5,000. With the wedding and reception on the same day, two meals from £45 a head come to around £11,250, plus drinks from £15 a head, around £3,750. That's why your guest list is the single biggest lever on your budget.
Watch out for
The Hidden Costs Couples Miss
The hire fee is rarely the full story. These are the extras we check in every venue contract before you sign.
Kitchen and Equipment Hire
If the venue has no suitable kitchen, your caterer has to hire one in.
Power and AV Supply
Extra power for stage, sound and lighting can mean generator hire.
Overtime and Late Licences
Running past the agreed finish time is often charged by the hour.
Service Charges and Corkage
Percentages added to catering and drinks, and fees for bringing your own.
Set-Up and Access Time
Difficult access means longer set-up for decorators, and higher bills.
Cleaning, Security and Damage
Fees and deposits that only appear in the small print.
How a planner helps
The Cheapest Venue Isn't Always the Cheapest Wedding
A £10,000 venue can end up costing more than a £12,000 one once your caterer has to hire in kitchen equipment, your decorators need extra set-up time and your AV team needs a generator. We compare venues on their true cost before you commit.
We also pass on the preferential rates we secure from trusted suppliers, and the value we bring often covers much of our fee.
Five Ways to Keep Your Budget on Track
- Fix your guest list early. It drives catering, venue size and favours.
- Compare venues on total cost, not the hire fee.
- Combine events where it suits your family, such as mehndi and sangeet on one evening.
- Book key suppliers 12 to 18 months ahead for the best rates and dates.
- Keep 10% of your budget aside for the unexpected.
Common Questions
How Much Does an Indian Wedding Cost in the UK?
It depends mostly on guest numbers, the number of events and the venue. Venue hire can start from around £3,000 and catering from £20 per guest for one meal, so a smaller, simpler wedding can cost far less than a large London celebration, which often reaches £60,000 to £150,000 or more.
How Much Does Catering Cost per Head?
From around £20 per guest for one meal. If the wedding and reception are on the same day, two meals start from around £45 per guest. Cocktails and drinks start from around £15 per person.
How Much Do Wedding Outfits Cost?
Bride's outfits start from around £500 and the groom's from around £400, rising with the number of outfits and the designer. Our Shop in India trips can help you find outfits and jewellery with a guide alongside you.
Is It Cheaper to Buy Wedding Outfits in India?
Usually, yes. Even after flights, accommodation and a guide, couples typically save between 20% and 45% on outfits, jewellery and family clothing compared with buying in the UK, depending on where they shop. More about shopping in India
How Much Does an Indian Wedding Planner Cost?
We offer guidance from £75 per hour, wedding day coordination from £750 per event day and full wedding planning from £5,000. See all packages.