Planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task. But with careful planning and creativity, you can create a memorable experience for yourself and your guests. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey of planning an intimate destination wedding in the beautiful town of Rishikesh.
About Our Indian Destination Wedding
Location – Rishikesh
Wedding Dates – 8th May – 10th May 2024
Tentative Wedding Budget – 10 Lakh
No. of people – 50 PAX
Destination Wedding Location in Uttarakhand
With our wedding date firmly in place, the next challenge was choosing a venue. Considering my Dehradun origins, my husband’s Delhi ties, and my professional life in Noida, we had a range of locations to consider. However, we opted to keep it within the Northern region and explore venues closer to home.
RISHIKESH appeared as the most convincing contender in our search for destination wedding places in India under 10 lakhs. After much deliberation, we chose Rishikesh – a place special in our hearts as a couple.
Once we had finalised our destination wedding location, “RISHIKESH,” it was time to set a budget.
Destination Wedding Budget in India
Having decided to plan and execute our wedding ourselves, we opted for a more intimate and budget-friendly approach, rather than an extravagant affair. Sharing a similar mindset about finances, we believed in saving for future goals. Also, it is worth mentioning we planned an intimate wedding of around 50 people.
With a modest budget of 10 lakhs, we were realistic about potential overages but determined to keep costs in check. We understood vendors’ tendency to inflate costs based on stated budgets, so we were prepared to negotiate and prioritise.
As the bride, I was determined to honour my parents’ wishes and ensure we covered the wedding cost. While the groom’s family was eager to contribute, we preferred to handle the expenses ourselves.
Once we had our destination wedding budget, it was time to start scouting for wedding venues in Rishikesh.
Related: In-detail destination wedding cost in Rishikesh
Wedding Venues in Rishikesh
For those unfamiliar with Rishikesh, it’s a place where you can experience the best of all worlds: a temperate climate, stunning views of the Ganges and mountains, and most importantly, the warmth of its people.
We started our Google search, then hopped to Make My Trip (to get an idea of resorts and hotels in Rishikesh), did social media research, and then came down to a list of a few venues.
If I have to give you one tip to save yourself from overspending on your destination wedding in Rishikesh it would be to book a venue far from the main city.
Read – Book Your Destination Wedding Venue Outskirts of Rishikesh
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages in Rishikesh
The initial resort we considered was prohibitively expensive, making it an impractical choice. We decided to explore options in the outskirts of Rishikesh and were fortunate to find a newer venue in good condition.
Most resorts offer wedding packages in Rishikesh that include:
- Decoration
- Catering
- Photographer
- DJ
- Pandit
If you wish to plan a low-budget destination wedding in India, then you must explore other options. That’s why, we opted for a more personalised approach by hiring individual vendors. After careful calculations, we realised that this strategy would be more cost-effective.
The Vendors We Hired for our Destination Wedding in Rishikesh – With Vendor Names and Real Cost
Wedding Planner/Decorator in Rishikesh
Most wedding decorators in Rishikesh can take the role of a wedding planner, considering you are under budget. If budget is no issue, you can find some stand-alone wedding planners as well. I felt no need to hire one because I had a clear vision and I’m the DIY bride, who loved planning and executing everything on her own.
We started with calling the decorators for our Rishikesh wedding, and the best and the most intelligent thing was to go local. We went on a call with around 10-12 wedding decorators. We had our questionnaire and answers to some possible questions ready, before the call.
Wedding Makeup Artist in Rishikesh
We were lucky to find a skilled wedding decorator in Rishikesh who provided excellent recommendations. Following their advice, we hired a makeup artist. We met with the makeup artist in person at their Rishikesh office. We agreed on a price and paid a 10,000 rupees advance. The remaining payment was to be split in two equal instalments.
DJ for a Wedding in Rishikesh
We were all over the place when it came to finding a DJ, our wedding functions were 3 days long, which is unheard of for destination weddings in Rishikesh. So the DJ would have to stay all 3 days, which didn’t quite seem right, so we had our wedding decorator find us someone who would stay with us from morning 10 am to night 10 pm and after that, we had resort music system available.
Dhol to Welcome the Wedding Party
To create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for our guests, we decided to have a dhol player perform upon their arrival at the resort. To ensure everything went smoothly, we delegated the responsibility of arranging the dhol player to the resort staff. This way, we could hold them accountable for the timely arrival.
Band Baja Baraat for the Wedding Day
A Band, Baaja, Baraat is a quintessential Indian wedding tradition that adds a vibrant and festive touch to the occasion. Since we had a small gathering we asked our wedding decorator to arrange for a small band, nothing lavish.
Mehandi Wala in Rishikesh for Wedding Mehandi
We prioritized finding the perfect mehendi artist for the bride. After thorough research, we selected a highly-rated 5-star mehandi expert on Google Maps. We had a detailed discussion with the artist over the phone, and they shared their stunning designs via WhatsApp. We ultimately chose a design we loved and finalised the booking.
How to get your Guests to the Destination?
For Guests Arriving by Train
Station Pickup
- We arranged for a dedicated pickup service at the railway station.
- Consider hiring a car or van to transport guests to the wedding venue.
For Guests Arriving by Flight
Airport Pickup
- Arrange for a comfortable airport transfer service.
- Consider hiring a car or van to transport guests to the wedding venue.
- Provide clear instructions on how to reach the pickup point.
For Guests Arriving by Personal Conveyance:
Venue Directions:
- Provide clear and detailed directions to the wedding venue.
- Consider sharing a Google Maps link or a detailed map.
- Highlight any potential roadblocks or traffic congestion.
Parking:
- Arrange for ample parking space at the venue.
- Provide clear signage and guidance for parking.
For Guests Needing Taxis
Pre-Book Taxis:
- Recommend pre-booking taxis, especially for airport pickups and drop-offs.
- Provide a list of reliable taxi services and their contact information.
Local Taxi Services:
- Inform guests about local taxi services and their rates.
- Provide clear directions to the wedding venue.
By following these guidelines and providing clear instructions, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for your guests.
Things No One Will Tell You About Planning a Succesful Wedding
Being the planner bride, I was involved in each step of the wedding planning. From outfits to wedding trousseau to gifts, to catering, decoration, everything. Here are some hidden secrets to a stress-free wedding:
Arrive at the venue earlier than the guests
The night before the wedding festivities began, I arrived at the resort with a few close family members. Here’s how this changed the whole course and experience of our wedding:
- I met the resort staff I was going to host my wedding in for the next three days.
- I built a rapport with them calling them by their name and personally building a relationship (trust me, this will make all the difference).
- You can effectively manage various wedding essentials, including your bridal attire, gifts for the groom’s family, and return gifts.
- We had some gift bags prepared for the resort manager, communication manager, and catering manager. Gifting key staff members can show appreciation and strengthen the relationship.
Hiring Professionals for Wedding Trousseau and Gift Packing
We hired a professional trousseau and gift-packing service provider in Noida to beautifully package our gifts. Their expertise ensured that each gift was presented elegantly. Once the gifts were packed, we carefully labelled and packed them into cartons for easy transportation.
Find a Destination Close to Home
I totally understand that I’m blessed to have a home in Dehradun, which made my choice for Rishikesh very easy and convenient as it is only 2 hours drive from my home. You can opt for a destination that is wedding-appropriate and close to your home. If at all possible.
Thank You Gifts for Vendors
We expressed our gratitude to all our vendors by gifting them at the beginning of the wedding festivities. This gesture of appreciation was a sincere way to thank them for their presence, services, and time. Our photography team, decoration team, and makeup artists were all appreciative of this thoughtful gesture.
Label Everything Clearly
Destination weddings often involve a significant amount of luggage, including wedding favours, the bride’s lehenga, and gifts for the groom’s family. To streamline the process, I took the initiative to meticulously label and pack each item into separate cartons.
This proactive approach saved me considerable time during the hectic wedding festivities. For instance, all wedding room hampers were packed together in one carton, while all gifts were organized in another. By taking the time to organise beforehand, I was able to effortlessly manage the logistics of the wedding.
Unique Engagement Ring Display
Inspired by a Pinterest idea, I asked my two nephews to add a touch of fun to our engagement ceremony. We transformed them into ring security officers, complete with briefcases. As they marched forward, each carrying one of the engagement rings, it was a truly memorable and unique moment.
Choose Practical Favours
Our afternoon haldi ceremony was made even more memorable with a thoughtful touch: sunglasses as favours. I recognised that some guests might have forgotten their sunglasses, so we provided them with a practical and stylish accessory. This small gesture was greatly appreciated by everyone, adding a fun and functional element to the celebration.
Don’t Let Weather Ruin Your Moment
My dream engagement was a riverside sundowner affair, bathed in white. As we exchanged rings and began exchanging gifts with the groom’s family, a sudden downpour disrupted our plans. While many might have been disheartened by the unexpected rain, I remained calm and optimistic.
Instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity for couple shots, I shifted my focus to the next event. I prioritised getting ready for the upcoming event, and my determination to stay positive uplifted the mood of everyone around me.
Phoolon Ka Gehena
Phoolon ka Gehena is a beautiful pre-wedding ritual in Kashmiri Pandit weddings. It involves the groom’s family sending exquisite, real floral jewellery to the bride-to-be. I made this ceremony special for my bridesmaids by getting hathphool prepared for them as well.
Let the Impromptu Plans Flow
We envisioned a relaxed, unhurried wedding, so we planned a three-day celebration. On the second morning, we had some free time, and a spontaneous idea emerged: a pool party. We quickly arranged for the DJ and our photographers hopped on to capture all the moments. The impromptu pool party, complete with a drink bar, became a highlight of the wedding, bringing together people of all ages for a memorable experience. It is still the most talked-about moment of our wedding, an unplanned surprise that has been etched in our wedding memory.
Late Night Jam Session
It was an impromptu plan too, but all the guests came together, the resort arranged for a bonfire and we all had a gala time playing antakshri and other games as a group,
Hamper Full of Practical Goodies
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the wedding guests, I included several unique items in our destination wedding room hampers:
- Wrinkle-Free Spray: A convenient solution for any unexpected wrinkles in clothing.
- Breath Mints: A small but thoughtful gesture to freshen your breath after meals or drinks.
- Disposable Socks: A practical item for those who prefer to keep their feet clean and dry.
- Hydration Enhancer/Electrolyte Drink Mix: Helps combat dehydration, especially after a long day of celebrations.
- Hangover Cure: A considerate addition for those who may indulge a bit too much.
- Compressed Face Towels: A refreshing way to freshen up after a long day or night.
By providing these thoughtful amenities, we ensured that our guests had everything they needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
My Final Advice to all the Future Couples
Remember, your wedding day is YOUR day. Take a moment to soak it all in, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and don’t let stress consume you. The key to a stress-free wedding is meticulous planning. So, plan, delegate tasks, and trust the process.
Your Destination Wedding Questions Answered
How much does it cost for a destination wedding in India?
The cost of a destination wedding in India can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- Location: Popular destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Goa often come with higher costs due to venue fees, accommodation, and transportation.
- Guest List: The number of guests you invite will directly impact the overall budget.
- Number of Functions: The more functions you plan, the higher the cost.
- Venue: The choice of venue, whether it’s a palace, a resort, or a beachside location, will influence the budget.
- Decor and Theme: The level of opulence and customization you desire will impact the cost.
- Catering: The menu, the number of guests, and the quality of the food will determine the catering costs.
- Photography and Videography: Professional services can significantly add to the budget.
- Entertainment: Live bands, DJs, and other entertainment options can increase the cost.
- Travel and Accommodation: The cost of travel and accommodation for guests can be significant.
Generally, a destination wedding in India can range from 10 lakhs to several crores.
To keep costs down, consider these tips:
- Weekday Weddings: Weekday weddings can be more affordable than weekend weddings.
- Limit Guest List: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs.
- Choose a Budget-Friendly Destination: Consider less popular but equally beautiful destinations.
- Negotiate with Vendors: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors to get the best deals.
By carefully planning and budgeting, you can have a beautiful destination wedding without breaking the bank.
Who pays for a destination wedding in India?
Typically, the couple and their families share the costs of a destination wedding in India. However, the specific division of expenses can vary based on cultural norms, family traditions, and individual financial situations.
Is 10 lakhs enough for a destination wedding?
While it’s possible to have a smaller, more intimate destination wedding within this budget, factors like the location, number of guests, and the level of luxury you desire will significantly impact the overall cost.
