Bride and Groom Expenses: Who Pays, How Much, and Real Budget Tips

When it comes to bride and groom expenses, the combined costs of a wedding ceremony, reception, attire, and related events that couples plan and pay for. Also known as wedding costs, these expenses vary wildly depending on location, guest count, and personal choices—no two weddings are the same, and neither should your budget. The old rule that the bride’s family pays for everything? That’s mostly gone. Today, more than 60% of couples in India split the bill themselves, or share it with both families. Some pay for the whole thing out of pocket. Others rely on help from parents. But the real question isn’t who pays—it’s how much you actually need, and what’s worth spending on.

Honeymoon cost sharing, how couples divide the expenses of their post-wedding trip. Also known as romantic getaway budget, this often gets lumped into wedding planning, but it’s a separate financial decision. A honeymoon isn’t a luxury add-on—it’s part of the experience, and many couples now set aside 10-15% of their total wedding budget just for travel. You don’t need a Maldives villa to make it special. Some pick a quiet hill station. Others take a train across South India. The key is matching the trip to your shared style, not to someone else’s Instagram feed. Then there’s the wedding budget, the total amount allocated for all wedding-related spending, from venue to invitations to photography. Also known as wedding expenses breakdown, this is where most people overspend. A typical Indian wedding can run anywhere from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh or more. But you don’t need to spend that much to have a meaningful celebration. Many couples cut costs by having smaller guest lists, skipping elaborate decor, or choosing a weekday ceremony. Food, drinks, and music are where most money goes—so focus there. Skip the gold-plated invitations. Skip the five-course meal if you’re not serving 300 people. What you really need is good company, clear communication, and a plan that doesn’t leave you in debt.

Real couples aren’t following traditions—they’re making choices. One couple in Pune paid for their entire wedding with savings and a side hustle. Another in Kerala used family land for the ceremony and hired local musicians instead of a DJ. A third in Bengaluru skipped the big reception and took a 10-day road trip instead. These aren’t outliers. They’re smart. And they didn’t wait for someone else to pay. They decided what mattered and spent there. The rest? Cut. Or postponed. Or skipped.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories, real numbers, and real advice from couples who’ve been there. You’ll see how much people actually spent on their weddings in India, who paid for what, and how they avoided common money traps. Whether you’re planning a simple ceremony or a big celebration, you’ll find tools to build a budget that fits your life—not someone else’s expectations.