THAILAND
It’s the most affordable among international wedding destinations because the infrastructure is well-developed for Indian weddings. Hotels, planners and vendors handle large-scale celebrations regularly, which keeps prices competitive. Even luxury weddings can be done at reasonable rates, typically Rs.1–2 lakh per guest, since most materials are locally available and logistics are simple. Most preferred destinations include Phuket and Hua Hin.
Hotel: Rs.26,000-41,000 per room, per night.
Venue: Rs.41,000-55,000 per day, depending on whether it’s the pool area, lawn or beach.
Decor: Rs.5.5-11 lakh for a oneday event.
Entertainment: Rs.1.5 lakh onwards.
UAE (DUBAI)
It costs Rs.2–2.5 lakh per guest because despite Dubai’s proximity to India, the premium venues and hotels make it expensive. Nearly half the budget goes towards stay and catering as the five-star properties set high base rates for such weddings.
Hotel (5-star): Rs.40,000–70,000 a room, per night.
Venue: Rs.6 lakh per function.
Decor: Rs.6 lakh onwards per function, depending on drapes, lights, flowers and props.
Entertainment: Rs.3 lakh onwards for a local DJ and console. Bridal entry, groom procession, live band/ orchestra) can cost `6 lakh per event.
MALDIVES
Maldives is the most expensive destination, costing Rs.3-4 lakh per guest. Since everything has to be transported to the islands, logistics alone is a significant expense. Limited local manpower and exclusivity of island resorts, which often need to be booked entirely, further push up the expense.
Hotel: Rs.1-4 lakh per room, per night.
Venue: Rs.44 lakh onwards for 100 guests.
Decor: Rs.11 lakh onwards.
Entertainment: Rs.90,000-2 lakh for a DJ and drummers.
SPAIN
Spain will cost Rs.2.5-3 lakh per guest, driven by European pricing for venues and hotels, as well as the expense of transporting Indian décor and catering items. France has comparable expenses and limited on-ground support for Indian weddings, which keeps the cost per head relatively high. The preferred destinations include Barcelona and Seville.
Hotel: Rs.10,250–30,750 per room, per night.
Venue: Rs.5-51 lakh for castles, luxury resorts, or beachside properties, depending on exclusivity and location.
Decor: Rs.5-15 lakh for themed décor, floral arrangements across multiple events.
Entertainment: Rs.2-10 lakh for Indian and Spanish performers, musicians, or dancers.
ITALY
The cost is roughly the same as that for Spain, which is Rs.2.5-3 lakh. Venue and accommodation costs are high, and most items and props have to be flown in, adding to the expense. With couples preferring to host weddings in India, the volume of weddings in Italy has dropped by nearly 30%, which means fewer vendors on the ground and less competition to keep the prices in check.
Hotel: Rs.40,000-80,000 per room, per night.
Venue: Rs.7 lakh onwards for a two-day event in castles, luxury resorts, or beachside properties, depending on exclusivity and location.
Decor: Rs.11 lakh onwards for an elaborate set-up.
Entertainment: Rs.2-10 lakh
Source: Makemytrip.com, Diwas.in, Wedmegood.in, Super-weddings.com. All costs are indicative and may vary with hotel, month and options selected. Air fares and cost for photography & make-up artists included in per person cost.
