Category Archives: Wedding Planning

Are you looking for ways to keep children entertained at your wedding? It’s important to ensure the little ones are happy and occupied, allowing their parents to relax and enjoy the celebration and to avoid any disruption at your wedding. If you do decide to have children at your wedding, it is imperative that you consider ways in which they can be entertained. Let’s explore some ways to do so. 

1. Interactive Play Zones

• Crafting Corners – a crafting corner may help to keep children occupied. Consider activities such as origami, colouring and drawing, making bracelets or necklaces or other items. Playing with play dough. 

• Mini Adventure Playgrounds – for the energetic children, a mini adventure playground can be an ideal addition. The playground can include slides, climbing frames and tunnels.

• Consider hiring a candy floss machine, a slush puppie machine, a chocolate fountain or popcorn making machine, and an assortment of toys. 

2. Hire Professional Kid Entertainers

You could hire professionals such as magicians or puppeteers to put on a show and of course, a face painter which is always very popular with children. 

3. Have Fun-Filled Packs at Each Place Setting

• Personalised Activity Books – These books can feature the child’s name, along with puzzles, games, and colouring pages. Examples could be a wedding-themed word search book or a personalised maze. 

• Wedding-Themed Colouring Sets

4. Games Galore for Little Guests

• Outdoor Fun with Giant Board Games – The larger-than-life versions of classic games like Chess, Snakes and Ladders, Jenga, Connect Four and Twister are sure to captivate and entertain children for hours. 

• Wedding Bingo – Create bingo cards with wedding-related items such as “bride and groom holding hands” or “flower girl dancing” and provide the children with markers to cross off the items as they spot them. This game adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the day, as the kids eagerly search for the items on their cards.

• Treasure Hunts – Whether it’s searching for hidden treasures in the venue’s gardens or following a series of clues to find a special prize, treasure hunts add an element of adventure and excitement.

5. Kid-Friendly Menus and Dining

Children can be quite particular when it comes to their food choices, so it’s essential to offer exciting and appealing meal options for them at your wedding. Consider a separate kid-friendly menu.

• Exciting Meal Options for Children – why not surprise the little ones with a build-your-own pizza station? This interactive dining experience allows them to get creative and pick their toppings, ensuring they have fun while enjoying their meal. Also, offering a selection of mini sliders, chicken tenders, or macaroni and cheese can cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring no child leaves the table hungry.

• Sweet Treats and Healthy Snacks – Consider setting up a colourful sweet bar complete with jars of sweets, chocolates, and gummy treats and also offering healthier options such as fruit skewers, vegetable sticks with dip, or mini sandwiches. 

6. Chill-Out Spaces for Downtime

• Quiet Zones for Reading and Resting – when planning your wedding, consider creating a designated quiet zone where kids can retreat to for some downtime. Set up a cozy corner with bean bags, cushions, and soft blankets, and provide a selection of age-appropriate books to encourage little ones to engage in some quiet reading or simply relax. By offering a peaceful space, children can take a break from the festivities and recharge allowing their parents to enjoy the celebration with peace of mind.

• Movie Corner with Kid-Friendly Films – another fantastic way to keep children entertained during your wedding is to set up a movie corner featuring a selection of kid-friendly films. Create a mini cinema with comfy seating options, such as large floor cushions or small sofas, and set up a screen for screening the movies. Consider including a variety of classic and new releases suitable for different age ranges to ensure all the young guests can find something they enjoy. This will not only provide a form of entertainment but also give parents the chance to relax knowing their children are engaged in a fun and safe activity.

7. Kids’ Photo Booth

To add a touch of fun and creativity to your wedding, consider setting up a kids’ photo booth with an array of props and costumes such as princess or prince outfits, pirates, superheroes or even astronaut outfits. 

Conclusion

Keeping kids entertained at a wedding is vital for a stress-free event. Outdoor lawn games provide a fun and active outlet for children, while rainy day entertainment ensures a plan for all weather conditions. Setting up an arts and crafts area allows kids to get creative, and a designated kids’ table with games and activities keeps them engaged during dinner.

Let us help you

Connect with us today to learn how our Indian wedding planning services can help you plan your special day!

Are you looking for exciting wedding guest entertainment ideas that don’t involve just dancing at your Indian wedding? Weddings are becoming more interactive, with couples surprising and delighting their guests with a variety of activities to keep the party going. From games to professional performers and interactive food stations, there are numerous unique wedding reception ideas to consider.

1. Live Performers

Live performers add a unique and captivating element to your wedding. It is a special way to entertain guests at your Indian wedding. Here are some live performers to consider for your special day:

• Acrobats and fire performers 

• Caricature and silhouette cutters 

• Traditional Indian folk dancers, such as Bharatnatyam, Kathia, Bhangra, Garba or Ghoomer, just to name a few, or go with Bollywood dancers. 

• Music, such as a violinist, guitarist or pianist. 

• Live painter 

• Dohl players 

• Stand-up comedian 

You can find some live performers here

2. Interactive Food Stations

Interactive food stations offer a great way to engage and entertain wedding guests without relying on traditional dancing. You could consider Chaat station, dosa station, fresh shakes and smoothies, paan station, pain puri station, pastas, pizzas and fries and dessert station.

3. Hire a Close-Up Magician

Close-up magic brings an electrifying sense of wonder and excitement to any wedding celebration.  A talented close-up magician can tailor their performance to individual guests, making each person feel special and included. By performing magic to small groups, or even one-on-one, the magician can create a personalise experience, making it all the more memorable. 

4. Photo Booth

In a world where selfies and instant photos have become a daily ritual, a photo booth has evolved from a mere accessory to a must-have at any event. Here are some things to think about when enquiring about photo booths:

1. Can you add props and costumes – such as quirky hats, oversized glasses, feather boas, vintage accessories. They encourage guests to strike comical poses adding to the allure and fun of the booth. 

2. Can the backdrop be customised to match your theme?

3. Either at the bottom or the back of the photo, can the bride and groom’s name be added with the date of the wedding? 

5. Outdoor Games

Classic lawn games such as oversized chess, Connect Four or Jenga offer a diverse range of entertainment ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. You could also consider croquet, ring toss, horseshoe, cornhole Tic Tac Toe,  Wedding Bingo or table card games. 

6. Crafting Corners

Guests can create DIY keepsakes such as customising scented candles or handmade soap or painting glassware. This not only keeps the guests entertained but also adds a personal touch to their wedding experience.

7. Quiz

Inject an element of friendly competition and lively banter into your wedding with quizzes or themed trivia. You could craft questions that revolve around the couple’s journey, hobbies or favourite memories.

8. DIY Cocktail/ Mocktail Bar

Set up a DIY cocktail bar where guests can create their own personalised drinks.

9. Fireworks Display

End the night with a bang by organising a spectacular fireworks display. It’s a grand finale that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Let us help you

We plan weddings! Connect with us today to learn how our Indian wedding planning services can help you plan your special day.

Planning an Indian wedding can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming task. Where do you begin with the planning? How do you ensure that every detail is executed with perfection? Fear not, we have created the ultimate guide to planning your dream Indian wedding. Whether you are the bride, groom or a family member involved in the planning process, this guide will give you the tools and knowledge you need to create an unforgettable celebration. So, let’s dive in and make your dream wedding a reality.

Crafting Your Indian Wedding Timeline/ Checklist

Planning the timeline for your Indian wedding is an essential part of the process. Getting the timings right ensures that every aspect of your planning runs smoothly and you have a checklist to follow.

Ideal Planning Duration

The timeline typically begins 12 to 18 months before the big day, or as soon as you have confirmed your engagement. 

Brief Checklist for Your Indian Wedding Planning 

Pre-wedding Planning

1. Finalise the number of wedding events. Set the date for the wedding and related events.

2. Create a budget considering venue costs, supplier fees and miscellaneous expenses.

3. Create a guest list. 

4. Select and book the venues for each ceremony.

Supplier Coordination

1. Book an experienced wedding planner who can assist in orchestrating the entire event. Our wedding planning service can give you expert guidance with your planning, including managing your budget, making supplier recommendations, booking venues, coordinating suppliers, events and coordinating the wedding day. Please get in contact for your free consultation. 

2. Secure suppliers for catering, floral arrangements, photography, videography, entertainment and cake supplier. 

Ceremonial Arrangements

1. Decide on traditional customs and rituals to be incorporated into each ceremony.

2. Plan the bridal trousseau, groom’s attire, and attire for the wedding party, allowing time for fittings and alterations.

3. Arrange transportation and/ or accommodation for the wedding party.

Setting Your Wedding Budget

Before diving into the intricacies of planning your dream Indian wedding, you need to lay a strong foundation by setting a realistic budget.

An Indian wedding involves many rituals spanning over numerous events and days. It is therefore, no surprise that the costs associated with an Indian wedding can vary widely. On average, a traditional Indian wedding in the UK can range from £20,000 to £100,000, depending on the scale, location, and preferences. This would include venue hire, catering, décor, attire, jewellery, photography, and transportation, among other essentials.

When budgeting for your wedding, it is important for you to consider which elements of the wedding are very important to you and your partner. Whether it is a dream venue, exquisite bridal attire or a lavish feast for your guests, allocating funds ensures that you are able to have the wedding of your dreams without overspending.

Selecting the Perfect Venue

When it comes to planning an Indian wedding, choosing the perfect venue is one of the first decisions you will make. The venue sets the scene for the entire celebration and can significantly impact your guests’ experience. To ensure that you select the perfect location for your special day, please consider several factors below.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Venue

1. Capacity and Space: ensure the venue has capacity to accommodate all your guests. Consider the layout and available spaces for the different wedding rituals and events such as the religious ceremony, reception, and other cultural ceremonies. 

2. Amenities and Services: Look for venues that offer essential amenities such as a kitchen for catering, furniture, linens, and audio-visual equipment. Additionally, inquire about setup and cleanup services as well as any specific cultural requirements you may have. You can either hire a venue with the catering and other services included or hire the venue only (dry hire). 

3. Location and Accessibility: Consider the convenience of the venue’s location for your guests. Whether you opt for a local venue or a destination wedding location, accessibility and transportation options should be taken into account.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that the venue is respectful of Indian customs and traditions, and can accommodate specific cultural requirements such as space for religious ceremonies, traditional decorations, and accommodating attire changes.

Booking Accommodations for Guests

In addition to selecting the perfect venue, it is important to consider accommodations for your guests. Whether your wedding is at a local or destination venue, providing information about nearby hotels, resorts, or lodging options will ensure that your guests have a comfortable stay during the festivities. Consider negotiating group rates or room blocks to provide convenience and cost savings for your guests. Also consider whether the venue itself has rooms that can accommodate guests.

Curating Your Dream Wedding Menu

When planning your menu, consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. From vegetarian and vegan options to Jain, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant considerations, a thoughtful approach to catering ensures that all guests feel included and catered to.

As the wedding includes many events, from the Sangeet and Mehndi ceremonies to the reception, partnering with a caterer who specialises in providing catering for multi-day events will be extremely convenient and economical. 

The Guest List and Invitations

A good starting point is to outline the must-invite guests, such as immediate family and close friends, before expanding to extended family and acquaintances. Remember, each guest contributes to the ambiance of your celebration, so choose wisely!

Determining the Size of Your Guest List

Consider the capacity of your chosen venue, your budget, and your vision for the day. Will you have an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? Reflect on the atmosphere you want to create and how many guests will contribute to this ambiance. While it’s tempting to invite everyone you know, being selective ensures a more meaningful and manageable event.

Attire and Styling for Your Indian Wedding

Will you be opting for traditional wedding attire for yourself and your partner? You will need outfits for the different ceremonies. Use Pinterest for inspiration. Secure a professional make-up artist and hair stylist for the bride and possibly the bridal party.

Choosing Your Mehndi Artist 

Before booking, ensure you consider their experience and expertise in creating intricate bridal designs. You may also wish to book Mehndi Artists for the Bridal party and other guests for your Mehndi night.

Decor and Ambience

From vibrant and colourful themes to elegant and traditional motifs, there are endless possibilities to create a magical atmosphere for your special day.

Consider a theme for your wedding and look for professionals who are familiar with Indian weddings. Review their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision.

Capturing Memories: Photography and Videography

Hiring the Right Photographer and Videographer

Selecting the perfect photographer and videographer for your Indian wedding is an art in itself. It’s not just about their technical skills, but also about their ability to understand and capture the cultural nuances and emotions of the occasion. Look for professionals with experience in Indian weddings, as they will be familiar with the customs, rituals, and the significance of each moment. A portfolio showcasing their work in similar settings can provide insight into their style and expertise. Additionally, meeting them in person allows you to gauge their personality and ensure they align with your vision.

We have prepared an article about hiring a photographer, which can be found here.

Creating a Shot List for Ceremonies and Events 

Create a shot list for ceremonies and events. Work with your photographer to outline the key rituals, family portraits and candid moments you wish to be recorded. This detailed shot list will guide the photographer.

Music and Entertainment

Live Music and DJs for an Indian Wedding

Live music is a popular choice for Indian weddings, adding an authentic and soulful touch to the festivities.

In contrast, DJs bring a modern flair to the celebration. Look for entertainers who are well-versed in playing a mix of traditional and contemporary music. Also consider their experience in hosting and coordinating the flow of events. Your DJ will make the announcements throughout the reception party so they need to be well-versed in hosting. 

Arranging Performances and Acts

In addition to live music and DJ sets, arranging performances and acts can add an extra layer of excitement to the wedding festivities. From graceful classical dance performances like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to high-energy Bollywood dance routines, captivating live performances can be extremely popular with guests. 

Further, incorporating interactive entertainment acts such as photo booths, tarot card readers, and live caricature artists can provide guests with unique and engaging experiences.

Managing Logistics

When it comes to managing the logistics for an Indian wedding, ensuring smooth transportation for guests and coordinating with suppliers are crucial elements that contribute to the success of the event.

Transportation for Guests

Consider the number of guests, their accommodation locations, and the wedding venues when planning transportation logistics. It may help to create a travel itinerary with recommended transportation modes, nearby airports and hotel options. Consider offering shuttle services or transportation from designated pick-up points to the wedding venue.

Coordinating Suppliers 

Effective coordination with suppliers is fundamental in ensuring that all aspects of the wedding run smoothly. Collaborate closely with your suppliers and the venue to create a detailed timeline that encompasses everything from the ceremony and cocktail hour to the reception and any post-wedding activities. Include buffer time in case of unforeseen delays and set-up and tear-down schedules for the suppliers. 

Final Touches Before the Big Day

The big day is just around the corner, and you’re one step closer to making your dream Indian wedding a reality. It is time to ensure that all the final touches are in place to make the day seamless and memorable.

Reconfirming Bookings and Schedules

Double-checking and reconfirming all the bookings and schedules with your suppliers is crucial at this stage. Reach out to your caterer, decorator, photographer, and any other suppliers involved in your wedding to confirm the arrangements. This will give you peace of mind and help avoid any last-minute hiccups.

Pre-Wedding Pampering and Relaxation

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it’s essential to take some time out for pre-wedding pampering and relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session or a calming yoga class to ease those pre-wedding jitters and feel your best on the big day.

Remember, these final touches will contribute to the overall experience and ensure that everything unfolds beautifully on your special day.

Conclusion

Planning an Indian wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and guidance, you can navigate through it smoothly. From setting a budget and choosing the perfect venue to finalising he number of wedding events, this comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential information you need to plan a memorable and beautiful Indian wedding. With a clear timeline and checklist, you can ensure that every aspect of your special day is thoughtfully organised, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones.

Let us help you

As an Indian wedding planning company, we at Luxury Design Events pride ourselves on ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is handled with the utmost care providing you value for money. Our expertise extends to helping you negotiate with suppliers to ensure your dream wedding does not come with an unrealistic price tag.

Connect with us today to learn how our Indian wedding planning services can assist you in securing the best deals for your special day and be a stress-free experience so that you can relax and be fully present on your special day. 

Planning an Indian wedding reception is an exciting but complex task. Setting a timeline for the reception is important to ensure that the event runs smoothly and on time. In this blog post, we will explore how to set a timeline for your Indian wedding reception.

Creating Your Reception Timeline

Let’s break down the key elements you need to consider when planning your reception timeline. 

Reception Start Time

When deciding on the start time for your reception start consider what time the religious ceremony in the morning (if are having a ceremony in the morning) will end. You will need time for attire change, hair and make-up touch up for the bride and time for the couple and guests to travel to the reception venue (again, if it is taking place at another venue). You may also wish to consider the sunset time, weather conditions, and the duration of any other planned activities. A usual start time is between 4 to 6pm. 

Cocktail Hour/ Welcome Drinks (1 hour)

Most couples will start their reception party with welcome drinks and canapés rather than a sit down meal in the reception hall. This allows the guests to mingle giving you time to change your attire or to take pictures. This should last roughly 1 hour. 

Entrance (5 -10 minutes)

Once cocktail hour concludes, guests can be seated in the reception hall. At this time, you can either serve the starters to give yourself further time if you need longer to get ready and take pictures, or you can make your entrance. Allocate roughly 5 to 10 minutes to make your entrance. 

Cake-cutting (5 – 10 minutes) 

You can either do this straight after your entrance, or you can do this after dinner. In our experience,  it is best for the night to follow in the order we have set out as it can be disruptive to the dancing if the cake is cut after dinner. You will find that people will take themselves to the dance floor and you do not want to wait to cut the cake before dessert is served. 

Once you have cut the cake, you can take your seats. 

Speeches (15 – 20 minutes)

Once you are seated, you can start on speeches. Our recommendation would be for the speeches to be split if there are anymore than 3 as you will likely lose the attention of your guests. You can start with some speeches now and conclude them after dinner. 

If you have any performances arranged, it may be best for those to take place after the speeches. 

First Dance (3 minutes)

Start the first dance after the speeches. Give yourself roughly 3 minutes for this and encourage the DJ to bring your guests onto the dance floor to begin the dancing for the evening.

Dinner and Dessert (1 hour)

This can either be a sit-down dinner or a buffet followed by dessert. 

Last Dance and Farewell 

The dancing begins again after dinner, although you may find that some guests start to leave after dinner. 

The end time depends on the time you have to return the hall to the venue. Your caterers will start cleaning after dinner. Give the other suppliers at least 1 hour for teardown and clean-up before the hall is returned. You may have allocated a family member or friend to oversee the clean-up so that you can your partner can bid farewell to the guests as the evening ends. 

If you hire a wedding planner or coordinator, they will manage the whole day for your without you having to worry about managing timelines, suppliers, teardown, clean-up or any other tasks. 

Tips for Staying on Schedule

• Communicate the timeline to your suppliers (DJ, caterer, photographer) so that they can plan accordingly. You can also communicate the timeline to guests through an event program. This helps to set expectations and encourages promptness which can help the event run on time. 

• Consider your guests’ comfort – do not let any one part drag on too long. 

• Allow some buffer time. There will inevitably be some unexpected delays. 

The Role of the Wedding Planner or Coordinator

A dedicated wedding planner or coordinator can play a key role in keeping the event on track. We are responsible for overseeing all the moving parts of the reception ensuring the evening moves as planned. Our expertise in planning and managing weddings and coordinating with suppliers is invaluable. We can quickly address any unforeseen issues to keep the event flowing seamlessly.

At Luxury Design Events, we pride ourselves on ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is handled with the utmost care giving you value for money. Connect with us today for a free consultation. 

Are you planing an Indian Wedding and looking for ways to save money when booking a photographer? As wedding planners, we understand the importance of finding cost-effective solutions for your big day and are here to guide you through each step. In this article, we will share with you valuable tips and strategies to negotiate with wedding photographers without compromising on the quality of service. Negotiating with your photographer is different from simply asking for a discount and it is essential to grasp the difference.

We will explore common concerns photographers face when asked to lower their prices and how you can approach negotiations differently. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to secure a great deal while maintaining a positive relationship with your chosen Indian wedding photographer. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of successful negotiation.

The difference between negotiating and asking for a discount 

Negotiating involves a mutually beneficial conversation where both parties strive to reach a compromise that satisfies their needs. It goes beyond simply asking for a lower price and can include various aspects of the wedding photography package, such as additional services or customisation options.

On the other hand, asking for a discount is a straightforward request to reduce the price without considering any other factors. It often lacks the give-and-take nature of negotiation and may not result in a satisfactory result for either party.

Why Negotiation Matters 

Negotiation can be a useful tool when booking a wedding photographer as it allows you to achieve a better deal without compromising on quality. By engaging in a respectful and thoughtful negotiations, you increase your chances of finding common ground and striking a balance that benefits both you and the photographer.

Tips for Effective Negotiation 

When negotiating with a wedding photographer, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Do your research: Research the average prices for wedding photography in your area to get a sense of what is reasonable. The average in London is likely to be between £1750 to £3000. This will provide a baseline for your negotiation. Compare the pricing of different photographers and their packages to identify potential areas for discussion. We have published an article giving you information about a wedding photographer’s charges, which you may find helpful. You can find the article here.

2. Prioritise your needs: Decide what aspects of your wedding photography are most important to you. Do you need full-day coverage of just key moments? Would you prefer a larger number of standard shots or a smaller collection of high-quality edits? Knowing your priorities will help you negotiate a package that fits both your desires and budget.

3. Consider package customisation: If the photographer offers different packages, explore the possibility of customising one that fits better with your desires and budget. For example, ask if the photographer can provide fewer final images or a shorter coverage time for a reduced rate. Alternatively, instead of focusing solely on price reduction, consider other concessions that the photographer may offer, such as additional hours of coverage for the same price.

4. Bundle services: Some photographers may provide discounts if you book them for multiple events, such as the engagement shoot, Sangeet, Mehndi and wedding ceremony. Bundling these services can often lead to more attractive package rates.

5. Negotiate payment terms: Offer to pay a larger deposit upfront in exchange for a discounter inquire if there’s a payment plan that could work better for your budget.

6. Leverage your schedule: If you have flexibility with your wedding date, consider an off-peak season or a weekday when photographers may offer lower rates. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for Indian planning, where there will be multiple events taking place over several days.

7. Offer referrals: Photographers are often willing to offer discounts for word-of-mouth advertising. Promise to refer them to your friends and family or offer to display their business cards during your events.

8. Barter services: if you have a service to offer, such as graphic design or event planning, propose an exchange of services. This can be particularly effective if you are also a business owner.

9. Know your limits: Set a realistic budget for your wedding photography and be clear about your financial boundaries. This will help guide your negotiation and ensure you don’t overextend yourself financially. Be upfront about your budget. If you love a photographer’s work, but their rates are above your budget, be transparent about what you can afford. They might be able to tailor a package to your financial constraints.

10. Maintain a respectful tone: Approach the negotiation process with a respectful and cooperative tone. Remember that photographers have expenses and deserve fair compensation for their skills and services.

Remember, negotiation is about finding a win-win solution, so be prepared to compromise and be open to the photographer’s perspective.

Photographers often find themselves in negotiations with clients. In fact, when you are planning your wedding, you will find that negotiations are a part of the booking process. It is expected that haggling and negotiations will take place. Weddings are a significant investment and couples naturally want to manage their expenses wisely. However, both haggling and negotiations need to be handled carefully and delicately. There is a risk that asking for a discount when booking your photography services may indicate to the photographer that a client does not fully appreciate the value of their work or that they are not willing to invest in quality services. This could affect the photographer’s perception and may lead to reduced enthusiasm in capturing those special moments on the big day so it is important to approach this with care.

Always ensure you are also aware of any potential additional costs, such as travel expenses or special editing services to avoid any surprises after you have negotiated and agreed on the price.

Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that wedding photography is an investment in capturing lasting memories of one of the most important days of your life. By understanding and respecting the value of your photographer’s work, you can build a strong working relationship based on trust and ensure you receive the best possible results for your wedding day.

There are other ways to try to save on your photography costs. You can find the article here.

Let us help you

As an Indian wedding planning company, we at Luxury Design Events pride ourselves on ensuring that every aspect of your wedding, especially photography, is handled with the utmost care and value for money. Our expertise extends to helping you negotiate with suppliers to ensure your dream wedding does not come with an unrealistic price tag.

Connect with us today to learn how our Indian wedding planning services can help you secure the best deals for your big day, allowing you to relax and look forward to your wedding knowing that every special moment will be captured beautifully and affordably. 

If you’re planning an Indian wedding and looking for ways to save on wedding photography without compromising on the quality of your photos, there are several strategies you can consider. By making smart choices and being a little creative, you can keep your budget in check while still capturing those precious moments. Here are a few ideas to help you save on your Indian wedding photography:

Booking Off-Season or on a Weekday

One effective way to save on wedding photography is by booking your wedding during the off-season or on a weekday. Most weddings happen during the peak season, typically in the summer months or around holidays, which can drive up the cost of wedding photography. By choosing a less popular time, you may be able to negotiate better rates with photographers who have more availability. This can result in significant savings while still ensuring you get the professional photographs you desire. 

Early Bird Discounts 

Much like the auspicious hours of an Indian wedding, timing is everything. Booking a photographer well in advance can often secure you an ‘early bird ‘ rate. This not only guarantees the availability of your photographer but also ensures that their rate is locked in, which is extremely helpful in light of the raising costs.

Local Talent

There are a myriad of talented professionals who specialise in Indian weddings. By choosing a local professional, you save on travel and accommodation costs without compromising on the quality of your wedding photos. 

Opt for shorter coverage

Rather than hiring a photographer for the entire day from pre-ceremony to reception, you can choose a shorter coverage option. Focus on capturing the key moments such as the ceremony, formal portraits, and part of the reception. This can significantly reduce the overall cost while still documenting the essential parts of your wedding day.

Leveraging a Photography Student or New Professional

Consider reaching out to photography students or new professionals who are looking to build their portfolios. These budding photographers often offer their services at a lower rate compared to established professionals. While they may have less experience, their passion and creativity can result in unique and artistic shots. Before hiring a photography student or a new professional, review their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision and discuss your expectations to ensure they are capable of meeting them.

Referrals and Network

Tap into your community of networks. Referrals from friends and family can often lead to discount or added value. In addition, photographers who are familiar with Indian weddings can work more efficiently translating into savings for you.

The Art of Negotiating 

Utilise your, or our Indian wedding planning skills to negotiate terms. This topic requires an article of its own. We have covered ways to do this here. 

Digital over Physical 

In the digital age, consider forgoing expensive physical copies for digital copies. Not only does this save on material costs but it also ensures your photos are easily shareable with friends and family across the globe.

By choosing to book off-season or on a weekday, opting for a smaller photography package, or leveraging a photography student or new professional, you can save on your Indian wedding photography without sacrificing the quality and importance of capturing your special day. Wedding photography doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a little research and planning, you can find a solution that fits both your budget and your vision. And remember, while you navigate through the exciting journey of wedding planning, you do not have to do it alone.

Your Dream Indian Wedding, Tailored by Experts 

At Luxury Design Events, we specialise in planning Indian weddings. We can be your partners in bringing your vision to life, ensuring every detail from the decor to the photography is handled with the utmost finesses. Let us take the reins of your wedding planning so that you can fully enjoy of your special day.

Connect with us today to learn how our wedding planning services can help you secure the best deals for your big day.