The year 2024 has brought its fair share of upheaval to Bangladesh, marked by political tension, economic instability, and widespread feelings of unease. Under these circumstances, many couples are reevaluating their wedding plans and choosing to prioritise simplicity and smart budgeting. Here is a breakdown of common categories of wedding expenses, along with practical tips on how to manage them.
Guest Placement
This is a no-brainer: the more people you invite to your wedding, the higher your costs will be at each level. To keep your budget in check, maintain a tight control over your guest list – edit and review it multiple times if necessary. Dividing guests across different events of your wedding will allow you to allocate your budget more efficiently. You can prioritise spending on events with larger guest lists or those that are more important to you, while planning more affordable options for other occasions.
Venue
Venues are often the biggest expense in Bangladeshi weddings, sometimes taking up 30 to 40 percent of the total budget. Costs vary depending on location, scale, and time of year. You can save money by booking venues during the off-season or on weekdays. Having a friend’s farmhouse, a relative’s home garden, or even the rooftop or community hall of your residence as a venue can significantly reduce costs while providing a unique atmosphere for the wedding festivities.
Catering and Food
In Bangladesh, a wedding’s success is often judged by the quality of its food. Catering expenses are typically calculated on a per-plate basis, with prices varying based on the menu’s diversity. Ensure you choose a caterer who offers a good balance between quality and cost. Some caterers may provide flexible options for smaller events, allowing you to select specific gourmet dishes without committing to extensive package inclusions. Negotiating package deals or opting for a slightly reduced menu can help control costs.
Attire, Jewellery, and Makeover
Attire and jewellery are central to Bangladeshi weddings. While bridal lehengas or sarees and groom’s sherwanis can be expensive, it’s essential to stick to your allocated budget. Consider renting outfits or repurposing family heirloom jewellery for certain events to reduce expenses. Spend smartly by prioritising your main outfit while cutting costs on others. If you have good skin and can apply your base makeup, you may only need professionals for eye makeup and hairstyling. Discuss your requirements with the hairstylist and makeup artist to customise the package accordingly. If you have a talented friend, who you know can take care of your hair and makeup for your wedding, see if they will help you out. The key here is to think about who you know, and see if it will work out.
Photography and Videography
Capturing your special moments is a key investment. If you are looking to save money, opt for partial coverage from photographers and videographers. For example, you might choose to have them skip the getting-ready shots and only cover the main events. Or, if having the full mehendi night professionally shot is not a priority for you, consider asking the photography and videography crew to wrap up after a couple of hours and have a few trusted close friends take photos and videos for the remainder of the event. You can also save money by requesting digital albums instead of printed ones.
Invitations
Wedding invitations are the first glimpse guests will have of your wedding. While beautifully crafted invites are appealing, they can be costly. Consider digital invitations, which are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. For traditional invites, look for local printers who can provide quality designs within your price range. Simple yet elegant designs often have the most impact without stretching your budget.
Decor
Decor plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your wedding. From elaborate floral arrangements to themed decor, the options are endless. While you may be tempted to go all out, sticking to simple, elegant decor is both stylish and cost-effective. Opt for seasonal flowers and reusable props whenever possible. Discuss your vision with your decorator and see if they can work within your budget by focusing on key areas, such as the stage.
Entertainment
Small local bands, acoustic soloists, or duos can create an incredible party atmosphere and keep your guests dancing, all while saving you money and delivering the high-calibre performance and experience you would expect from larger ensembles or more popular singers. On the other hand, DJs usually require less time and effort to set up their equipment compared to live performers. This can minimise disruptions to your event’s timeline, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the day without the worry of complex soundchecks and stage setups.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Smaller costs related to transportation for guests, wedding favours, and rituals can add up quickly. Ensure you account for these to avoid last-minute surprises. Setting aside a separate fund for miscellaneous expenses is a smart way to stay within budget.
It is important to focus on the aspects of the wedding that matter most to you as a couple. Often, the most treasured of all are the moments; like hugging a relative you haven’t seen in years or dancing the night away with your closest friends. Even if you can’t afford lush flowers or fancy venues, you can still have the wedding of your dreams. A realistic budget that fits within your financial means will allow you to achieve that without stress, guilt, or debt.