Indian weddings are famously grand, colorful, and filled with multiple ceremonies, but the question that often worries couples is: how much will it actually cost? In Chennai, wedding expenses can range from a simple temple ceremony to a lavish multi-day mandap wedding, and the numbers can be surprising.
Drawing insights from Reddit users on AskChennai, who have shared their first-hand experiences, this guide breaks down the true cost of getting married in Chennai, covering venues, best caterers in chennai , decor, pre wedding photography or post wedding, attire, and more. Whether you’re planning a modest celebration or a big fat Indian wedding, these insights will help you budget wisely, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make informed decisions for your special day.
Check out our recent guide on Middle class budget for traditional weddings & Wedding garlands Designs
Cost of Getting Married in Chennai
Wedding costs in Chennai vary based on the type and size of the celebration. Temple weddings are the most affordable, starting around ₹2,000–₹50,000, while low-key weddings with a small guest list typically cost ₹3–5 lakhs.
Traditional mandap or hall weddings start at ₹5–6 lakhs and can go up to ₹25 lakhs, while large, lavish weddings for 1,000+ guests can exceed ₹50 lakhs. Major expenses include wedding venue, catering, decor, photography, clothing, and jewelry. Smart planning can help manage costs without compromising the celebration.
Wedding Styles and How They Affect Costs
Temple Weddings: Affordable & Meaningful
Temple weddings are often the most economical choice in Chennai.
- Example: A wedding at Guruvayur Temple cost only ₹2,000 plus tips for the priest and nadaswaram musicians.
- Benefits: Quick ceremonies, minimal decorations, and fewer days of pre-wedding events.
- Cost-saving tip: Provide a token or a simple meal at a nearby hall for guests instead of extravagant catering.
Temple weddings also remove debates about auspicious timings and simplify planning for couples living abroad.
Mandap Weddings: Traditional & Expensive
Mandap or hall weddings are the more traditional option.
- A simple half-day wedding in a Chennai hall starts at ₹5–6 lakhs.
- Costs increase with:
- Guest count
- Multiple ceremonies (mehendi, engagement, reception)
- Premium decorations and lighting
- Tip: Book local halls in advance to secure better rates and avoid last-minute price hikes.
Low-Key vs Lavish Weddings
Low-Key Weddings:
- Cost: ₹3–5 lakhs
- Typical setup: Registrar office or temple wedding, minimal decor, small guest list, simple catering
- Example: 2-day home and community hall ceremony for ₹80,000
Lavish Weddings:
- Cost: ₹15–50 lakhs or more
- Example: ~3,000-person wedding with:
- Mandapam: ₹4–5L
- Catering: ₹12.75L
- Photography & videography: ₹3.5L
- Stage decor: ₹3L
- Music: ₹30k
Key Insight: Guest count and number of events are the largest cost drivers.
Also Read: Haldi Ceremony Guide
Typical Wedding Expenses in Chennai
Here’s a detailed breakdown based on real Reddit examples:
| Category | Cost Range (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue / Mandap / Hall | 50k – 5L+ | Temple weddings cheaper; premium halls cost more |
| Catering | 3k – 6L+ | Depends on menu and guest count |
| Photography / Videography | 17k – 3.5L+ | Pre/post-wedding shoots, albums, live streaming |
| Decoration | 30k – 3L+ | Stage, floral, lighting |
| Makeup / Grooming | 35k – 75k | Bride and groom, multiple events |
| Clothing | 1.2L – 3.5L+ | Sarees, dhothi sets, bridal dresses |
| Jewelry / Thali | 50k – 8L+ | Thali mandatory; bride’s jewelry often higher |
| Invitations / Misc | 12k – 1L | Printing, return gifts, transport |
| Food for Guests | ₹100–₹300 per head | Depending on meals and guest count |
Tip: Groom’s family expenses may appear higher due to thali, but most jewelry costs come from the bride’s side.
How to Avoid Wasting Money
- Limit Events and Guests: Smaller weddings cost significantly less.
- Temple or Registrar Weddings: Economical, quick, and stress-free.
- Simple Decor: Focus on stage and entrance rather than elaborate setups.
- Smart Catering: Avoid overestimating meals to reduce wastage.
- Digital Invitations: Save on printing and postage.
- Skip Luxuries: Live bands, multiple dress changes, or fancy return gifts can be scaled back.
Social Pressure and Wedding Expenses
Society often pressures couples to host lavish weddings, but many guests may never contribute financially or emotionally.
Advice from Reddit: Resist societal pressure and invest money in long-term goals such as:
- Buying a home in Chennai
- Mutual funds or savings
- Honeymoon experiences
The focus should be on marriage, not the wedding day spectacle.
Planning a Chennai Wedding from Abroad
Couples living outside India can still plan effectively:
- Hire Chennai-based wedding planners for transparency.
- Opt for temple weddings or smaller halls to reduce stress.
- Maintain regular communication via video calls or messaging apps.
Realistic Budget Ranges for Chennai Weddings
| Budget Type | Cost Range (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Low Budget | ₹70k – ₹3L | Temple/registrar, minimal guests, simple catering |
| Mid-Range | ₹5L – ₹12L | Hall/mandap, catering for ~200 guests, basic decor |
| High-End | ₹15L – ₹50L+ | Multiple events, luxury venues, photography, designer outfits, jewelry |
Costs vary depending on style, guest count, and personal choices.
Final Thoughts
- Temple or registry weddings: Affordable and practical for couples on a budget.
- Lavish weddings: Can easily cost tens of lakhs, mostly driven by guest count, decor, and jewelry.
- Key insight: Your wedding is one day, your marriage is a lifetime. Smart planning can ensure a memorable celebration without financial stress.
Chennai couples: prioritize meaningful experiences, align expenses with values, and invest in your future together.
Frequently asked Questions on Google
Wedding costs in Chennai vary widely depending on the type, guest count, and décor. Temple or registrar weddings can cost ₹70k – ₹3L, mid-range hall weddings ₹5L – ₹12L, and lavish weddings with multiple events can go from ₹15L to ₹50L or more.
The main types are:
Temple Weddings: Simple, economical, and quick.
Mandap/Hall Weddings: Traditional, customizable, and more expensive.
Low-Key Weddings: Small guest list, minimal décor.
Lavish Weddings: Multiple events, premium venues, designer outfits, and elaborate décor.
Yes. Temple weddings are the most budget-friendly option. Costs are often limited to the priest’s fees, minimal décor, and a token meal for guests. Example: Guruvayur Temple weddings may cost around ₹2,000 plus tips.
Guest count is a major cost driver. Catering, seating, décor, and invitations scale with the number of attendees. Smaller weddings can save lakhs of rupees, while 2,000–3,000 guest weddings can push costs into tens of lakhs.
Venue/Hall: ₹50k – ₹5L+ (temples are cheaper; premium halls are costlier)
Catering: ₹100–₹300 per person, depending on menu and guest count.
Focus on key areas like stage and entrance décor.
Limit the number of elaborate floral setups.
Opt for digital photography packages or select essential events for photography instead of covering all ceremonies.
Yes. Hiring a Chennai-based wedding planner helps manage logistics. Temple weddings or smaller halls are easier to coordinate remotely. Regular video calls and messaging apps can ensure smooth communication.
Societal pressure often pushes couples toward lavish weddings, even if unnecessary. Reddit users suggest resisting pressure and investing in long-term goals like home ownership, savings, or honeymoon experiences.
Hidden costs include:
Bridal jewelry and thali (can range ₹50k – ₹8L+)
Makeup for multiple events (₹35k – ₹75k)
Additional clothing, photography albums, and transport
Miscellaneous printing, return gifts, and luxury add-ons
Limit events and guest count
Choose temple or registrar weddings for simplicity
Prioritize meaningful experiences over luxury items
Focus on smart catering, digital invitations, and essential décor
Remember: the wedding is one day; your marriage is a lifetime
