Category Archives: Read Inspiration

Reasons to compel you to plan an offbeat Destination Wedding in Summer

Destination Wedding in Summer?? Really??

Is this the question your mind just stroked? Do you think Destination Weddings are not meant for Summer? And if we say, yes they are… do you want to know more? Read on…

Winter is the most celebrated season for weddings in India, be it on location or destination and the most chosen destinations are usually Goa or Rajasthan and why will it not be? After all, these have most suited climate for Destination weddings. Goa is best suited for warm, romantic and blissful beach weddings, whereas Rajasthan is popular for royal & elegant weddings. So hardly any other destination can match the charm of these, and destination weddings in Summer? Some kind of a joke might be…

We say, the most amazing destination weddings could be planned in Summer. At a height of few thousand feet above the sea level, set adjacent to the snow clad mountains , the wedding mandap glitters in the warm sun rays and the cool breeze soothes the heart & mind. Here you are at an amazing Destination, where you can cherish an incredible experience of a wedding.

Choosing a Destination for a summer wedding in India is pretty easy, go for the popular hill stations of the North, Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie or the less frequent, Kasauli, Mashobra. You might also go for the hill stations lonavala and Mahabaleshwar in the west or Ooty and Munnar in South.

Reasons that would compel you to plan an offbeat Destination Wedding in Summer :

A Unique Getaway for Guests
Destination Wedding in Summer: Unique Getaway
Destination Wedding in Summer: Unique Getaway

How about a wedding celebration that doubles up as a relaxing holiday? Give your guests something to talk about! Imagine when your wedding invite is opened, it will be so exciting to know that you are planning a wedding in the cool hills during the scorching summer giving your guests a rejuvenating holiday, plus it will be a holiday for the bride and groom and family, the hills-stations provide best of accommodations and other facilities make the wedding celebration a wonderful experience.

Marvelous Photography Opportunity
Destination wedding in summer: Marvelous Photo opportunity
Destination wedding in summer: Marvelous Photo opportunity

Get a life for Photographs in the Hills! The wedding décor , the bridal makeover can only be justified by splendid photographs. The lofty mountain backdrop, the lush green effect of the valleys, the bright sun-rays – you just don’t require a flash to get clicked! These mountainous destinations are just worth the photographs. Pre-wedding photographs can be a bliss – there are beautiful heritage places in the hills were amazing photo shoot can be done.

Adventure Sports
Destination Wedding in summer: Adventure sports
Destination Wedding in summer: Adventure sports

A treat for the adventurous heart! During the non-ceremonial hours guests can engage themselves in the adventure sports offered by these hill-stations, ice-skating, biking, trekking are predominant in Shimla, Manali offers Para-gliding, rafting. The hill-stations in the west and south also offer sight-seeing opportunities at exciting spots nearby.

Local Food & Entertainment
Destination wedding in summer: local food & wine
Destination wedding in summer: local food & wine

Add some local wine to the wedding mini bar! Kasauli is the home of orchards and popular for wine varieties, peach wine, apple wine, black grape wine and plum wine to grace the mini bar at the wedding.Manali’s ‘khotey’ momos and thupkas as well as other Tibetian dishes can be a side platter of the wedding menu. Pahari folk songs, Maharashtrian and South Indian folk dances can be a part of entertainment for the guests at the wedding.

Budget Friendly
Destination weddings in summer: Budget friendly
Destination weddings in summer: Budget friendly

What if such a wedding is easy on pocket? The hill-stations of the north offers accommodation varieties for guests, hotels/resorts or private villas can be chosen for a large to intimate wedding. Outdoor wedding during the day with décor with local flowers can save costs. Catering consisting of mish mash of local and special cuisines can prove cost effective. Local entertainment services could save more costs. However, one can always celebrate a grand wedding with best of services, but a beautiful budget friendly wedding can also be celebrated in the mountains.

Wedding Planner Package including Consultancy + Planning + Coordination @ INR 20000 + Tax (t&c) Read details here
destination wedding in summer
destination wedding in summer

Do you still want to wait for winters and plan a ‘usual’ celebration or give the ‘Offbeat’ Summer a chance?
Let us know at diwas.celebrations@gmail.com (Diwas, Weddings & Events)

Wedding Planner Package including Consultancy + Planning + Coordination @ INR 25000 + Tax (t&c) Read details here

Drop in a mail at diwas.celebrations@gmail.com or fill up the Enquiry Form

Browse Exclusive Wedding Planning Packages Here

For latest updates on Wedding & Event Planning follow us @ Diwas Celebrations

 

Read: Purnima and Mehal Indian Destination Wedding in India

Read: Purnima and Mehal Bollywood Sangeet Celebration

Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla.

Comprehend the Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla

(INR 30L* – The minimum budget required to host a wedding in Shimla with around 100 guests for 2nights – includes stay, F&B, decor for all festivities. This first hand information is for couples who would be interested to know the cost of the wedding. Detailed inforamation is shared below. ) Read on…

Every bride dreams of a Fairytale Destination wedding and Fairytale weddings do come true in Shimla, but that comes with an awesome price tag. An intimate wedding is preferable when celebrating in Shimla given to the climatic conditions and availability of resources. However, grand affair is also possible, but that may be heavy on pocket.
While comprehending about the cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla, we have to have two different Budget stats for the wedding celebration.
ONE: The Lavish Budget: Rich, Elaborate, where abundance knows no bounds!

TWO: The Classified Budget: Crisp, Pleasant, systematic effort of arrangement.

Okay! So now when we have the different Budget stats, it’s easier to comprehend the cost of destination wedding in Shimla.
An elaborate comprehension about the lavish budget would not be required as all couples & families would already have an idea of what could be afforded. But to highlight the idea, here is an overview –

With an assumption of 150-200 guests and a minimum 2 day function, a lavish budget can afford the following:

  • 5* Hotel Accomodation for Guests
  • F&B Arrangements: Veg/Non Veg- Elaborate Menu
  • Liquor Arrangements: Bar set-up: Unlimited
  • Wedding Décor: Theme décor/ Regal décor/Art-Deco/ Designer-Deco
  • Entertainment: Traditional folk dance/music troupes/Western dancers/performances/Celebrity DJ
  • Photography: Detailed Photography+Videography service/ Celebrity Photographer
  • Bridal Make-up: Celebrity make-up Artiste
  • Wedding Favours: Local handcrafted articles/ international brand accessories
Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: A 5* Property in Shimla
Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: A 5* Property in Shimla

(Extravagance: Bollywood celebrity appearance or performance/ extravagant décor/ Themes for Bride+Groom entry/Jaimala.)
Plus, a celebrity saree draper, speech+song writer…silver & gold cutlery…(Just Kidding) 

Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: *Extravagance*
Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: *Extravagance*

In a nutshell one can afford ‘What to What-not’. Oh! Now you must be interested about the cost overview – Well the above can range tentatively from anywhere around INR 65Lacs to the limit of the capacity to spend.

Now, the above does not mean in any way that Destination Weddings in Shimla are only meant for the one with a Lavish Budget. If not a fairytale – But a beautiful wedding can be crafted in Shimla within a Classified Budget. Read How…

(Have 25Lacs and 100 guests? Go for Goa for a 2day wedding function. For details drop a mail at diwas.celebrations@gmail.com)

It is a definite thought that a destination wedding is a bit on the expensive side but a few tricks and budgeting ideas can bring the costs down majorly. So here we comprehend the cost of destination wedding in Shimla within a Classified Budget.

An elaborate comprehension about the Classified Budget is necessary for understanding ‘what could be afforded’ – making the celebration Crisp and Classy by maintaining the Budget stats.
Keeping an assumption of 150-200 guests with a 2day function, here’s a detailed understanding of the major cost components, while you set to comprehend the cost of destination wedding in Shimla within a Classified wedding budget –

1. Accomodation / Stay

You have to save, as this may eat up a major chunk of your wedding budget especially, when you are paying for everyone’s stay, if not ,you may still pay for the stay of closer relatives.

a) Hotel/Resort
Since, you are on a classified budget ,you may choose to stay in either of a comfortable 3* or 4* Hotel/Resort in a proper locality of the town. These Hotel/Resorts might not have an inventory of more than 50 rooms per hotel or some rooms might be prior booked by travel agents, so you might have an issue with the availability of rooms even if you are ready to pay. Yours guests could get divided into two such hotels for the stay.
These hotels may allow an extra person in a twin sharing room and charge for it.
Budget
The tariff of an average room in a 3* Hotel/ Resort is RS 5000-8000+ Tax
The tariff of an average room in a 4* Hotel/ Resort is RS 8000-10000+Tax
(Tariff may depend on season to season)
These Hotels/Resorts may offer open lawns or Banquets, even pool area where pre-wedding and wedding function could be arranged with ease.

Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: A Deluxue Room of a 4* Property
Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: A Deluxue Room of a 4* Property

(Tip: The hotel booking websites in Google only release offers on single bookings and group bookings are not allowed, also if you think you can yourself call and talk to hotels to make the bookings instead of hiring a travel agent or a wedding planner, you can go ahead as hotels do not double quote, but then this may be quite stressful for you)

So, the Calculation of the cost is very straight forward:
Number of Rooms X Number of Nights X Budget = Cost/budget of stay (approx)

2. Food & Drinks

After accommodation, food & drinks form the second most important components.

a) 3* Venue
Few of the 3* Resorts offer mountain facing lawns (however this is the major criteria while choosing Shimla as the wedding Destination) but a pool area or an open garden is expected where pre-wedding and wedding Brunch/Dinner could be served. Since you are staying in the Hotel, you can expect discounted rates on a-la-carte.

b) 4* Venue
Most of the 4* properties offer banquets/Mountain facing lawns which serves the major purpose of the wedding celebration and offers open/ shaded areas where pre-wedding/wedding Brunch/Dinner could be served. These hotels restrict outside catering services, so you may negotiate a better price on the a-la-carte as you are staying with the hotel.

Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: Pool side area of a 4* Property
Cost of Destination Wedding in Shimla: Pool side area of a 4* Property
Food

To calculate the cost of food you have to decide how many simple/ Gala, Dinner/Lunch you are hosting.
Breakfast is included with room rent when staying at a 3* & 4* Resort.

(Tip:When you are on a classified budget call for an afternoon brunch instead of a Gala Dinner . Brunches are more easy on pocket than Gala Dinners)

3* Lunch/Brunch: 3types
>RS 950 per plate- Basic Menu
>RS 1500 per plate – Themed Menu
>RS 2000 per plate- Festive Brunch
4* Lunch/Brunch: 3 types
>RS 1200 per plate- Basic Menu
>RS 2000 per plate- Themed Menu
>RS 2500 per plate- Festive Brunch
So, the cost of Lunch & Dinner can be individually calculated as:
Number of peopleX Number of daysX Budget = Cost of individual meal (approx)

Drinks

A 3* or 4*Resort may or may not not allow discounted rates, however you can ask for a complimentary cocktail drink if you are taking the food from them. These hotels also offer special bottle rates for wedding ceremonies. For drinks, couples usually pay for as per actual consumption.Most of these Hotels allow you to bring in your own liquor, this can save a few bucks

*You can set up a mini bar in the Hotel lawn and can get some local made fruit wine (very famous in Kasauli) which are very tasty and easy on pocket.

3. Décor & Set-up

On a classified budget, you shall go for very basic décor with floral arrangements and not much draping as this may cost you more. The focus may be on the Welcome, Mandap and stage.
(Tip: Your wedding planner can save you a lot by giving you ideas and tips to create a beautiful set up for the festivities)

Cost of Budget Wedding in Shimla: Budget wedding decor samples.
Cost of Budget Destination Wedding in Shimla: Budget wedding decor samples.

 

 

If you think very cost effective , for a 2 Day event earmarking RS 3,00.000-4,50,000
(Tip: You can shop the local flower market of shimla get your mandap adorned with beautiful varieties of orchids and other mountain flowers)

4. Music & Entertainment

Get the Himachali folk dancers to perform at your sangeet/reception, this may save you the cost of celebrity dance troupes and belly dancers.
A basic stage for DJ and music with normal illumination would be enough for a musical night or you may keep a musical afternoon where your relatives and friends may perform for entertainment.

Cost of Budget Wedding in Shimla: Local folk Music & Entertainment in Shimla.
Cost of Budget Destination Wedding in Shimla: Local folk Music & Entertainment in Shimla.

5. Photography & Videography

The magic to make the wedding a beautiful memory lies in the photographer’s hands. Try out a good candid photographer, you can try one of the local ones or may ask your wedding planner to sort one for you. Videography can also be done, but you may have to choose from the basic options.
Basic photography + videography may charge you RS 1,00,000 per day, Candid photography + videography may charge you RS 1,50,000 per day

6. Transportation within Shimla

You may require transfers from airport or station to your hotel or villa or hotel to function venue, for this you may opt for coaches AC/Non AC which are cost effective and may be hired for RS 8000-12000 per day for 8 hrs.

More Costs

There are several elements which would be present as per your preference and budget. Beauticians, Mehendi Artists, fireworks, return gifts or favours and the list goes on…

To wrap it up, if you decide to hire a wedding planner who would help you with all the information and ideas, manage your suppliers, interact with your guests and save you some money, you have to incorporate the cost of a wedding planner as well.
(Tip: Choose a start-up wedding planner for a budget destination wedding, they offer more service and innovative ideas at a nominal charge as they are building their profile. This can also save you some bucks)

Destination wedding in shimla
Cost of Budget Destination wedding in shimla

We hope the above information would help you determining an approximate figure for the classified budget.

This was an overview, if you set to differentiate on the capacity of a lavish and a classified budget while determining the cost of a Destination wedding in Shimla.

Seems quite jumbled up? Need Clarification?

Wedding Planner Fee (t&c) Read details here

Drop in a mail at diwas.celebrations@gmail.com or fill up the Enquiry Form

Browse Exclusive Wedding Planning Packages Here

Similar Packages with Freebies & Discounts

Wedding in Neemrana @INR 20K+* Onwards See Inclusions

Wedding in Jaipur @INR 20K+* Onwards See Inclusions

For latest updates on Wedding & Event Planning follow us @ Diwas Celebrations

 

Read: Purnima and Mehal Indian Destination Wedding in India

Read: Purnima and Mehal Bollywood Sangeet Celebration