Planning a wedding involves balancing dreams with practicality, and a well-thought-out budget is the foundation of successful wedding planning. If you’re organizing a wedding in Sri Lanka, this guide will help you calculate and manage your expenses effectively.
Here’s how to structure your wedding budget step-by-step.
Summary
- Venue Costs: Allocate a significant portion of your budget to venue booking and decor.
- Catering and Beverages: Estimate per-head costs based on guest count and cuisine.
- Photography and Videography: Plan for cinematic memories with modern enhancements.
- Wedding Attire: Include traditional wear and accessories for the bride and groom.
- Entertainment: Budget for live music, DJs, or cultural performances.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Cover items like invitations, transportation, and favors.
- Contingency Fund: Reserve funds for unexpected expenses.
Note : This article serves as a guide to help you consider the cost breakdown of a standard wedding ceromony. However, these costs are subject to variation due to factors such as the season, exchange rate fluctuations, and individual preferences or selections. Please note that the figures provided are for informational purposes only about the Sri Lankan market and it does not constitute a guarantee on the final cost.
Detailed Wedding Budget Breakdown
1. Venue Costs
- Venue Booking: Popular venues in Sri Lanka range from beachfront resorts to luxury hotels and cultural heritage sites. Prices can vary between LKR 100,000 to LKR 2,000,000, depending on the location, guests and amenities.
- Decorations: Thematic decor can cost LKR 200,000 to LKR 800,000. Include costs for floral arrangements, lighting, and customized setups for ceremonies like Mehendi and Sangeet.
2. Catering and Beverages
- Per-Head Costs: Expect catering to cost between LKR 2,500 and LKR 10,000 per guest, depending on the menu—from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to international buffets.
- Beverages: Alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks can add another LKR 500 to LKR 3,000 per guest.
- Cake: A multi-tiered wedding cake typically ranges from LKR 20,000 to LKR 100,000.
3. Photography and Videography
- Basic Photography Packages: Start at LKR 100,000 for professional coverage.
- Advanced Videography: Cinematic 4K videos with drone shots can range from LKR 200,000 to LKR 600,000.
- Pre-Wedding Shoots: Additional services such as destination pre-wedding shoots can cost upwards of LKR 50,000.
4. Wedding Attire
- Bride’s Outfit: Bridal sarees or lehengas range from LKR 50,000 to LKR 300,000.
- Groom’s Attire: Sherwanis or suits typically cost LKR 20,000 to LKR 150,000.
- Accessories: Jewelry, footwear, and other essentials can add LKR 50,000 to LKR 500,000.
5. Entertainment
- Live Music: A band or classical musicians cost between LKR 50,000 and LKR 200,000.
- DJ Services: Professional DJs charge from LKR 30,000 to LKR 150,000.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional Kandyan dancers or fire shows can add LKR 25,000 to LKR 100,000 to your budget.
6. Miscellaneous Costs
- Invitations: Custom-designed invitations cost LKR 50 to LKR 300 per card.
- Transportation: Luxury car rentals for the bridal party range from LKR 25,000 to LKR 150,000 depending on the car type and the number of hours.
- Wedding Favors: Personalized favors can cost LKR 200 to LKR 1,000 per guest.
- Accommodations: Room bookings for guests in nearby hotels may cost LKR 10,000 to LKR 30,000 per night per room.
7. Contingency Fund
Set aside 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses. This could cover last-minute changes, weather-related adjustments, or additional guest needs.
How Wedding Works Can Help
At Wedding Works, we simplify the budgeting process and ensure you get value for every rupee spent. Our step-by-step approach includes:
Consultation and Initial Budget Planning
- We work closely with you to understand your vision and priorities.
- Provide a detailed estimate based on your guest count, venue choice, and preferences.
Customized Packages
- Tailor packages that suit your needs, whether it’s a lavish celebration or a small, intimate gathering.
- Offer transparent pricing and flexible options for venues, vendors, and services.
Vendor Coordination and Negotiation
- Leverage our partnerships with top vendors in Sri Lanka to secure competitive rates.
- Ensure all services, from catering to decor, are executed flawlessly.
Real-Time Budget Tracking
- Provide regular updates on expenses to keep you informed and within budget.
- Suggest adjustments to accommodate any changes in your plans.
Stress-Free Execution
- Handle all payments and coordination, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Take care of unexpected expenses with the contingency fund.
Planning your dream wedding in Sri Lanka doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let WeddingsWork, the trusted destination wedding planners in Sri Lanka, guide you through every step.
Contact us today to begin your journey toward a magical celebration!
Disclaimer on Pricing
These prices are not set by WeddingsWork and should not be considered fixed or guaranteed. Costs may vary significantly based on the wedding planner, services included, seasonality, exchange rate fluctuations, and other external factors.
For the most accurate and up-to-date estimates, we recommend consulting directly with your wedding planner.