Desh-Videsh and MyShadi Bridal Expo continually strive to promote and educate the community about the customs, culture, and rituals of the people of the Indian sub-continent. Weddings are an example of one custom that is completely different from those of American counterparts.
For Indians, weddings have become the single most visible expression of a person's social standing and wealth, an expression that is both acceptable and expected. Indian weddings have always been grand and festive affairs, as reflected in films like Monsoon Wedding and Bride and Prejudice.
Now, top global luxury brands and entrepreneurs are learning that the way into the pocketbooks of India's new consumers is through their nuptials. Did you know that average Indian living in the USA spends more than $50,000 on a wedding and some weddings can cost nearly $1 million? It is always 2 to 3 day affair and average number of invitees are 250.
A sample budget of the cost of an Indian wedding is as follows:
EVENT
Range
AVERAGE
Reception
35%-45%
40
Pre – wedding events (Sangeet, Garba, etc.)
4%-5%
5
Ceremony
1%-1.5%
5
Brides Attire
8%-10%
10
Groom Attire
1%-1.5%
1
Flowers
5%-8%
7
Entertainment/Music
8%-10%
9
Photography/Videography
10%-12%
11
Stationery
1%-2%
1.5
Jewelry
3%-5%
5
Parking/Transportation
2%-3%
1
Gifts
2%-3%
2.5
Miscellaneous
4%-5%
2
As we reach the 2010, many of our readers will be focused on one of the most important moments of their lives – their weddings! Planning a traditional South Asian wedding in the United States can be challenging.
Desh-Videsh and MyShadi Bridal Expo are proud to present Indian Weddings 101, a luncheon seminar. This is the one and only educational seminar that will guide you through the marketing process, customs, and rituals. Indian wedding etiquette and do's and don’ts will also be covered.
