Debarati Chowdhury is the writer & editor of Diwas Weddings official blog. She is a well traveled person and loves to write and keep her audiences updated of the latest trends in the world of weddings and events.
You may have read many articles on reasons you should hire an event planner to manage your celebration. So, no point in boring you with the same! Anyhow, you are going with an event planner who has shown you a file of decade event planning experience.
Start-up Event Planner
But before you make an ultimate choice, just give a quick look at the Top Ten reasons you should go with a Start-Up event planner to manage your celebration. Bet, this glance can help you make a right decision.
1) SAVE YOU MONEY:Get effective service of Vendors at less cost! Who would not like to take up such an offer?
2) DISCOUNTS ON SERVICE:Will you not be happy to pay only 10% or a flat fee, rather than 20% of the total budget for management services?
3) RESPONSIVE TO NEW TECHNOLOGY:FACEBOOK, WHATSAPP, SKYPE- Have any query? Get in touch immediately!
4) MORE ENTHUSIASTIC & LESS DEMANDING: You don’t want to be told ‘what to do’ & ‘what not to do’. It’s your celebration where you want someone to work enthusiastically according to your wishes.
5) NEW CONCEPTS & IDEAS:Get introduced to Fusion & offbeat concepts- be the talk of town!
6) MODERN APPROACH & EFFECTIVE PERSONALITY:Work with a Team of whom you will be proud to introduce with your bosses.
7) REGULARITY & AVAILABILITY: You are short of time- Fix a meeting on the Lunch Hour, Get the team at the café nearby your office- convenient?
8) GO-TO PERSON: Get in touch immediately; share whatever you wish to plan- work is fun!
9) UPTODATE WITH MODERN TRENDS: Styling, Make-up, Fashion- Get to know, what’s trending?
10) EXPECT OUT-OF-THE-BOX RESULTS: Don’t just follow the legacy, instead create one, so that others follow you.
Choosing a start-up event planner can prove to be a cost-effective move in the end. It is where you can avail similar services like that of a veteran at less cost with more creative options for your celebration.
Should you have any query, drop a mail at diwas.celebrations@gmail.com
Are you planning a Destination Wedding in Summer? Are you confused which destinations would suit your comfortability and budget?
Here are few suggestions, from a wedding planner’s point of view on Locations and their convenience for Destination Wedding in Summer :
All are located in India btw Read on…
Himachal Pradesh
Nothing can be more soothing than the ambiance of snow capped mountains in summer.Himachal Pradesh , located in the altitudes of Himalaya is blessed with the beauty of nature and is one of the hottest tourist spot in India.
The hill-stations of Himachal Pradesh namely Shimla, Manali,Kasauli etc. are becoming popular choices for couples who wish to plan a destination wedding in summer. These hill-stations offer comfortable stay in Hotels & Resorts which are aware of the requirements of a destination wedding. Will it not be wonderful when your wedding mandap is set adjacent to the Himalayan view?
Accommodation & Stay
Hotels & Resorts: The hill-stations, Shimla, Manali, Kasauli etc offer Hotels & Resorts of various sizes & budget. The 5* and 4* Hotels/Resorts can accommodate more than 100 guests and are mostly located in prime locations of the hill-stations, where the wedding can be arranged beautifully in the hill facing lawns or terrace gardens. The hotels can also arrange for Décor, Food & Drinks, but may also allow outsource services. Your wedding planner may help you out sorting these.
Destination Wedding in Summer: Mountain view from the poolside of one of the 5* Hotel in Shimla.
Private Villas: You may also choose to stay in private villas and farm houses in these hill-stations if you are on a classified budget, these villas are beautiful, fully-furnished and self-serviced and are located mostly in the interiors where you can make the most of nature view. However these villas have limited occupancy so, if you have a large guest following, then you may have to hire 2-3 villas for accommodation. Wedding and other ceremonies can be easily arranged in these villas with the help of the villa staff or if you have your wedding planner to take care of these.
Destination Wedding in Summer: A BBQ setting in a private villa in Shimla
Logistics
Network :Himachal Pradesh is well connected to the major cities of India via Railways and Airways. The hill-stations are also connected internationally by indirect flights (via New Delhi). Vendor: Traditional as well as Western Weddings could be well planned and there is an easy access to Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately. Entertainment: Himalayan Folk Dances & Music can be an eternal part of entertainment for the weddings. Guests can also participate in the adventure sport activities in Shimla & Manali during non-ceremonial hours.
Weather
The best time to plan a destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh are the summer months of April to June. The days are sunny,warm and soothing and the nights are cool with soft breeze.
Budget
The minimum budget for a 2N wedding with 100 guests, including stay and event services* would be around 25L onwards
Uttarakhand
Second favourite for a summer destination wedding is the mountainous state of uttarakhand. There are plenty other towns which are hot tourist spots, but the hill-stations, Nainital & Mussoorie are most appropriate as far as destination weddings are concerned. It cannot be said that these hill-stations are very popular for summer destination weddings, but couples who wish a unique picturesque wedding are exploring these areas for extraordinary experience.
Accomodation & Stay
Nainital: There are two 5* Resorts which provide accommodation for above 100 guests, where the lawns & terrace could be utilized for wedding or pre-wedding ceremonies. 4* hotels and resorts are plenty, couples can choose from the best suited. These resorts arrange for Décor, Food & Drinks and also allow outside services.
Destination wedding in Summer: An Heritage Property in Nainital
Mussoorie: There are four 5* Hotels which provide accommodation for above 100 guests, these may also provide banquets/lawn to host pre-wedding, wedding ceremonial activities. 4* hotels/resorts can be a better choice for an intimate wedding for the flexibility they offer.
Destination wedding in Summer: Ariel view of a 5* property in Mussoorie.
Private Villas: These are found in the interiors, away from the mall road or town hub and are nestled among the lush green mountainous valleys. These are best suited for intimate weddings with 50 guests or less.
Logistics
Network: Uttarakhand is well connected to the capital of India (New Delhi) by roadways & railways. Cities within india can avail the railway connectivity to Uttarakhand via New Delhi. Indirect flights can be availed via New Delhi to Dehradun Airport which is near to Mussoorie and Pantnagar Airport which is near to Nainital. Vendor: Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately.
Weather
The summer months of April to June are warm in the day and cool at night, most suited for destination weddings.
Budget
The minimum budget for a 2N wedding with 100 guests, including stay and event services* would be around 30L onwards
Maharashtra
Couples based out of Pune & Mumbai can plan a fun-filled summer wedding in either of the petite hill stations; Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. These hill-stations are now famous for hosting destination weddings in summer and offer various resorts for accommodation, hosting of wedding, pre-wedding functions and fun activities.
Accomodation & Stay
5* Resorts are available in both the hill-stations, which can accommodate 150 guests and above, equally comfortable 4* Resorts are also available for accommodation & ceremonial activities. *Aamby Valley; a chartered city near to Lonavala offers villas & cottages for accommodation, growing famous for hosting destination weddings in summer.
Destination Wedding in Summer: Pool side view of a popular resort in Lonavala.
Logistics
Network: Lonavala: A 2-3 hour drive from Mumbai and a 2 hour drive from Pune, also connected through railways via Pune & Mumbai to Lonavala station. Pune Airport is the nearest domestic Airport to lonavala connecting it nationally & internationally.
Mahabaleshwar: A 4-5 hour drive from Mumbai and a 3 hour drive from Pune, nearest railway station is satara which is connected to Pune & Mumbai. Pune Airport is the nearest domestic Airport to Mahabaleshwar. Vendor: Moreover, Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available, but again…need to be sourced deliberately.
Weather
Ideal for summer destination weddings, also a worth visit during September to February. Couples from cities facing harsh climate conditions during summer can opt for these hill-stations as a choice for destination wedding in summer.
Budget
The minimum budget for a 2N wedding with 100 guests, including stay and event services* would be around 25L onwards
Munnar in Kerala
One of the well known tourist spots in South India and a must visit of Kerela is the Munnar hill-station. Much like a valley, this place is more than appropriate to beat the heat of summer when hosting a wedding in the season. Picture-book background, splendid weather- Munnar in Kerala can rival any popular hill-station when hosting a wedding in summer.
Accomodation & Stay
There are six 5* hotels in Munnar offering accommodation for about 100 guests & above with all facilities available. Farm Resorts or cottage resorts can also be chosen depending on comfort ability for a flexible and intimate wedding.
Destination Wedding in Summer: Tea county estate in Munnar, Kerala
Logistics
Network: The nearest railway station: Aluva about 108 km and Angamali, about 109 km;
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Aluva connected by Munnar Rd, about 108 km Vendor: All facilities for a wedding are available, but to convey the requirements to a local supplier might be a hindrance, because of the local language. Your wedding planner may take care of this though.
Weather
The spring month of March and summer months of April & May are best suited for destination weddings.
Budget
The minimum budget for a 2N wedding with 100 guests, including stay and event services* would be around 30L onwards
Ooty in Tamil Nadu
Being known for value tourism, Ooty is now famous for Destination weddings in summer. The misty cool breeze, the warm sunrise of the lush green valley can be the best bet while choosing among hill-stations to host a destination wedding.
Accomodation & stay
5* venues are available with all facilities, there are also 4* and 3* hotels/resorts offering special facilities for destination weddings other than accommodation. Also available are Private Farm Houses and Cottage Resorts for intimate weddings.
Destination Wedding in Summer: A Heritage Property in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
Logistics
Network: Ooty has its own railway station naming Ooty railway station which is connected to major cities of India. The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore Airport. Bangalore from Ooty is 295kms, couples from Bangalore plan their dream destination wedding. Vendor: All materials and service facilities for a wedding are available, but had to be sourced deliberately.
Weather
The summer months of April to June are finest for destination wedding in Ooty.
Budget
The minimum budget for a 2N wedding with 100 guests, including stay and event services* would be around 30L onwards
*Exclusive Kashmir*
A wedding will be a saga, if planned in Kashmir. Nothing can rival the beauty of the paradise on earth, the most romantic destination of India best suited for a destination wedding in summer.
However, Kashmir is prone to unrest of militants more often, so planning during those times could be a risk. But when fate has it, the luckiest couple get married off in Kashmir.
Accomodation & Stay
The Sri nagar city of Kashmir has few 5* hotels which offer accommodation for guests for an intimate wedding, few amongst these hotels offer the famous Dal Lake view backdrop rooms.
There are beautiful heritage house boats in the Dal lake, where pre-wedding ceremonial activities could be arranged with intimacy with limited guests.( It is always advised to plan an intimate destination wedding, when planning in Kashmir).
Destination Weddding in Summer: A famous 5* property adjacent the Dal Lake in Kashmir.
Logistics
Network: Sri Nagar is well connected by road with the major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu. To reach Srinagar by train, one has to reach either Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station. The stations are well connected with different parts of India. Srinagar Airport is an international airport. This airport is well connected and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Vendor: Flowers and Food are equally famous sourced stuff for weddings in Kashmir. The state and towns are also developing in providing the best of services in Entertainment & Photography.
Weather
The summer months of April to June are best suited for destination wedding.
There are other less famous hill-stations where an intimate wedding can be planned at a classified budget.
A Wedding so Adventurous & Romantic, wouldn’t have been without the existence of these amazing destinations.
Destination Wedding and Himachal Pradesh, both of these terms are not new to you, so rewinding the same facts again would make this article lengthy and it might also irk you a bit.
Straightaway coming to the point, this post will list the 5 best places for destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh. It would talk about the kind of accommodation available for guests, throw some light on logistics management of a destination wedding and share some tips that can make the wedding event more exciting and adventurous.
Certainly, it is going to be a mountain wedding when you are in Himachal Pradesh. Read on…
Shimla
The first destination to strike you when you are in HP is Shimla. And, if you would belive then Shimla is one of the most happening destinations for weddings, particularly in summer. Shimla offers you not only beautiful topography but also opportunities to include adventurous excitement to your wedding event.
Accomodation & Stay
1) If you have a large budget ,you may opt for any of the 5* Hotels or Resorts which offer accommodation with breakfast and assistance for the pre-wedding and wedding ceremonial activities. Enjoy the facilities like pool, spa, Jacuzzi , fireplace etc during non-ceremonial hours. The wedding banquets , terrace gardens and lawns are a treat, if you are looking for an outdoor wedding. Picture: 2) If you are on a classified budget, either of a 4* or a 3* hotel/resortcould be your choice. Breakfast with accommodation may not be included, however catering for breakfast can be outsourced. Some of these hotels offer pool, lounge, play area etc. Some may have lawns for an outdoor mountain wedding. Picture: 3)This goes for both budget size; private villas, farm houses, heritage house resorts can be hired as a whole property for couple of days for pre-wedding and wedding ceremony. Located in the outskirts of the buzy town more near to the hills these villas are fully furnished with self-operated kitchen, fireplace, BBQ etc. Open lawns & terraces are a treat to the wedding functions.
Destination Wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A 4* Hotel view.
Logistics
1) Shimla is well connected by road-ways,by bus service of HRTC & private operators to major cities of north India, specially New Delhi. Kalka is the nearest rail head, which is connected to Chandigarh and Delhi by regular trains. Jubarhati, which is about 23 kms from the town, is the nearest airport. Shimla can be linked nationally and internationally by regular flights via Delhi. 2) 5* Hotels provide pick & drop service from railway station or airport, where as the 4* & 3* may or may not provide and services could have to be arranged personally. 3) Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately.
Tips
1) Shimla has roses and other Himalayan flowers growing in abundance. A floral theme décor in Mehendi or Wedding can be beautiful, unique and fiscal. 2)A sangeet party can be arranged with music, bonfire & BBQ in the lawn area or backyard of the hotel/villa respectively. 3) Golfing, pony riding, trekking and adventure sports like Camping, Bungee Jumping, Cycling, Para Gliding, Skating can be enjoyed during non-ceremonial hours. 4) A sight-seeing in town could be arranged for the destination wedding guests to the popular places of Shimla like the mall road, the Christ church, the lakkar bazaar, the ridge and many others if time permits.
Destination wedding in Shimla: Golfing can be very well enjoyed in Shimla
Wedding Planning Package SHIMLA
Packages starting from INR 15K+* Per Person Per Night for celebration with 100 guests: *Includes* Accomodation+All Meals + Decor + Entertainment + Miscellinious. (T&C)
Manali
Lying at an elevation of 6260 feet, Manali is the top spot in Kullu Manali Valley, a stunning hill-station surrounded by massive snow clad mountains and thick pinewood forests with the beas river being its significant masterpiece. A perfect getaway for destination weddings in summer.
Accomodation & Stay
1) For large budget weddings, 5* Resortscould be hired for accommodation and ceremonial activities. 4* & 3* Resorts could be picked for classified budgets, Bungalows, cottages & villas could be hired on per day basis for pre-wedding & wedding ceremonial activities. These are self operated, cosy & budgeted, some also are set amidst the mountains, the lush green lawns are wonder for outdoor weddings.
Destination Wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A 3* Resort Accomodation for an intimate wedding in Manali
Logistics
1) The drive up to Manali is simply breathtaking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you in. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Manali, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometres, and it is advisable to connect with Manali via Delhi, if coming from any other state of India. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kms away from Manali. The town is connected nationally & internationally via indirect flights via Delhi and Chandigarh. 2)5* Resorts may assist with pick & drop facilities to Airport or Bus Depot. It is advisable to arrange vehicles or coaches with the help of travel Management Company. 3) Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately.
Tips
1) A special thali lunch, specifically of Manali delicacies served in leaf plates could be arranged for any of the pre-wedding functions. The food can add real flavours of the town to the wedding. 2) The wedding food platter may also flaunt Manali’s famous ‘Kothey’ momos and thupkas , America Chopsuoy and other Chinese and Tibetian dishes. 3) A sangeet –bonfire night could be arranged with BBQ and Manali’s popular home made wine ‘Chatki’ and ‘Lugri’. 4)Manali is filled with adventure, romanticism and idealism. Guests in the free hours can engage themselves in adventure sports like biking, rafting, hiking & Para gliding or may round up a city tour to Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Beas Kund etc.
Destination Wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A sumptuous Veg Thali of Manali with mountain rice and pulses.
Wedding Planning Package MANALI
Packages starting from INR 19K+* Per Person Per Night for celebration with 100 guests: *Includes* Accomodation+All Meals + Decor + Entertainment + Miscellinious. (T&C)
Mashobra
Located near Shimla, a very beautiful and mesmerizing destination of India where climate remains pleasant all year round. Destination Weddings in Mashobra is a novice, but if hosted, can be a hit given to its picture-book topography and pleasant climate.
Accomodation & stay
1) Mashobra has few 5* and a lot of deluxe and some medium to budget accommodation options. Some are spa resorts which offer facilities like pool, spa, gym, Jacuzzi .If you are hosting an intimate wedding homestays and private villas are a best bet. The villa property could be hired on per day basis, but these villas cannot accommodate a large number of guests so, two or more villas could be booked for accommodation. Meals may or may not be provided by these villas, catering can be outsourced.
Destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A private villa accomodation in Mashobra.
Logistics
1) Mashobra is connected by road to Delhi and Chandigarh via HPSRTC and some other private bus services. The near rail head is Kalka, which is a 3hr drive, the nearest airport is shimla airport which is roughly a 45 min drive, it links the town nationally and internationally by regular flights via Delhi & Chandigarh. 2) Private travel services are available; however it is advised to take guidance of a travel company to arrange shuttle service within the town. 3) Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately from Shimla, as few resources in Mashobra will not be easy to find.
Tips
1) Mashobra is popular for its picture-book typography and climate, this factor is excellent for wedding photography & videography. There are beautiful spots in mashobra like the Carignano villa where pre-wedding photography can be a hit. 2)Mashobra is rich in flora and ferns, weddings can consider decorations of wild flowers and ferns for a unique mountain theme look. 3) Abundant Apple and Pears fruit trees are grown in Mashobra. Apple punches, pears mock tails could be refreshing drinks, if celebrating wedding during September.
Destination Wedding in Himachal Pradesh: Enjoy a walk through the Apple Ochards of Mashobra.
Wedding Planning Package MASHOBRA
Packages starting from INR 15K+* Per Person Per Night for celebration with 100 guests: *Includes* Accomodation+All Meals + Decor + Entertainment + Miscellinious. (T&C)
Kasauli
Scenic view of Himalayas peeping from dense woody pine forests marks Kasauli as an ideal travel destination and a wise choice for beautiful destination wedding experience. Destination weddings are however not very popular in Kasauli but, as the town provides best accommodation facilities and is famous for beautiful landscape, a destination wedding in Kasauli is worth hosting.
Accomodation & Stay
1)Kasauli is known for its best accommodation facilities and most of them are situated on the Kasauli Hill which offers scenic view of the Himalayas & Dhauladhars in the middle of Pine Trees. 5* Hotels/Resorts could be booked for a large budget wedding, where as choices are plenty in deluxe hotels if one is hosting a classified budget wedding. A farm house or home stay could also be hired on per day basis if hosting an intimate and budgeted wedding. A detailed guidance can be provided by a wedding planner.
Destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A private homestay in Kasauli.
Logistics
1) Kasauli is connected by road by bus service to Delhi(295 kms) and Chandigarh (50kms). The nearest rail head is Kalka (40kms) which is linked to major cities of India. The nearest Airport is Chandigarh Airport (70kms) linked to major airports in India. You may have to reach Kasauli via Chandigarh or Delhi if coming from any other state of India. 2) Local Transport in Kasauli is quite easily accessible. There are many different modes of transportation within Kasauli like Car, Train, Bus & Taxi. It is advisable to check with a travel company for personal shuttle service. 3) Decoration, catering, entertainment and other services, all are available but need to be sourced deliberately.
Tips
1) An outdoor wedding in the forest with dense pine trees with wild flowers and fern decoration would be a wonderful unique idea for decoration. 2)Since Kasauli is popular for its wine varieties, peach wine, apple wine, black grape wine and plum wine grace the mini bar at the wedding. They can be easily purchased from any local shop in the whole of Kasauli and are cheap for one’s pocket too. 3)Handicrafts from the Kasauli Tibetian Market like Himachalii Jewellery can given as wedding favors .
Destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A collection of Kasauli’s Local Fruit Wine
Wedding Planning Package KASAULI
Packages starting from INR 12K+ Per Person Per Night celebration with 100 guests: *Includes* Accomodation+All Meals + Transport from Delhi + Decor + Entertainment + Photography + Miscellinious. (T&C)
Dalhousie
Located at an elevation of about 8000 feet, sensational & charming, having a unique historical backdrop, Dalhousie is one amongst the finest travel destinations of India. However destination weddings in Dalhousie are still a matter of thought, but given to its scenic charm and climate, a destination wedding in Dalhousie would be the best experience of lifetime.
Accomodation & Stay
1) There are luxury and deluxe hotels for large and classified budget size, which can accommodate 100 guests & above. These hotels are flexible and offer varieties of facilities so that guests extend their stay. Luxury hotels offer lawns and meadows where outdoor wedding ceremony can be conducted. Premium Heritage homestay options are also available at variety rates.
Destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh: A 5* Resort in Dalhousie
Logistics
1) The most cost-effective and convenient way to reach Dalhousie is by train. Pathankot’s Chakki Bank railhead is the nearest railway station from Dalhousie (approximately71 kilometres). It is connected to major cities within India. Since the road and the highway leading to Dalhousie is well-built, you can also choose to drive your own vehicle and reach here. While Dalhousie does not have its own airport, cities close to this hill-station do have one. The closest domestic airport is in Pathankot which is just 75 kilometres away from Dalhousie but is connected to New Delhi only. The second nearest airport is Gaggal airport which is in the Kangra district and is approximately 140 kilometres away from the town. The airport is well-connected to both domestic and international cities. 2) Decoration, catering, entertainment and other services, all are available but need to be sourced deliberately.
Tips
1) A sight-seeing tour can be arranged for guests to panchpulla or a small fresh water spring known as satdhara or a trekking camp can be arranged. 2) Dalhousie handicrafts could given away as wedding favours.
3) Chinese chowmein, Tibetan momos, South Indian idlis, and Kashmiri fare can be one amongst the pre-wedding or wedding food platter.
Destination Wedding in Himachal Pradesh: Himachali Jewely & handicrafts from Dalhousie local market as wedding favours.
Wedding Planning Package DALHOUSIE
Packages starting from INR 16K+* Per Person Per Night for celebration with 100 guests: *Includes* Accomodation+All Meals + Decor + Entertainment + Miscellinious. (T&C)
The above mentioned are the 5 best places for destination weddings in Himachal Pradesh. Weddings can be easily planned and arranged to these beautiful destinations at a classified budget with the help of a wedding planner. To know how, send a query todiwas.celebrations@gmail.com
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
Wedding @ The Wildflower hall shimla
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:
Wedding Favours: Local handcrafted articles/ international brand accessories
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*
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
(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
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 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 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)
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.
