Budget tips for palace wedding in udaipur

Udaipur is a beautiful city to have a wedding, sometimes called the "City of Lakes". It is also a beautiful location for a palace wedding, if that is the direction you are going in. The range of forts, palaces, lakes, and history is so unique and magical that there are few places that can replicate the Udaipur experience. Any palace wedding in Udaipur can become overwhelming simply because of the scope and cost of a wedding in a palace. If you're seeking a classic royal blend with affordability, there are some realistic and achievable budget tips to create a memorable palace wedding in Udaipur. One way to approach an overall budget for a palace wedding in Udaipur is to look at your guest list and experiences, prioritizing what is a "must-have." A smaller wedding size with immediate friends and family becomes not only less costly, it creates a more intimate and unique event. You can also consider hosting select functions—like the mehendi or haldi—at boutique heritage hotels or scenic outdoor venues, reserving the palace venue for the main ceremony or reception. Partnering with an experienced local wedding planner in Udaipur can help you access the best vendor deals, manage logistics smoothly, and bring your royal vision to life without going overboard on your budget.

1. Consider having your wedding in the off-peak season  

For Udaipur, the peak wedding season is usually during our cooler months (typically from October to March). This is usually perfect weather for an outdoor wedding however, this is also the time when the event venues and vendors services will be the most expensive. If you can avoid these months, it is far better in terms of your budget for your wedding. You could consider shoulder seasons-plan your wedding in either (April or September) or it may be raining in monsoon season, but possibly worth it if you can get major discounts on venue rental and rooms!

Palace weddings in Udaipur don't always have to cost a fortune, especially if you choose a venue that provides in-house catering, décor, and basic event management services. A lot of Heritage Properties around, or in Udaipur have packages for all-inclusive weddings, e.g., food and flowers for the wedding, accommodation for guests, entertainment, etc. This both saves you time in planning and prevents a vendor markup for hiring a lot of different vendors outside your venue. Venues such as Chunda Palace, Shouryagarh Resort, or smaller forts around the city can still give you the royal charm at a much cheaper cost than larger, more iconic palaces

2. Limit Your Guest List to Close Family and Friends

Palace weddings can sometimes encourage large celebrations but the truth is, each extra attendee adds cost in terms of catering, seating, and accommodation, so keep your guest list small, and only invite close family and friends. A smaller wedding allows you to spend your money on quality rather than quantity and better food, decor, and personalized experiences.

Palace weddings in Udaipur often tempt couples to host grand celebrations, but every additional guest adds to your budget—whether it’s catering, décor, accommodation, or transportation. Keeping your guest list intimate not only reduces costs but also creates a more personal and meaningful experience. Focus on inviting only close family and friends whose presence truly matters. With a smaller gathering, you’ll have more flexibility to invest in quality experiences—like gourmet dining, curated décor, or a live performance—that leave a lasting impression without stretching your finances.

3. Choose a Package

Several palace venues in Udaipur provide complete wedding packages that include catering, decorating, lighting, and sometimes photography. These packages tend to be cheaper than sourcing each of these services on an individual basis. Be sure to compare packages and negotiate with the individual palaces to get a great deal with good value for money.

Another advantage of opting for a package is the access to experienced, in-house teams who understand the venue’s layout, restrictions, and strengths. This minimizes the chances of miscommunication or last-minute surprises during setup and execution. Additionally, bundled services often come with added perks—such as complimentary rooms for the couple, welcome drinks, or discounted rates on extra rooms for guests. Just be sure to review the fine print, request a breakdown of costs, and ask for sample photos or walkthroughs of previous events. This will help ensure that the package aligns with your vision while still staying within your budget.

4. Choose Simple But Elegant Decorative Ideas

Palaces in Udaipur have their own grandeur (ornate architecture, detailed murals, and long breezy courtyards) so instead of overspending on floral arrangements and in-your-face decor, keep it minimalistic and elegant to maintain the heritage vibe of the palaces. Simple drapes, traditional lanterns and marigold flowers can enhance the atmosphere without breaking the bank. 

The palaces in Udaipur are architectural masterpieces on their own—featuring grand façades, intricate carvings, heritage courtyards, and breathtaking lake views. With such a majestic backdrop, you don’t need extravagant décor to make a statement. In fact, going overboard can clash with the venue’s natural charm. Instead, opt for a minimalist approach with thoughtful elements like soft drapes, brass diyas, traditional lanterns, or strings of marigolds and mogras. These subtle touches complement the regal setting and create a warm, authentic ambiance—all while keeping your decoration costs under control.

5. Use Local Vendors

Local vendors are aware of Udaipur culture and logistics. When you hire photographers, decorators and caterers that are local, you save on travel and accommodation costs, in addition, many local vendors have authentic Rajasthani cuisine and decor options to add authentic richness to your budget.

6. Plan a Short (1 Day) Wedding, or Shorter Events

Palace weddings are often set over multiple days with many rituals and receptions. If you want to save, plan a wedding for one day or plan fewer pre-wedding events. A short, well-planned event will minimize venue and vendor fees and make it easier on your budget.

7. Negotiate Early and Book in Advance

Palace weddings in Udaipur are very popular. By booking your venue and vendors early you could lock in lower prices and have better chances to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts - especially if you want to take multiple services from the same vendor.

Conclusion

A palace wedding in Udaipur is a benchmark of romance & luxury, but doesn't necessarily have to be overly expensive. With careful planning, solid choices and lots of emphasis on what is important, it is possible to have an amazing royal wedding - an unforgettable one at that - within a budget.

With years of experience in planning destination weddings across Udaipur’s most iconic palaces and heritage venues, our team understands how to blend tradition, elegance, and budget-friendly creativity seamlessly. We work closely with you to personalize every element—venue selection, décor, hospitality, rituals, and entertainment—so your celebration reflects your unique story. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate lakeside ceremony or a lavish multi-day affair, Shubhmayam Weddings ensures your royal wedding is stress-free, stunning, and unforgettable.

From the selection of venues to elegant execution of plans, Shubhmayam Weddings is your chosen partner for a beautiful palace wedding in Udaipur. Contact us now, We are here to assist you in making the incredible journey to your unforgettable day!