Food lasts 2 hours. The bill lasts years: Bengaluru CA's reality check on expensive weddings

A lavish wedding may create memories that last a lifetime, but according to Bengaluru-based chartered accountant Meenal Goel, the financial consequences can last just as long. In a recent social media post, she urged people to think carefully before spending Rs 20 lakh or more on a single day, arguing that many couples sacrifice long-term financial security in the pursuit of a grand celebration.

Where does Rs 20 lakh actually go?

Breaking down the numbers, Goel highlighted how quickly wedding expenses add up.

According to her estimate, around Rs 6 lakh goes towards food, Rs 5 lakh is spent on the venue, Rs 2 lakh on entertainment, another Rs 2 lakh on photography and videography, Rs 3 lakh on decorations and roughly Rs 2 lakh on miscellaneous expenses. Her point was simple: nearly Rs 20 lakh can disappear in less than 48 hours.

A celebration that ends quickly

Goel also drew attention to how short-lived many of these expenses are. The food is enjoyed for just a couple of hours. The DJ performs for an evening. Decorations are removed after a day. The venue is handed back the next morning, while photographs eventually become a few albums tucked away.

According to her, the event may end quickly, but its financial impact often stays much longer.

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Who benefits the most?

Goel noted that everyone involved in organising the wedding gets paid. Guests enjoy the celebration, caterers, photographers, banquet owners and DJs earn their fees, and the event concludes successfully.

The ones who quietly absorb the cost, she argued, are the couple's savings, investments, future financial goals and sometimes even their parents' retirement plans.

What happens a month later?

Goel suggested that within a month, most guests and relatives barely remember the details of the event. Social media posts disappear beneath newer updates. The bank account, however, continues to reflect the spending long after the celebrations are over.

Build a marriage, not just a wedding

Rather than putting an entire budget into one day, Goel encouraged a more balanced financial approach. She suggested allocating around 35% towards the wedding itself, while directing 25% each towards investments and a future home, and reserving 15% for an emergency fund.