My husband and I took on $46,000 of credit card debt for our Indian wedding, but we don’t regret spending the money

My husband and I got married in November last year. We took on $46,752 worth of credit card debt for our wedding.

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We got married at a 200-guest wedding at a Sikh temple in Pittsburg, California. My husband’s grandfather built the temple, so it was special to us.

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There’s also a cultural element, too. Having a big wedding means a lot to our parents, especially since Anil is the only boy and I’m the only child.

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We understood having a big wedding comes at a price, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and we thought, if we could do it, we’re going to do it.

We spent the most on our outfits. Both of our clothes and accessories cost just over $13,300 for our three-day celebration. Hair and makeup for me and my bridal party cost another $3,500.

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We spent around $1,000 on our wedding cake, and another $1,600 or so on desserts like chocolate strawberries and gulab jamun. I would’ve spent less money on the cake — we got way too much and there was a lot left over.

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I also would’ve opted for digital invites over physical ones, which cost $875 from India. I also wouldn’t have gotten party favors, which cost $350, since no one took them.

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My advice to other couples having Indian weddings is to outline and know how much you’re going to be spending and to have a plan, whether it’s getting credit cards, taking out a loan, or having cash on hand. Stick to that plan, and spend on things you really find valuable.

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