Budgeting for Your Bangalore Prewedding Shoot

Planning a prewedding shoot in Bangalore? Costs typically range from ₹7,000 to ₹1,00,000+ depending on the photographer, concept, locations, and extras. Many couples find a comfortable sweet spot at ₹30,000–₹50,000 for a balanced mix of creativity and quality. Treat this as an investment in memories: decide your budget early and pick the elements that matter most to you.

What You’ll Pay: Package Snapshot

  • Budget (₹7,000 – ₹25,000): Short sessions (1–3 hours), single in-city location, 10–30 edited photos, basic retouching. Ideal for candid, low-frills shoots.
  • Mid-Range (₹25,000 – ₹40,000): 4–6 hours, 2–3 locations, 2–4 outfit changes, professional editing, sometimes a short teaser video. Great value for varied looks and creative storytelling.
  • Premium (₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000+): Full-day coverage, multiple scenic/outstation locations, cinematic videography (drone, multicamera), makeup & styling, props, and high-end postproduction. For cinematic, magazine-quality results.

Key Cost Drivers — What Shapes Your Budget

Understanding what increases or lowers costs helps you negotiate and prioritize:

  • Duration: Short sessions cost less; full-day shoots add hours of work for the team and more deliverables.
  • Locations & Travel: In-city sites (Cubbon Park, Lalbagh) keep costs low. Outstation or destination shoots (Nandi Hills, Coorg, Udupi) add travel, accommodation, and permit fees.
  • Photographer Experience & Equipment: Established photographers with cinematic style and professional gear charge higher fees but deliver superior composition, lighting, and editing.
  • Outfits, Styling & Makeup: Multiple outfit changes, professional stylists, and hair & makeup increase the look and cost.
  • Props & Concepts: Custom props, themed setups, and elaborate décor raise expenses but create unique frames.
  • Post-Production: High-end editing and retouching, teaser videos, and cinematic films take time and cost more.
  • Season & Day: Weekends and peak season (Oct–Feb) usually carry premium rates.

In-City vs Outstation: Choose Smartly

  • In-City (Budget-friendly): Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Ulsoor Lake, city streets — minimal travel, quick permits, great for candid & lifestyle shoots.
  • Outstation (Cinematic): Nandi Hills, Coorg, Chikmagalur, tea estates — scenic vistas but expect travel, stay, and permit costs.
    Pro tip: Mix both — a local shoot for casual frames + an outstation day for cinematic shots balances cost and variety.

Realistic Deliverables by Tier

  • Budget: 1–3 hours, 10–30 edited images, soft copies, minimal styling.
  • Mid-Range: 4–6 hours, 30–70 edited images, 2–3 locations, 1 short teaser video, makeup & hairstyling options.
  • Premium: Full-day, 100+ edited photos, drone shots, cinematic film and teasers, albums, private changing room, professional styling.

Sample Local Packages (Indicative)

  • Sid Photo – Resort Package: ₹27,000 – ₹51,000 — multiple outfits, makeup, day & night photography, drone, unlimited edits, 1–4 minute cinematic video.
  • Phometo – Combo: ₹25,000 – ₹95,000 — flexible hours, makeup, 20–50 edited images, teaser & cinematic video.
  • Budget Freelancers: From ₹7,000–₹12,000 — 1–2 hour shoots, 5–20 edited images, good for tight budgets.

(Prices vary by photographer; always confirm inclusions.)

How to Estimate Your Budget — Step-by-Step

  1. List priorities: Locations, outfits, makeup, drone/video, hours.
  2. Choose a tier: Decide budget, mid-range, or premium.
  3. Count locations & travel: Add transport, permits, and lodging for outstation days.
  4. Decide styling & props: Allocate funds for a makeup artist or essential props if needed.
  5. Factor post-production: Confirm number of edited photos, video length, and delivery timelines.
  6. Add contingency: Keep 10–15% for unforeseen costs (extra hours, permits, props).

When to Splurge vs. Where to Save

Splurge on: Photographer & editing — these are permanent and define your final images.
Save on: Excessive outfit changes, expensive props, and last-minute rush bookings. Opt for 2–3 well-coordinated looks instead of many.

Practical Tips to Keep Costs Predictable

  • Book early (3–6 months for mid-range, 6–12 months for premium) to lock in rates and dates.
  • Choose weekdays if possible — lower rates and easier permits.
  • Limit locations — 2 well-shot locations often beat 4 rushed ones.
  • Confirm deliverables in writing — number of edited images, video length, turnaround time.
  • Ask about permit handling — many pros include this; otherwise, plan to budget separately.

Photographer Checklist — Questions to Ask

  • Can we view recent prewedding portfolios?
  • What exactly is included in each package? Any hidden fees?
  • How many edited photos and videos are delivered? Turnaround time?
  • Do you provide makeup artists, stylists, or assistants?
  • Are travel, permits, and accommodation included for outstation shoots?
  • What’s the cancellation or bad-weather policy? Is there a backup plan?

Cost-Saving Checklist

  • Limit outfit changes to 2–3 looks.
  • Pick in-city locations or weekday slots.
  • DIY simple props and coordinate with the photographer’s existing setups.
  • Compare 2–3 photographers and request transparent quotes.
  • Keep a 10–15% contingency buffer.

Conclusion — Capture Memories Without Breaking the Bank

Bangalore offers shoots for every budget — from candid in-city sessions to cinematic, destination-style shoots. Prioritize the elements that matter most (photographer, editing, and location) and trim the rest. With clear communication, early booking, and smart planning, you’ll get stunning prewedding photos that tell your story — beautiful, stress-free, and within budget.

FAQs — Quick Answers

Can you do a shoot under ₹10,000? 

Yes — usually 1–2 hour, single-location shoots with 5–15 edited images.

How long until we get photos/videos? 

Typically 2–4 weeks depending on edits and workload.

Is video included? 

Often in mid and premium tiers; budget packages may not include video or include a short teaser only.

Do locations need permits? 

Yes for Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, heritage sites, and many resorts — confirm in advance.