How to plan wedding jewellery in grams, spread purchases over months, keep making charges in check and avoid last-minute stress.
For many Indian families, gold is the biggest single expense of a wedding. A little planning, started a few months early, can save money and a lot of last-minute stress.
1. Plan in grams, not rupees
Gold prices change every day, so a rupee budget made today may not buy the same amount in three months. Instead, decide how many grams (or pavan) you need for each item, then check the cost from time to time on your city's rate page.
| Item | Weight (example) |
|---|---|
| Necklace | 40 g (5 pavan) |
| Long chain (haram) | 48 g (6 pavan) |
| Bangles (pair) | 32 g (4 pavan) |
| Earrings | 8 g (1 pavan) |
| Rings | 8 g (1 pavan) |
| Total | 136 g (17 pavan) |
This is only an example. Every family's list is different.
2. Add the extras
For each item, add an estimate for making charges (often 10–20% for wedding designs, more for antique or temple work), stone charges and 3% GST. The calculator on each city page helps with this. Read making charges and wastage to understand the numbers.
3. Buy in parts
If the wedding is 6–12 months away, buying a portion every month or two spreads the cost and means you are not stuck with one day's price. Some families buy 24K coins over time and later exchange them for jewellery; ask your jeweller in advance how they value coins for exchange.
4. Use old gold wisely
Old jewellery in the family can be exchanged for new designs. Get it tested and valued at two shops before deciding. See selling or exchanging old gold.
5. Book early for heavy designs
Custom and heavy pieces can take weeks to make. Order early, confirm the weight range, making charge and delivery date in writing, and ask whether the gold rate is fixed on the booking day or the delivery day.
6. Check every piece at delivery
- Hallmark and HUID on each piece (how to check).
- Weight matches the bill.
- Stones are counted and weighed separately.
- One proper bill with every item listed.
7. After the wedding
- Keep all bills together in a safe place, with photos of each piece.
- Consider a bank locker or home insurance for heavy jewellery.
- Read how to clean and store gold to keep pieces looking new.
A simple timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–12 months before | Make the list in grams. Decide which pieces are new and which come from family gold. Start buying in parts. |
| 3–4 months before | Choose designs for heavy pieces and place orders. Get making charges and delivery dates in writing. |
| 1 month before | Buy smaller items such as rings and earrings. Exchange any old gold you planned to use. |
| 1–2 weeks before | Collect orders, check hallmarks, weights and bills, and arrange safe storage. |
Common mistakes
- Budgeting only in rupees. If prices rise, the same budget buys less gold. Track grams.
- Forgetting GST and making charges. On heavy designs these can add 15–30% to the gold value.
- Buying everything on one busy day. Shops are crowded before auspicious wedding dates and festivals, and it's harder to check details.
- Losing bills. You will need them for exchange, resale, insurance and family records.
This guide is general information for buyers. Rules and tax rates can change; check with your jeweller, bank or a qualified adviser before big decisions.