Using one property for all events simplifies logistics, gives you privacy, and helps you negotiate better package rates with the resort and planner.
How many days and nights to book. Most “three-day” wedding celebrations actually require a four-night resort booking so that guests can arrive, enjoy all events, and depart comfortably. This usually looks like: Day 1 check-in, events on Days 1–3, and Day 4 check-out after breakfast or brunch. Aim for a full or majority buyout of the resort to avoid outsiders in shared spaces. Block rooms early, especially in peak season (November–February, August–September).Sample 3-day Kerala resort itinerary Below is a simple but rich flow that works well for 60–150 guests at a backwater, hill-station, or beach resort.
- Day 1 – Welcome, Haldi, Mehendi & Sangeet
- 12:00–3:00 pm: Guest arrivals, check-in, welcome drinks, room hampers, and light lunch.
- 4:00–5:30 pm: Haldi on a lawn or courtyard with yellow–white décor and local flowers.
- 6:00–7:30 pm: Mehendi with folk/DJ music, snacks, and a relaxed dress code.
- 8:00 pm onwards: Combined welcome dinner + Sangeet with performances and couple’s entry.
- Focus on:Kerala touches (urli, brass lamps, banana leaf counters) in décor and food.
- Clear communication of dress codes and timing in your printed or digital itinerary.
- Day 2 – Main wedding ceremony & receptionOption A – Daytime ceremony (best for most Kerala venues):
- 6:30–9:00 am: Bride/groom prep, family photos.
- 9:00–11:00 am: Wedding ceremony at a mandap facing backwaters/garden/beach.
- 12:00–2:00 pm: Kerala sadhya or multi-cuisine buffet lunch.
- 6:30–10:30 pm: Reception/gala dinner with performances, speeches, and cake cutting.Option B – Late-night pheras (if following North Indian style):
- 11:00 am–1:00 pm: Brunch or optional sightseeing/spa time for guests.
- 4:00–6:00 pm: Mehendi/Haldi 2.0 or cocktail hour.
- 7:00–8:30 pm: Baraat staging and high-tea.9:00–11:30 pm: Varmala and dinner.
- 12:00–2:00 am: Pheras and rituals, light snacks before guests sleep.
- Day 3 – Brunch, unwind, and farewellKeep this day light to avoid guest fatigue.
- 9:00–11:00 am: Brunch with Kerala filter coffee, fresh juices, and comfort food.
- 11:30 am–12:30 pm: Informal thank-you, gift distribution, group photos.
- 12:00–3:00 pm: Staggered departures with coordinated transfers.
- Optionally add: short houseboat cruise, plantation walk, or spa slots for close family.
- Approximate budget pointers (60–120 guests)These ranges are indicative for a 3-day destination wedding in Kerala at a single resort, excluding very high-end luxury splurges.
For 50–100 guests, total spend commonly falls in the ₹10–40 lakh range depending on resort level and décor ambition.
Ultra-budget versions (very simple décor, minimal entertainment, basic resort) can start from around ₹3–7 lakhs for very small guest lists. Tips to optimise cost at one resort. Choose shoulder-season dates to get better room and venue deals, especially at beach or backwater properties. Limit the number of heavy production events (for example: one big Sangeet + one grand reception) and keep others décor-light but experience-rich. Use local Kerala vendors for flowers, music, and photography where possible to avoid travel and stay markups. Negotiate bundled packages with the resort (rooms + venues + some meals) and let your planner handle standalone décor and entertainment. With a clear 3-day flow and realistic budget bands in mind, a single well-chosen Kerala resort can host a wedding that feels immersive, cohesive, and deeply personal without overwhelming your finances.
