The grand Indian wedding is becoming even more extravagant. In 2024, average wedding expenditures surged by 14% year-on-year, reaching ₹32-35 lakh, up from ₹28 lakh in 2023, as reported by a wedding technology platform. This marks a 28% increase when comparing 2022 to 2024. The rise indicates that couples are increasingly willing to invest in creating experience-driven events with meticulous attention to detail. The wedding landscape is evolving, reflecting changing tastes and preferences that influence planning—from destination selections to guest lists, moving beyond traditional celebrations.
The shifts in wedding preferences are evident in the changing guest lists. Weddings with over 300 guests rose by 16.29% in 2024, suggesting that couples are favoring larger celebrations. Conversely, weddings with fewer than 100 guests also saw a 26.66% increase, indicating a trend towards more intimate and exclusive ceremonies. The average guest list for weddings in 2024 was 119, a 6.25% increase from the previous year. The wedding industry is projected to grow at 7-8% annually, having surpassed $75 billion in 2023-24.
While traditional wedding destinations like Jaipur, Goa, and Udaipur remain popular, newer and unconventional locations are gaining traction. Emerging destinations such as Nainital and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, and Wayanad in Kerala are attracting couples seeking intimate settings without sacrificing luxury. These locations offer serene backdrops and exclusive experiences, providing a refreshing alternative to typical wedding venues.
Virginia Cánovas, a senior director of consumer marketing, noted a significant shift in 2024, with couples opting for more personalized, intimate, and high-budget weddings. There has been a notable increase in demand for both traditional and unique wedding destinations, along with a rising interest in weekday weddings. Weekday weddings, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays, have become popular as they often come at a lower cost and offer greater availability compared to weekends. Sundays have also gained popularity, with many families not strictly adhering to auspicious days for marriage.
Winter months continue to be a favored time for weddings, with November, December, and February dominating the wedding calendar due to numerous auspicious dates. November alone accounted for 18.5% of all weddings in 2024, solidifying its status as the most popular month for nuptials. The cooler weather remains a crucial factor in couples’ decisions, as many choose winter weddings for a more formal or creative atmosphere.
