The Indian wedding industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with the 2024-25 wedding season projected to generate a staggering ₹6 lakh crore in revenue. This growth reflects a significant shift in how weddings are planned and celebrated, moving from large-scale pomp and show to intimate, immersive, and experiential events that prioritise quality over quantity.
The Wedding Industry In India: A Rs 6 Lakh Crore Powerhouse
For decades, Indian weddings were synonymous with massive guest lists, lavish spreads, and grandiose setups. However, today’s couples are redefining traditions by opting for destination weddings with fewer guests but far more personalised experiences. The focus is no longer on just throwing a grand party but on creating unforgettable moments for the closest friends and family. This shift has opened up avenues for innovation and has substantially contributed to the industry’s exponential growth.
At Resh&Co., we have witnessed and contributed to this transformation firsthand. From meticulously planning destination weddings across exotic locales to crafting bespoke experiences, our work encapsulates the evolving preferences of modern couples. For example, clients today are prioritising experiential elements like welcome dinners where guests can make their own pizzas or roll their own pasta dough, sangeets with interactive perfume stations, and artisanal food and wine tastings for their guests. Weddings are no longer just a series of events; they’re curated journeys that reflect the couple’s personality and heritage.
Destination weddings, in particular, have been a major driver of this growth. Couples are choosing premium locations, transporting elements of their culture—whether it’s clothing, cuisine, or performers—across geographies to create a unique blend of tradition and modernity. For instance, we’ve orchestrated weddings where South Indian ceremonies were held against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany or where traditional artisans and pundits were flown in to bring an authentic cultural touch to international venues.
The focus on luxury experiences is another significant factor contributing to the wedding industry’s booming revenues. Clients are willing to invest in renowned artists, entertainment acts, and elaborate setups. They want their weddings to be a feast for the senses, where every detail—from bespoke décor to customised souvenirs—tells a story. We’ve seen couples extend their celebrations to five days, packing each day with carefully curated activities that offer their guests a chance to both relax and celebrate the occasion.
This level of personalization and attention to detail is driving higher spending, as clients prioritise quality over quantity. For example, while a typical large-scale wedding might cost less per head, intimate destination weddings often see increased spending per guest. The result? A significant contribution to the overall revenue of the wedding industry.
In many ways, the modern wedding has become a symbol of evolving lifestyles and values. It’s no longer about merely adhering to tradition but about celebrating love in ways that resonate personally with the couple and their families. This change has not only made weddings more meaningful but has also turned the industry into a thriving economic powerhouse, with contributions from venues, hospitality, fashion, entertainment, and more.
As wedding planners, it’s an honour to play a role in this vibrant ecosystem. We look forward to continuing to innovate, ensuring every wedding we design is not just an event but a legacy of love and joy.