India, a land of vibrant colors, rich traditions, and joyous celebrations, has always held a special place for weddings. More than just ceremonies, Indian weddings are grand, multi-day affairs that bring families and communities together in a tapestry of love, laughter, and blessings. The air is always filled with excitement as each wedding season approaches, and the wedding business is experiencing an unprecedented boom. 

Jagmohan Garg, a prominent figure in the real estate industry and founder of Mera Baba Group, discusses this upward trajectory and the future of the wedding industry.

According to ibef.org the Indian wedding industry ranks as the second largest globally, US being the first (estimated USD 219.8 Billion in 2024). Around 10 million weddings taking place each year in India. A report published by the Economist shows wedding industry is the fourth-largest industry in India, witnessing substantial spending of approximately US$130 billion annually. This spending creates a ripple effect, benefiting businesses such as banquets, 5 star hotels, resorts, clothing brands, catering, entertainment, floral decoration, beauty and wellness, travel and tourism, photography, and jewelry. 

So what is the fuel for this growth?

Well, the Indian government is actively promoting destination weddings through its "Wed in India" initiative by showcasing India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage. Prime Minister Modi's call to "Wed in India" encourages Indians to host their weddings within the country, aiming to boost the local economy. The initiative targets both domestic and international couples, highlighting India's massive infrastructure and diverse venues, ranging from palaces and forts to banquet halls suiting various budgets.

"Forget intimate gatherings – today's generation is embracing opulent wedding extravaganzas! Grand entrances for the bride and groom, personalized gifts for guests, and themed celebrations orchestrated by specialized wedding planners are all part of the modern Indian wedding experience. The new generation wants it all, and they're not afraid to spend to make their dream wedding a reality!" says Jagmohan Garg.

Another key driver fuelling the wedding boom in India is the rising middle class with increasing disposable incomes, enabling families to allocate more resources to weddings. This has led to a shift away from smaller, intimate weddings towards opulent extravaganzas, with couples willing to spend big amounts.

“The availability of venues is also playing a significant role. While big cities have traditionally been popular for weddings, smaller cities now offer similar, and sometimes even better, venues and banquet halls, making grand celebrations more accessible across the country.” Believes Jagmohan Garg.

Destination weddings are also significantly contributing to the boom in India's wedding industry, as couples increasingly seek unique and picturesque locations for their celebrations. The trend has gained immense popularity, with couples either planning or having already hosted a destination wedding. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger generations, such as Gen Z, who are drawn to the idea of tying the knot in stunning locales like riverside venues in Rishikesh, majestic mountain settings, or the opulent forts of Udaipur and Jaipur.

More than 47% of couples preparing to tie the knot are choosing destination weddings. According to a survey by Better half, nearly 48% of urban couples believe that destination weddings can be both affordable and tailored to fit their budgets.

Looking ahead Jagmohan Garg believes the Indian wedding industry is poised for significant evolution, with greater adoption of technology and personalized services. He says “The focus will increasingly be on crafting unique, immersive experiences for couples and their guests.  As the Indian economy continues to grow and disposable incomes rise, the luxury segment of the wedding market is expected to expand, with couples investing in high-end venues, bespoke décor, and exclusive entertainment.”

Hotelierindia reported, the average cost of hosting a wedding celebration in India surged to Rs 28 lakhs in 2023, representing a significant increase from Rs. 25 lakhs in 2022, a 12% growth in wedding expenditures within just one year, which points toward preferences for bigger and better wedding experience with a touch of opulence.

In conclusion, the future looks exceptionally bright for the wedding industry in India. While challenges such as rising costs and the need for sustainable practices remain, the Indian wedding industry's unique blend of tradition, innovation, and economic impact ensures its continued prominence on both the national and global stage.