TravTalk India Online Magazine
Weddings in India have always been a blend of grandeur and tradition. Now, the wedding industry is evolving in exciting ways, with eco-friendly means, tech innovations and culinary preferences adding to the celebrations. Industry experts provide insights into the latest trends and tips for planning memorable wedding celebrations.
Surbhi Sharma
The Indian wedding industry is evolving in exciting ways. Whether you dream of a luxurious affair or a budget-friendly gathering, there is a vibrant landscape of choices for every couple. While talking about the wedding trends, Chetan Vohra, Co-Founder & Director, Weddingline, says the wedding industry is increasingly merging opulence with sustainability and 2023-24 showcased two distinct styles: lavish multi-event weddings and intimate, personalised celebrations. “Going ahead, sustainability will play a bigger role in 2025, not just in materials but also in sourcing locally,” he says, citing that couples are gravitating toward eco-friendly decor, locally sourced food, and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impact without compromising on the grandeur.
Abhishek Poddar, CEO, Colossal Weddings & Events, highlights the growing trend of eco-conscious celebrations. “We recently organised a wedding with a zero-waste policy, reflecting couples’ increasing mindfulness about sustainability,” he shares.
Vikas Suri, Vice President (Operations & Development), Lords Hotels & Resorts, observes a rise in intimate weddings at spiritual destinations, such as Nathdwara and Dwarka, where smaller guest lists enable curated, meaningful experiences. “Culinary trends are also evolving. Themed menus, vegan options, and interactive food stations are becoming pivotal in enhancing guest experiences, showcasing a shift toward personalisation and innovation in wedding catering,” he adds.
Rachit Jain, Director, Rashi Entertainment, says Indian weddings are known for their emotional significance, traditions, entertainment and substantial spending. He said post-COVID, weddings have become even more extravagant.”
Popular wedding destinations
India continues to be a hub for both domestic and international wedding celebrations. Iconic destinations, such as Rajasthan and Goa, remain favourites, but lesser-known locations like Jaisalmer and Kishangarh are gaining traction due to improved connectivity and coming up hotels. “Heritage properties in these regions are being converted into boutique venues, ideal for exclusive weddings,” Suri informs. For international celebrations, destinations, such as the UAE and Maldives, are emerging as top choices. “Their proximity to India, coupled with seamless logistics, makes them attractive,” says Vohra. Poddar says couples favour destinations with direct flights and hassle-free arrangements. “Thus, Jaipur and Goa are still leading the destination market, whereas places like Mahabalipuram, Pohulam, and Pochin are trending nowadays.” He adds, “Internationally, Vietnam and Thailand remain popular, offering breathtaking locales and cultural richness at competitive prices. However, there has been a shift in demand for domestic destination weddings.”
Tech in wedding planning
Technology is transforming the wedding planning process, particularly in its early stages. “Applications and e-invites have revolutionised traditional methods. From managing guest lists to coordinating logistics, digital tools ensure efficiency and sustainability by reducing paper usage. Pre-wedding planning has seen the greatest impact, with online tools simplifying everything from venue selection to vendor management,” says Vohra.
Poddar highlights the role of technology in streamlining guest accommodations and transportation. “While the main wedding events still rely heavily on personal touches and traditional aesthetics, digital tools enhance the overall experience by ensuring smooth execution of pre and post-wedding activities,” he says.”
GoI efforts
Emphasising India’s unique cultural and historical offerings for weddings, Vohra, says, “The Indian government is actively promoting the country as a prime destination for weddings, leveraging its rich cultural and historical heritage. It is pushing a huge emphasis on ‘Wed in India’ as a key platform for wedding tourism.” He explains, “A dedicated body has been constituted, working in collaboration with industry experts to identify culturally significant venues like temples, museums, and heritage sites for social engagements. This initiative builds on the success of the Incredible India platform and is now gaining momentum with active dialogues and forthcoming announcements for public-private partnerships.”
Reiterating the government’s focus, Poddar highlights its strategy to attract foreign guests during India’s off-season, from March to October. “However, partnerships between the government and private industry players are still limited. The government is planning to attract overseas customers during the off-season, but we have not seen much private-public collaboration yet,” he says.
Impact of ‘Wed in India’
The launch of ‘Wed in India’ campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already shown results. “We were fortunate to organise one of the first few weddings post-launch—a couple from California got married in Rajasthan,” Vohra shares, adding that the season has just begun, but there is a noticeable increase in inquiries, particularly for cross-cultural weddings.
Jain said, “Weddings in India have become increasingly competitive, with families striving to outdo each other. I have noticed this personally. People are \looking for something new and unique.”
Experts’ advice
Planning early is key. “Book your venue as soon as possible,” advises Poddar, pointing out the high demand for premium venues. Vohra emphasises the importance of having a clear vision. “Couples should articulate their dream wedding on paper. A clear plan makes the process smoother and ensures the celebration is truly memorable,” he advises.
Future of weddings in India
The Indian wedding industry is poised for robust growth, driven by a mix of tradition and innovation. Eco-conscious celebrations, tech-savvy planning, and unique destination weddings are shaping the future. “The essence of weddings lies in joy and togetherness. While trends evolve, the heart of the celebration remains constant,” says Vohra. As couples prepare for their big day, they can look forward to a landscape rich with opportunities to craft unique, unforgettable experiences.
