From Mehendi to Maldives, you can burn anything between Rs 15 and 20 crore in a flash. No we aren’t talking of the next OTT production but a luxury wedding in India. With 4.8 million weddings expected to take place this season, generating over $70.4 billion in revenue (up from 3.5 million weddings worth $50.7 billion last year), the ecosystem is ready to turn a couple’s special day to an Instagram-worthy extravaganza if they are ready to splurge.
The boom in luxury weddings in India is not just a reflection of changing tastes, but also a result of shifting cultural and economic dynamics. With both partners contributing to wedding expenses, couples have the financial freedom to orchestrate grand celebrations. The higher marriage age and disposable incomes also mean funding is not in short supply. “Celebrity weddings and social media influence are setting new benchmarks for aspiration, while the emergence of a sophisticated wedding ecosystem catering to evolving consumer demands is further feeding back into the boom,” says Praveen Govindu, partner at Deloitte India.
Service providers are chipping in with flexible payment options tailored to individual preferences. Manoj Adlakha, CEO & founder, RedBeryl, which collaborates with event planners to provide end-to-end wedding arrangements, including payment options, says the company provides an EMI option to its clients.
“For brands vying for a slice of this expanding market, the key lies in offering personalised experiences and ensuring that every touchpoint resonates with the couple’s vision,” Govindu adds.
Take destination weddings, the flagbearer of luxury celebrations. A modest 200-guest affair can run into crores when you factor in travel, accommodation, and venue fees. Locations like Udaivillas in Udaipur or Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur are currently the hot favourites within India. “The demand for destination weddings is not just about choosing a location, but about creating an entire experience,” says Sonal Kashyap, founder of ThroughVow, a luxury wedding décor service.
“Immersive experiences, such as intimate pre-wedding gatherings, wellness retreats for guests, and thoughtfully planned itineraries, are also in demand,” adds Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.
Luxury wedding planner Resh & Co, which recently organised Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson’s wedding in Italy this year, says for a three-day event with around 100 guests at a premium property in Jaipur, the cost typically ranges between ₹4 crore and ₹10 crore. This includes accommodation, food, décor, entertainment, transport, stationery, manpower, photography, and special effects. The cost varies depending on the number of events — typically 6 or 7 — and the scale of production.
The starting price for an international location — such as Italy or the US — would be ₹6 crore. European weddings tend to focus on heritage venues, while US weddings often incorporate sprawling estates or a contemporary setup.
A cost breakdown
Palak D Arya, founder of Tabeer India, says the brand’s recently launched collection at the London Fashion Week has set the tone for this wedding season’s trousseau trends. With offerings priced between ₹50,000 and ₹1.5 lakh, the company is catering to clients looking for premium and distinctive wedding wear.
Designer bridal lehengas from top names like Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani are priced anywhere between ₹5 and15 lakh. Fashion designer Deepika Govind’s ceremonial sarees retail from Rs 75,000, while lehengas are in the range of Rs 3 lakh and above. “Luxurious silks like silk tissues and pure zari jamdhanis have become increasingly popular this season. Brocades still hold their sway,” she says.
Adds designer Mac Duggal,”The demand isn’t just for traditional luxury items; there’s also a growing interest in contemporary and fusion designs.”
Luxury wedding jewellery is another key component of this growing industry. Bridal sets, which include intricate designs featuring diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones, have become a significant investment for many families. “Despite gold prices being at an all-time high at the start of the quarter, we have recorded same-store sales growth in excess of 20% this season,” says Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director, Kalyan Jewellers. “Bookings have already increased by 30% from the previous year, while typical wedding jewellery costs have increased by 25% since 2023,” adds Dishi Somani, founder, Dishi S Designer Jewellery. The company is also witnessing an uptick in demand for men’s jewellery, especially in urban markets where consumers are open to experimenting with new ways of expressing themselves.
The wedding décor industry has kept pace with custom-designed sets ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹3 crore. For many weddings, the décor is often the centerpiece, with personalised floral designs, intricate lighting, and bespoke themes tailored to the couple’s desires. Vikaas Gutgutia, founder & MD, Ferns N Petals, which launched Fleur this year as a dedicated wedding vertical, says the demand for imported flowers has grown significantly this year.Over and above the bells and whistles, you still need some great shots to go viral on social media. A luxury wedding photography package today is around ₹5 lakh and prices vary depending on requirements such as candid, traditional and aerial clicks, according to Abhishek Goel, founder, Raddish Films. The trend of hiring content creators is also on the rise, replacing traditional videography with short, candid 10-15 second “reels”.