The Indian wedding industry has witnessed a significant transformation in 2024, with wedding budgets soaring by 14.29% year-over-year, reaching an average of Rs 32-35 lakh, according to the latest annual report by WeddingWire India, a subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide. This surge reflects a growing trend toward lavish celebrations, with couples increasingly opting for extravagant venues, luxury services, and high-end entertainment.
Destination weddings expand beyond traditional hubs
While iconic wedding destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Goa remain popular, an increasing number of couples are choosing offbeat locations for their special day. Picturesque spots such as Nainital, Dehradun, and Wayanad have emerged as sought-after alternatives, offering serene and intimate settings for those looking to break away from convention.
Guestlist trends: Bigger and smaller weddings on the rise
Guestlists have seen contrasting trends in 2024. While the average wedding size grew by 6.25% to 119 guests, both large-scale and intimate celebrations witnessed substantial growth. Weddings with over 300 guests saw a notable 16.29% increase, signalling the continued popularity of grand, opulent affairs. At the same time, intimate ceremonies with fewer than 100 guests surged by 26.66%, indicating a rising demand for exclusive, close-knit gatherings.
Weekday weddings gain popularity, Monday leads the way
Breaking tradition, weekday weddings have gained significant traction, with Monday emerging as the most popular day for nuptials, accounting for 15.3% of all ceremonies. Tuesday and Sunday followed closely behind. This shift is attributed to the greater availability of venues and services on weekdays, often at more affordable rates, allowing couples to personalise their celebrations while optimising costs.
Winter reigns supreme for weddings
Cooler months continue to be the preferred wedding season, with November topping the charts at 18.5% of all weddings, followed by December (17.2%) and February. The preference for winter weddings aligns with favourable weather conditions, making outdoor and destination weddings more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
