Based on a data survey by Onepoll titled “Destination I Do’” commissioned by the global travel app, Skyscanner, it has been revealed that there is a strong desire for destination weddings among Indians, with 85% of them either planning or have already had a destination wedding. This survey that took place in the year 2024, involving 2000 respondents across India unveiled that, Gen Z, in particular, is leading the charge, with 49% considering tying the knot at a stunning wedding destination, compared to 33% of millennials.
According to survey data, 66% of respondents in India are enthusiastic about organising elaborate pre-wedding celebrations similar to the scale of traditional Indian weddings. If given the opportunity, 33% of Indian couples would choose a weekend getaway with family and friends, while 32% would prefer a cruise party. Additionally, 29% envision a celebration in the style of an Italian soirée, and 26% would opt for enjoying live music at gigs with their friends as part of their pre-wedding festivities.
Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert said, “Our research found that couples are prioritising unique experiences and are willing to invest more to create celebrations that truly reflect their aspirations. But it’s not just about splurging—they’re thoughtfully planning every detail, balancing grand gestures with savvy choices.”
Details of the “Destination – I Do” data survey
Nearly 48% of Indians prefer Asia for their destination weddings due to its stunning locations and affordability, while 31% are drawn to Europe’s romantic appeal. Indian couples favour Goa for its lively beaches, Dubai for its glamour, and Bali and Bangkok for their tropical and cultural allure for destination weddings. Indian couples envision their dream destination weddings as beach celebrations (26%), royal palace affairs (20%), or glamorous and scenic locales, including mountain backdrops (19%) and vibrant cities (19%).
Nearly 45% of Indian couples are ready to increase their wedding budgets by up to 50% to make their destination celebrations unforgettable. According to WeddingWire India, 56% of couples prioritise the venue’s style or type when choosing their wedding destination, leading to the popularity of high-end locations like Udaipur, Goa, and Dehradun. To escape the hassle of overbooked and overpriced hotspots, 83% of Indian couples are now opting for lesser-known destinations such as Gokarna and Kalimpong. This trend highlights a growing preference for unique and less conventional venues. Tools like Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search feature can help couples discover these hidden gems by ranking destinations based on their origin city and budget, ensuring a distinctive and memorable wedding experience.
WeddingWire India notes that lesser-known destinations such as Mahabalipuram in Chennai and Kukas village in Jaipur are gaining popularity for their unique charm and intimate settings, offering couples a chance to create special and memorable celebrations. Additionally, Indian couples are highly organised, with 62% starting their destination wedding planning up to a year in advance to ensure every detail is perfect. While 40% of couples rely on professional wedding planners for expert assistance, 36% seek recommendations from friends and family, valuing personal insights in their planning process.
To further assist Indian couples in their quest for the perfect big day, Mohit Joshi recommends using tools like Savvy Search – Skyscanner’s generative AI travel planning tool available on the Skyscanner app. He shares, “Savvy Search makes finding your dream wedding destination a breeze! Just tell it what kind of celebration you’re dreaming of, and it’ll pop up with up to three fantastic location ideas. It’s like having a personal wedding planner right at your fingertips!”
Commenting on the growing trend of destination weddings, Anam Zubair, Director Consumer Marketing, WeddingWire India, shared, “The concept of planning a destination wedding in India is growing in popularity, with nearly a 13% increase year over year seen in the number of couples who are opting for destination weddings. As per WeddingWire India’s recent consumer survey 50% of the respondents are seeking wedding planning information, advice, and tools from wedding technology websites & blogs like WeddingWire.”
Planning a destination wedding is not all about just picking the perfect spot. Mohit adds, “It is also important to balance this dream with the reality of costs, as our survey shows that for 41% of respondents in India, prioritising cost when picking destination wedding venues is key. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank in order to make that dream come true. Just a little flexibility and the right tools can turn your dream destination wedding into a reality that’s both fabulous and budget-savvy.”