Weddings in India have gotten more luxurious. Gone are the days when a simple ceremony and reception would suffice; nowadays, brides and grooms want their wedding to be truly lavish. This is seen in the expansion of India’s wedding industry. Whatever the reason for this increase, it is apparent that the face of Indian weddings is evolving. They are becoming larger and more extravagant than ever before. From catering to decoration and wedding planners to photographers, the industry is growing and generating employment opportunities for many people. The Indian wedding industry has advanced significantly and shows no signs of fading.
Col. Manbeer Choudhary, CMD, Noormahal Group, speaks to Voyager’s World in an exclusive interview.
According to you, which elements have contributed to the globalisation of the Indian wedding industry beyond the confines of a traditional Indian wedding?
Several key factors have contributed to the globalisation of the Indian wedding industry, extending its appeal beyond traditional boundaries. Indian weddings are gaining international popularity due to their vibrant ceremonies, rich traditions, and extraordinary celebrations. The colourful costumes and lively festivities attract couples from diverse cultural backgrounds, helping them create unforgettable moments for their big day. Destination weddings play a significant role in this trend, as many couples, including Indians and NRIs, are now choosing exotic locations to highlight cultural diversity, opulence, and a sense of royalty. India’s rich heritage and picturesque destinations, such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and Uttarakhand, offer luxurious accommodations and venues that combine hospitality with cultural experiences.
Moreover, high-profile Indian weddings, often involving celebrities showcasing the grandeur and beauty of Indian weddings, create significant interest on the international stage, inspiring couples worldwide to embrace similar themes and styles. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have also played a crucial role in the globalisation of the wedding industry. Influencers frequently share stunning locations, unique decorations, and captivating wedding celebrations, influencing many to follow suit. Then the growing demand for luxurious and bespoke wedding experiences is pushing the industry beyond traditional norms through fusion and luxurious weddings. Together, these elements have elevated the globalisation of the Indian wedding industry, allowing it to thrive beyond traditional Indian contexts and cater to a worldwide audience.
Given that the recent Ambani wedding has encouraged the concept of lavish destination weddings, do you believe there will be a significant increase in weddings as events rather than merely ceremonies?
Yes, I do believe there will be a significant increase in weddings being viewed as events rather than just ceremonies. High-profile weddings, like those of the Ambani family, have popularised the concept of lavish destination weddings. These extravagant events have become a major talking point, inspiring couples worldwide to adopt similar themes, décor, and couture styles.
Gone are the days of simple three-day celebrations; the idea of a “big fat Indian wedding” is evolving into a series of elaborate events that can last for months. However, the true essence of a wedding in India transcends mere celebration; it signifies the union of two families, cultures, and traditions that cannot be culminated in a one- or two-day ceremony. Destination weddings, in particular, offer a unique way to turn the wedding into a multi-day celebration for both the couple and their guests. As more people aspire to host similar lavish weddings, the trend is indeed leaning towards grand events; it also encourages the emergence of opulent destination weddings and elaborate big fat Indian wedding celebrations. With a rise in this trend, we can say that there can be a significant increase in weddings as an event than ever before.
How do you perceive the emergence of small-scale, intimate weddings as opposed to extravagant weddings?
The emergence of small-scale, intimate weddings highlights a significant shift in values, trends, and priorities for many couples. From traditional extravagant celebrations to intimate celebrations, there is an increased focus on personal connections and meaningful experiences. Post-COVID-19, couples are now opting for intimate weddings, as it allows them to celebrate their love in a more personal setting, often surrounded by their closest family and acquaintances. This offers a unique opportunity to invest more thought into the details that truly represent their relationship. However, in India, weddings are completely about traditionally vibrant celebrations filled with festivities, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. While intimate weddings can be less stressful and more cost-effective, they cannot fully replace the essence of big fat Indian weddings. It’s encouraging to see couples prioritizing their narratives over societal expectations, celebrating their unique love stories in ways that feel authentic to them. Nonetheless, this trend is still in its nascent stages, and there is a long way to go before it fully evolves. As I said before, the big fat Indian wedding is here to stay!
What is the future of the Indian wedding industry, especially as 2025 approaches?
The future of the Indian wedding industry as we approach 2025 looks promising, with several trends likely to shape its evolution. In 2024, the wedding industry has witnessed the emergence of various trends, including digital transformation, sustainability, personalisation, experiential weddings, destination weddings, diverse celebrations, and many more. As the year 2025 approaches, we see a huge transformation coming up as the industry has begun the process of evolution as per the changing preferences of couples. We can expect a rise in virtual wedding planning services, online vendor bookings, and even live-streaming of the ceremony for remote guests. Speculations are there that this trend may continue to grow, combining both traditional practices with modern conveniences. With the growing awareness of environmental issues, we may witness more eco-friendly venues, sustainable catering choices, and decor!
Moreover, couples are now emphasising personalised experiences rather than large-scale traditional weddings, which may see a rise in the coming year. Well, experiential wedding celebrations are also becoming the top priority, including unique entertainment options, interactive food stations, and immersive decor that engages guests. Now wedding planners and hoteliers need to gear up with a variety of options for providing memorable experiential weddings. With the multicultural fabric of India, there’s a rising trend of incorporating various cultural elements into weddings, leading to more diverse and inclusive celebrations. Overall, the Indian wedding industry is expected to thrive in the coming years, adapting to changing social norms and preferences while maintaining its rich heritage, culture, and traditions.
Assistant Editor
