The Indian wedding season is again back, and it’s going to be bigger than ever! With the peak season upon us, prices are skyrocketing for everything—venues, catering, decor & more. Couples are racing to book dates, families are stretching budgets, and everyone is set on making this season unforgettable. So why are wedding costs shooting up this year? And how are couples balancing high prices with big dreams? Let’s explore what’s making this Indian wedding season truly one-of-a-kind!
Article Highlights
A Busy Season for Weddings—and Business!
After a slow start this year, wedding planners and venues across India are preparing for a packed Indian wedding season. Last year, weddings generated a huge ₹4.25 trillion over 23 special days. This year, from November to mid-December alone, around 3.5 million weddings are expected to bring in the same revenue.
With so many weddings ahead, the market has become a seller’s paradise, especially on popular dates in the Indian wedding season. Vendors are raising prices, and couples are feeling the pressure to secure venues and services.
Rising Costs: A Big Boost in Wedding Budgets
For families planning weddings this Indian wedding season, the high prices are a shock. Hotel catering costs have jumped 30% since 2022, with per-plate charges between ₹6,000 and ₹8,500, excluding taxes. In Delhi, NRI couple Nikita and Allan were surprised to find that even choosing a less popular date didn’t reduce costs. A small farmhouse in Gurugram had a rental fee of ₹2 lahks for one night, pushing their budget to ₹30 lakh—before counting jewellery!
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Hotels Thriving on Indian Wedding Season Demand
Hotels and resorts, especially luxury chains like Marriott and Chalet Hotels, are eagerly waiting for this peak Indian wedding season. During COVID-19, weddings were a lifeline for the hotel industry, and now, demand is stronger than ever. According to Monisha Dewan from Marriott International, weddings are not just events—they’re experiences. “People are willing to pay more than ever for unique meals and exclusive touches,” she says.
With around 60 popular dates throughout the Indian wedding season (November to March), high-end hotels that host in-house weddings can expect up to 120 days of solid bookings. Even weddings postponed from earlier in the year are adding to the buzz, making this Indian wedding season even busier.
Weddings Go Luxury: Higher Costs for Decoration and Flowers
Wedding decorations have reached a new level in demand and cost. From customized floral setups to stunning stage designs, couples want it all this Indian wedding season. Delhi-based wedding planner Mukta Kapoor shares that production costs have risen due to inflation, with decor prices up by 40%. Flowers alone have seen price hikes of 20-40%, depending on the type.
Vikaas Gutgutia, founder of Ferns N Petals, explains, “Flowers are always a main focus, and now with rising costs, luxury flower arrangements are becoming a splurge this Indian wedding season.”
Smaller Weddings, Big Celebrations
With costs rising, many couples this Indian wedding season are choosing smaller, intimate weddings instead of big gatherings. But don’t be fooled by the size—these smaller weddings are often just as grand. More than ever, couples are focusing on quality over quantity, ensuring their weddings are memorable and meaningful.
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Looking Ahead: Will the Wedding Boom Continue?
Even with rising costs, the Indian wedding season of 2024 is expected to end on a high note. Platforms like WedMeGood and Weddingwire.in have seen a big rise in bookings compared to past years. The demand for venues, catering, and destination weddings has gone up by 25-30%, and this trend is only set to grow.
As Mukta Kapoor puts it, “Weddings in India are changing, but one thing stays the same—people want unforgettable experiences, and they’re ready to invest in them, especially during the Indian wedding season.”
Final Thoughts
The Indian wedding season is not just back; it’s thriving! Despite rising costs, families and couples are determined to celebrate in style, making this one of the most exciting wedding seasons yet. So, whether it’s a small gathering or a grand celebration, one thing is certain—Indian wedding season will continue to be full of love, tradition, and joy.
