Wyndham Research Reveals Shift in Indian Wedding Trends

Tying the Knot in India: Wyndham's Insights

According to a recent study that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts commissioned, Indian couples' tastes in wedding preparation have significantly changed. While Goa, Udaipur, and Jaipur remain the top choices for couples, unusual and picturesque wedding destinations like Darjeeling, Amritsar, Mussoorie, and Dehradun are becoming more and more popular due to their beauty and exclusivity, according to the study, which polled 1,000 recently engaged or married people throughout India. Couples looking for more significant and unforgettable experiences for their special day drive this trend, reflecting a more substantial demand for customised festivities beyond conventional.

The results also show that big, multi-day weddings are becoming more popular, focusing on making enduring memories with loved ones. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are adopting a more cooperative, hands-on approach to wedding planning and are increasingly balancing luxury and cost-conscious decisions. This changing environment demonstrates a rising need for genuine, personalized celebrations that honour long-standing customs while embracing contemporary trends like sustainability and technology.

With almost 60 hotels spread throughout India in some of the most romantic locations, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers adaptable spaces in stunning surroundings to suit any wedding style, size, and price range. Wyndham set out to study changing wedding preferences and contribute to developing future hospitality services for couples organizing their special day as wedding trends, sustainability, and technology grow.

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, commented: "Wyndham's wedding trend report reveals a shift toward unique, personalized wedding destinations like Goa and Udaipur reflecting a desire for more exclusive, meaningful experiences. While large and multi-day celebrations are coming back, it is great to see younger generations, especially Tech-savvy Gen Z, blending opulence with a budget and sustainable-conscious choices, emphasising authenticity and collaboration. At Wyndham, we’re dedicated to helping couples create unforgettable and personalized weddings, making it a moment to remember."

The grand comeback of Indian weddings: Couples go bigger for their big day

The average number of guests at Indian weddings has increased to 350–400. The return to medium- and big parties reflects a post-pandemic desire for lavish celebrations, where weddings are about more than just getting married but also making lifelong memories. About 52% of couples embrace lavish celebrations to create enduring memories, primarily due to social and familial expectations, and 34% see societal expectations as a motivating element. This growth in larger gatherings contrasts with a surge in interest in more cost-effective weddings, demonstrating the variety of wedding types available across the country.

Modern Weddings: Balancing Budget, Aspirations, and Inspiration

Today's couples, particularly those from Generation Z, combine ambitious goals with frugal planning. Even though social media drives a lot of wedding trends—35% of couples are encouraged to post their weddings online—friends' and family's weddings continue to offer genuine inspiration. Numerous respondents choose parties that cost less than INR 25 lakhs (around USD 29K), with loved ones assisting with décor and organizing to add a unique touch. Couples are attracted to Instagrammable spots like beaches, rooftops, and mountain destinations despite being cost-conscious, balancing the need for an aesthetically stunning event and financial prudence. This fusion of pragmatism and ambition reflects a contemporary wedding philosophy emphasising style and connection.

Couples opt for local venues, prioritising family convenience

Despite the unique appeal of destination weddings, only 11% of couples choose to have their weddings in remote areas, according to the survey. Instead, 40% prefer to celebrate in their hometown or other family-friendly settings, highlighting how vital convenience and accessibility are for loved ones. Local weddings lessen logistical problems and allow more family members and close friends to join the celebrations, making the party feel more intimate and inclusive. Wyndham's portfolio, which includes properties in well-known and up-and-coming locations, including Goa, Jaipur, Darjeeling, and Udaipur, fits in nicely with this trend by providing venues that emphasize convenience and luxurious experiences.

The rise of the digital wedding: Technology drives new experiences

Innovations like digitized menus, e-invites, and even drones have found their way into ceremonies as technology has become ingrained in contemporary weddings. The study found that 29% of Gen X couples send digital invitations, 36% use LED screens, and 28% employ drone photography to record aerial photos of their parties. Tech-driven features are not only helpful and adaptable, but they also enhance the visitor experience. A trend toward weddings that combine tradition and contemporary ease is reflected in trends like live streaming, QR codes for guest check-ins, and AI-generated vows.

Zero-waste weddings: Eco-conscious couples make a difference

Being environmentally conscious is now an activity rather than merely a thought. According to the report, there is a growing trend toward zero-waste weddings when couples opt for sustainable solutions, particularly those in high-end budget categories. Eco-friendly wedding favours, recycled paper invitations, solar lamps, and dried flowers are popular options. Couples may make their special day both environmentally friendly and unforgettable for their guests by choosing reusable décor and reducing the usage of single-use plastics. This approach especially appeals to millennial couples with a propensity for charity. According to the report, one in ten couples now combines social responsibility with celebrations by allocating a portion of their wedding funds to causes they support.

Budget considerations shape celebrations

Spending habits and budgets differ; 46% of respondents say they want to spend up to 10 lakhs on their weddings, suggesting that Gen Z is primarily responsible for this desire. An additional 30% have set aside or want to spend between 10 and 25 lakhs, indicating a preference for more ornate arrangements within a reasonable budget. In contrast, 9% have allocated between 25 and 40 lakhs, indicating a preference for upscale experiences and abundant features. Finally, 9% more intend to spend more than 45 lakhs, indicating a dedication to organizing lavish, upscale wedding celebrations. The many approaches to wedding preparation in the current market are reflected in this distribution, which shows a range of spending habits across various budget brackets. These days, friends and relatives are frequently more involved in organizing the themes, décor, and food for weddings. This cooperative method efficiently controls expenses while producing customized festivities.

Indian weddings are becoming more individualized, technologically advanced events that preserve close family ties, according to the report. Whether they prefer established or new locales, couples may choose venues that precisely fit their vision with Wyndham's vast network of properties throughout India.

Dimitris Manikis concluded, “At Wyndham, we are committed to supporting couples in bringing their vision to life. Whether they choose an iconic destination like Udaipur, a quieter gem like Darjeeling or their hometown, we understand that every wedding is unique. With our broad portfolio of venues across India, we are well-positioned to cater to a wide spectrum of wedding styles—allowing couples to celebrate in ways that feel both meaningful and memorable."