India's Wedding Boom Drives ₹6 Lakh Crore Business Windfall

The Indian wedding season is a dazzling economic spectacle, and the 2024 season has lived up to its reputation as a massive business generator. Between November 2024 and February 2025, approximately 48 lakh weddings are expected, driving a monumental ₹6 lakh crore (around $72 billion) in business, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). This marks a substantial leap from the previous year’s ₹5 lakh crore revenue generated by 38 lakh weddings.

Surge in Wedding-Related Advertising and Spending

The wedding season has boosted industries like hospitality, jewellery, and apparel, with brands heavily investing in advertising to capture the growing demand. TAM AdEx reports a 33% rise in jewellery ads and a threefold spike in apparel advertising in December 2024 compared to November.

• In jewellery, Malabar Group of Companies led with 19% of ad shares on television, followed by Titan Company(10%) and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart (8%).
• In the apparel sector, Lifestyle International dominated with 17% of ad shares, while The Chennai Silks Groupand Pothys secured 14% and 10%, respectively.

Destination Weddings Transform Hospitality Strategies

The rising popularity of destination weddings—bolstered by high-profile events like Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding—has reshaped hospitality marketing.
Hyatt Hotels, for instance, prioritised destinations like Goa, Rajasthan, Dehradun, and Kerala to craft bespoke wedding experiences. Deepa Krishnan, Hyatt's head of marketing, shared that their wedding business grew by 200% in 2023 compared to 2019, with a further 25% growth in 2024. Hyatt leverages digital platforms to highlight its scenic venues, immersive content, and customer engagement.

Demand for Bespoke Jewellery Soars

The demand for customised bridal jewellery is reshaping the market. ORRA Fine Jewellery launched its Aekta Wedding Collection, featuring statement necklaces, earrings, and coloured gemstones.
Their strategy includes:

1. Digital marketing with targeted ads and influencer campaigns.
2. Premium in-store experiences like invite-only consultations.
3. Sales promotions offering discounts and loyalty programs.
4. Showcasing versatile designs through digital lookbooks.

Wedding Planners Drive Luxury and Personalisation

Wedding planning in India is shifting toward luxurious and intimate experiences. A report by The Wedding Companyreveals that 46% of couples hire wedding planners, while 54% prefer self-management.

• Pawan Gupta, CEO of The Wedding Company, highlights the rise in personalised celebrations with smaller guest lists.
• Planners collaborate with brands to create immersive bridal showcases and influencer-led campaigns.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With January and February 2025 forecasted to have the highest number of wedding dates in recent years, the competition among brands and service providers is heating up. Virtual shopping tours, augmented reality bridal trials, and tailored regional collections are emerging as critical tools to engage consumers.

“Personalisation and curated luxury are defining the future of the Indian wedding market,” Gupta concludes, noting that 60-70% of wedding budgets are allocated to venues and destinations.