Indian Wedding Costs Surge 12% in 2023: Trends and Insights

Indian Wedding Costs Surge 12% in 2023: Trends and Insights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 13, 2024

The Indian wedding industry, the second-largest globally and fourth-largest in India, continues to grow despite pandemic challenges. The industry's growth presents new opportunities for hotels, vendors, and entrepreneurs, driven by the rising cost of weddings.

According to the 2024 Newlywed Data Survey by WeddingWire India, a subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide, the average cost of an Indian wedding surged to INR 28 lakhs in 2023, a notable increase from INR 25 lakhs in 2022, reflecting a 12% year-on-year growth in wedding expenditures. Additionally, 53% of surveyed couples reported the need to revise their wedding budgets due to unforeseen expenses, emphasizing the importance of financial planning.

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Despite a trend towards more intimate celebrations post-pandemic, a significant 59% of couples opted for large weddings in 2023. The average guest list size reached 326, a 14% increase from the previous year. This figure surpasses the average guest list sizes in the US (115) and the UK (80), underscoring the scale of Indian weddings.

Winter emerged as the preferred season for weddings, with 48% of couples choosing to tie the knot during this time. December led as the most popular wedding month, selected by 26% of couples, followed by November at 23%. The pleasant weather and numerous auspicious marriage dates in November contributed to its popularity.

Food and beverages topped the list of wedding planning priorities for over 60% of couples, followed by creating a memorable experience for guests (55.4%) and managing overall wedding costs (53.1%).

Indian weddings, while rooted in tradition, are increasingly embracing global trends. The survey revealed that 31% of couples planned wedding favors for guests, 28% incorporated eco-friendly initiatives, 23% adopted the first-look trend from Western weddings, and another 23% included choreographed dances to add a fun Bollywood element to their celebrations.

The platform witnessed a 19.5% increase in the adoption rate for wedding planning on the app compared to 2022, highlighting the growing reliance on technology in managing wedding preparations. Anam Zubair, Director of Consumer Marketing at WeddingWire India, commented, "The Indian wedding industry continues to be a significant economic driver, witnessing remarkable growth year after year. The popularity of large weddings alongside the demand for intimate celebrations underscores the diversity within the Indian wedding market. Couples are redefining traditions to suit their individual preferences, creating a more inclusive and dynamic industry. The evolving growth in the tech sector brings wed-tech platforms to have higher rates of adoption across this diverse culture."


ROHL Expands in Maharashtra with Regenta Central Shivani in Solapur

ROHL Expands in Maharashtra with Regenta Central Shivani in Solapur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) continues to build on its growth momentum in Maharashtra with the launch of Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur. Strategically located in the MIDC area on the scenic Bhima and Seena river basins, the new property marks ROHL’s 13th hotel in the state and the fourth launch this year.

Regenta Central Shivani features 65 well-appointed rooms, including three accessible rooms, designed with a Rajasthani theme that blends local character with modern comfort. Thoughtfully crafted to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel offers a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and gym.

The property stands out with the largest common area in Solapur, housing ROHL’s signature all-day dining restaurant that accommodates 170 guests, a cozy lobby cafe, and a vibrant poolside bar with 40 covers. For events, it provides versatile spaces including a 1000 sq ft meeting room, an expansive 8600 sq ft banquet hall, and a sprawling 25,000 sq ft lawn, making it ideal for everything from small gatherings to medium-scale celebrations.

Speaking on the launch, Chander Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., shared, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Maharashtra with our 13th property in the state, addressing the growing demand for tourism and business accommodations. Solapur, with its rich tradition of textiles, handicrafts, and leather goods, serves as a strategic commercial hub with excellent connectivity to cities like Hyderabad and Pune. This expansion aligns with our plans to penetrate micro-markets with properties ranging from upscale hotels to value stays. We are excited to partner with Mathura Agro for Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur.”

Venugopal Karwa and Lavesh Karwa, MDs of Mathura Agro Industries, added, “This collaboration with ROHL is an exciting milestone for us. With the introduction of the Regenta brand’s fresh and vibrant energy to Solapur, we look forward to offering our guests a distinctive and exceptional experience.”

Located just four hours from Pune and Hyderabad, Solapur is known as the textile city and is surrounded by iconic temples such as Tuljapur, Pandharpur, and Akkalkot, adding cultural richness to its commercial appeal.

With this launch, ROHL continues to strengthen its footprint in key micro-markets across India, offering a blend of upscale hospitality and value-driven stays.


IHCL to Open Vivanta Jaipur in Jagatpura, Strengthening Rajasthan Portfolio

IHCL to Open Vivanta Jaipur in Jagatpura, Strengthening Rajasthan Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new greenfield hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under its Vivanta brand. The 160-key Vivanta Jaipur will come up in Jagatpura, making it the closest hotel to the newly renovated Terminal 1 of Jaipur International Airport.

This upcoming property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a specialty rooftop restaurant, a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, health club, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Designed to cater to both leisure travellers and the growing business and MICE segments, it aims to deliver a world-class hospitality experience.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Fuelled by major infrastructure developments, Jaipur has rapidly evolved as a key regional hub, significantly boosting demand from business and MICE segments apart from the long-established leisure segment. This signing aligns with IHCL’s strategy to expand presence in such high-growth micro markets of metros and state capitals across India. We are delighted to collaborate with Dinesh Choudhary, Vivek Choudhary and Rajat Choudhary for this project.”

The project is a collaboration with Wonder Build Developers Private Ltd. Speaking on the partnership, Vivek Choudhary, Director, Wonder Build Developers, shared, “We are proud to partner with IHCL to bring the Vivanta brand to Jaipur. This collaboration will contribute to the city’s growing hospitality landscape and offer a world-class experience to travelers. With IHCL’s expertise and the strong brand recognition of Vivanta, we are confident that the hotel will emerge as a preferred destination.”

With this addition, IHCL’s portfolio in Rajasthan will grow to 31 hotels, including 8 under development. Wonder Build Developers, led by Dinesh Choudhary and his sons Vivek and Rajat, has a diversified business portfolio spanning infrastructure development, real estate, NBFC, and hospitality.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.

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