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."


Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

A luxurious evolution has arrived at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa with the launch of its newly reimagined Beach Villas with Pool. These elegant accommodations replace the resort’s former Beach Bungalows, bringing guests a brighter, more spacious, and stylish retreat just steps from the shoreline.

The new villas double the outdoor space to 285 sq. m. (3,068 sq. ft.), feature redesigned interiors spanning 70 sq. m. (753.5 sq. ft.), and are crafted to perfectly blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the Maldives. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small families, each Beach Villa comfortably accommodates three adults or two adults and two children under 12.

Commenting on this final phase of the resort’s regeneration project, General Manager Didier Jardin shared, “Kuda Huraa has long been a haven for those seeking an intimate Maldivian home-from-home but we recognised the limitations of our bungalows in terms of layout, light and space. Our first ever Beach Villas embody the spirit of the island, where comfort, care, and the magic of the Maldives come together in a seamless flow.”

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What’s New:

  • Light & airy design:

    Deep wood tones have given way to sun-inspired palettes of teal, turquoise, and tangerine, evoking a fresh island vibe.

  • Smarter layout: A breezy porch leads into an ensuite bedroom with ocean-framed daybed, study, dining space, and a reconfigured walk-in closet seamlessly linked to the bathroom.

  • Upgraded outdoor living: The plunge pool has transformed into a generous 36 sq. m. (388 sq. ft.) pool oriented towards stunning ocean views. A chic pergola with a round custom swing sets the scene for relaxed lounging or eye-catching Instagram moments.

  • Elegant touches: High-end designer pieces like the B&B Italia armchair and organic architectural curves ensure the villas harmonise beautifully with their surroundings.

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Guests can also enjoy thoughtful inclusions like daily fresh fruit, Kuda Spring water, coffee and tea, twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, and beach essentials for children.

For a seamless start to paradise each day, the resort’s Bed & Breakfast package offers a lavish buffet breakfast at Café Huraa, included for two guests per bedroom (or more in family units), available for stays until December 20, 2026.

To be among the first to experience these stunning new villas, guests can email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport invites city dwellers to break free from routine and embrace the charm of the rainy season with its all-new Monsoon Weekend Escape. Exclusively available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this package is designed to offer an indulgent and relaxing stay packed with gourmet flavours, curated experiences, and pampering touches.

Guests can start their weekend retreat with the option of a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. The experience continues at Ode Spa, where signature treatments come with a 30% discount, promising the perfect monsoon unwind.

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As twilight falls, head over to ARK Bar and Lounge for an hour of unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an elegant Awadhi dinner at Ummrao, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The next morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast at MoMo Café or opt for a relaxed in-room Continental breakfast anytime, thanks to the 24/7 service.

Saturdays are all about creating joyful family memories. The hotel’s poolside turns into a lively family zone, featuring kids’ activities and a charming Hi-Tea from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, paired with lounge music. As evening sets in, guests can experience the Saturday Serenade in the lobby from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a soulful musical backdrop to their MoMo Café dinner.

Sundays begin with morning melodies from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, easing into the hotel’s Brunch Society from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at MoMo Café. With upbeat brunch beats, indulgent cuisine, and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect way to close a well-spent weekend.

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Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic weekend, or just a break from the rains, the Monsoon Weekend Escape at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport promises an experience that’s indulgent, vibrant, and refreshingly different.


Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Sterling GK Exotica, a boutique 36-key business hotel in Dehradun. Located in the heart of the city on Saharanpur Road, the hotel is Sterling’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand and second property in Dehradun, strengthening its foothold in India’s growing business-leisure travel segment.

Just five hours from Delhi NCR and six from Chandigarh, the hotel offers easy connectivity to Haridwar, Roorkee, and Saharanpur. With sweeping views of the Shivalik range and a central location, it appeals equally to corporate guests and weekend travellers.

The hotel offers four room categories from Classic Rooms to Executive Suites with double washrooms and city skyline views. Crowning the property is Skyline, the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Dehradun, featuring Himalayan herb-infused cuisine, creative cocktails, and a panoramic 270° Shivalik view.

Event spaces include Summit, a rooftop banquet for up to 100 guests, and Mirage, a pillar-free indoor hall with a 150-seat capacity in theatre-style—both ideal for corporate events, offsites, and social gatherings.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, shared, “Sterling GK Exotica firmly establishes our base in Dehradun and strengthens our Himalayan circuit. Dehradun’s expressway growth, upgraded airport, and emerging knowledge economy make it North India’s key business-leisure node. With GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella, we offer two contrasting but complementary experiences within one city.”

Aman Bagga, Owner of Global Hospitality Pvt Ltd, added, “Partnering with Sterling was an easy decision. With their solid Uttarakhand roadmap and nationwide sales reach, GK Exotica gains immediate visibility. We aim to position this hotel as Dehradun’s urban retreat for both boardroom and leisure travellers.”

Sterling’s Uttarakhand portfolio now includes:

  • Sterling GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella in Dehradun

  • Sterling Mussoorie

  • Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh

  • Sterling Mantra Haridwar

  • Sterling Corbett

  • Sterling Vanvasa Lansdowne

  • Sterling Nainital

  • Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag

Together, these properties support the brand’s ‘drive-to’ strategy, offering seamless travel options from business meetings to yoga retreats and tiger safaris, all integrated through expressway access, digital booking tools, and curated Himalayan travel circuits.

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