India’s weddings are far more than ceremonies; they are intricate, emotion-charged productions that ripple through the economy. Behind the visible glamour of décor, choreography, and couture lies another key player: hotels. From small-town gatherings to multi-day destination weddings, hotels quietly act as the backbone of the wedding ecosystem, orchestrating logistics, enabling creativity, and converting rituals into seamless guest experiences.

According to Nikhil Mahajan, Director at Kestone Utsav, “India’s wedding industry has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem, currently valued at around $130 billion (₹10.7 lakh crore). Hotels are pivotal, offering more than elegant venues. They architect experiences that blend tradition, luxury, and personalization, transforming weddings into unforgettable memories.”

Hotels today are curating specialized wedding packages that go beyond the conventional. From themed décor and regional cuisines to operational support for planners and bespoke welcome experiences, hotels actively shape every facet of a wedding, ensuring each celebration is immersive, unique, and flawlessly executed.

In 2024, India’s wedding season alone witnessed an estimated 4.8 million weddings, generating around ₹6 lakh crore in business. The destination wedding market is projected to reach $18.37 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 14.8% until 2033. By combining operational excellence with cultural sensitivity and innovation, hotels have become essential enablers of India’s vibrant wedding economy.

Hotels’ Multi-Faceted Role in Weddings:

• Operational Command Centers: Hotels provide infrastructure few private venues can match, professional kitchens, power backup, climate control, housekeeping, security, and logistics for performers. This allows planners and families to attempt grander and more inventive formats with confidence.
  

• Culinary Leadership: With multi-course menus, regional specialties, and bespoke tasting experiences, hotels handle dietary needs, last-minute sourcing, and days-long celebrations with professionalism.
  

• Integrated Service Packages: Modern hotels bundle accommodation, catering, décor, AV, transportation, and guest services, reducing stress for families while creating recurring revenue streams.
  

• Regulatory & Risk Management: From permits and safety checks to insurance and crowd control, hotels absorb responsibilities that would otherwise burden families or planners.
  

• Local Ecosystem Building: Hotels contract florists, entertainers, decorators, and transport providers, acting as the primary local partner, especially for destination weddings.
  

• Hospitality as Emotional Labor: Wedding days are high-stress. Experienced hotel teams manage crises like sudden rain or VIP itinerary changes with calm professionalism, ensuring a smooth experience.
  

Dilbir Sahni aka Bob, founder of IndoBangkok Weddings, adds: “People see the décor, food, and dance, but hotels manage everything from the first guest’s arrival to the final farewell. Their role goes far beyond providing rooms or ballrooms; they are the problem-solvers who hold everything together, making India’s complex weddings feel effortless.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Seasonality, talent shortages, sustainability concerns, and rising expectations for tech-enabled experiences create pressures. However, these challenges also open doors for hotels to innovate through modular infrastructure, sustainable practices, training programs, digital guest-management, and curated cultural experiences. Flexible pricing and creative packages can also extend the reach beyond premium urban and destination markets.

From local community halls to sun-drenched beaches hosting multi-day celebrations, hotels are the silent partners powering India’s wedding economy. Their contributions are operational, cultural, and economic, enabling scale, preserving tradition, and creating hospitality-driven memories. Recognizing hotels as active co-creators rather than just venues helps explain why India’s wedding industry remains a powerful engine of growth, employment, and cultural expression.

Vegas Mall in Dwarka, Delhi, proved once again why it’s a favorite lifestyle destination by teaming up with PUMA to host the brand’s exclusive Nitro Run. With more than 1,000 runners taking part across 5K and 10K categories, the mall came alive with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared spirit of fitness.

The event went beyond being a race; it celebrated togetherness, wellness, and the joy of an active lifestyle. Activity zones like a Glitter Station and T-shirt distribution counters added a fun, memorable touch for participants, making it a complete community experience.

“Vegas has always envisioned itself as more than just a shopping destination – we are a hub for lifestyle, fitness, and entertainment. Hosting the PUMA Nitro Run reflects our commitment to curating experiences that bring communities together while promoting health and well-being,” said Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall.

The Nitro Run successfully combined fitness, brand engagement, and community celebration, reinforcing Vegas Mall’s position as a go-to destination for large-scale, vibrant events in Delhi NCR.

Condé Nast Traveler has revealed the winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and two standout properties have caught global attention. TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam, and The Hari Hong Kong have both secured top rankings, reflecting their commitment to exceptional hospitality and wellness experiences.

TIA Wellness Resort was ranked #6 among the world’s best Destination Spa Resorts, marking another milestone after last year’s top-ten recognition. “To be recognized on the list again and to claim the number six spot is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in the wellness space and the growth of wellness tourism in Vietnam,” said Ramon Imper, General Manager of TIA Wellness Resort.

Located along Da Nang’s scenic coastline, TIA Wellness Resort focuses on holistic wellbeing rather than just relaxation. Guests can enjoy tailored wellness programs, inclusive treatments, and personalized retreat options. Its 22-treatment room wellness center features an adults-only waterfall pool, saunas, ice baths, exercise studios, and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Guests can participate in daily breathwork, yoga, HIIT, and creativity classes, while specialized retreats like the Strength & Recovery and Creative Healing programs combine personalized training, wellness treatments, and plant-based nutrition.

Meanwhile, The Hari Hong Kong earned #3 on the list of best hotels in Hong Kong & Macau, making its first appearance on this coveted award roster. Edward E. Snoeks, General Manager of The Hari Hong Kong, noted, “Scoring one of the top spots in Hong Kong and Macau, when there’s no shortage of stunning hotels, is a testament to our high service level and the dedication of all our team.”

Strategically located between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong is a 30-story architectural gem with 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites offering breathtaking city and harbor views. The hotel’s dining options include Italian ristorante Lucciola, Japanese restaurant Zoku, The Terrace bar, and The Lounge, combining cuisine, ambiance, and curated art collections to enhance the guest experience.

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards reflect insights from more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States, making these recognitions highly respected in the global travel and hospitality industry. Both properties now join a celebrated list of award-winning destinations, drawing travelers seeking luxury, wellness, and exceptional service.