Winter Wedding Trends: December Takes the Lead with 26%, Followed by November at 23%

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Weddings | June 11, 2024 | News

2024 Newlywed Data Survey Report WeddingWire India The Knot Worldwide

The 2024 Newlywed Data Survey Report, sheds light on the state of the Indian weddings that took place in 2023. With insights gathered from couples who exchanged vows during the year, the report provides a comprehensive overview of key trends and dynamics shaping the industry.

Rising Costs

The average cost of hosting a wedding celebration in India surged to Rs 28 Lakhs in 2023, representing a significant increase from Rs 25 Lakhs in 2022. This indicates a substantial 12% growth in wedding expenditures within a span of just one year.

A notable 53% of surveyed couples reported the need to revise and augment their wedding budget at least once during the planning journey due to unforeseen expenses. This highlights the importance of financial budgeting as being an essential initial step in the wedding planning journey.

Guest List Dynamics

Despite the post-pandemic surge in demand for intimate celebrations, a significant 59% of couples opted for large weddings in 2023. The average guest list size stood at 326 which was a 14% YoY increase, with only 12% of the couples choosing an intimate wedding ceremony. This surpasses the average guest list sizes in the US with 115 and UK with 80, highlighting the scale of Indian weddings.

Seasonal Preferences

48% of the surveyed couples opted to tie the knot during the Winter season, with December emerging as the most popular wedding month, chosen by 26% of couples. November followed closely as the second favorite month, preferred by 23% of couples. The choice of November can be attributed to the pleasant weather experienced in most metropolitan cities during this time along with maximum auspicious marriage dates as per Hindu calendar.

Wedding Planning Priorities

Over 60% of couples emphasized the importance of planning the wedding menu, including food and beverages, making it one of the most critical factors in their wedding planning process. This was closely followed by prioritizing a memorable experience for guests (55.4%) and managing the overall wedding cost (53.1%).

Top Wedding Trends

Indian weddings are steeped in beautiful traditions and rituals, but couples are also adapting global trends, making the Indian wedding industry a more inclusive space. 31% of couples confirmed that they planned wedding favors for their guests. 28% thought of eco-friendly wedding initiatives and planned sustainable decoration for their wedding. 23% adopted the first-look trend from English weddings, and 23% performed a choreographed dance to add a fun Bollywood element to their wedding day.

Economic Impact

The Indian wedding industry, valued as the second-largest globally and the fourth-largest in India has grown significantly in the years. Despite pandemic challenges, the industry continues to grow, presenting new opportunities for hotels, vendors, and entrepreneurs, driven by the rising cost of weddings.

The 2024 Newlywed Data Survey Report, released by WeddingWire India, a subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide, provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Indian weddings, offering guidance for couples and industry stakeholders alike as they navigate the complexities of wedding planning in India.

Talking about the survey insights, Anam Zubair, Director, Consumer Marketing - WeddingWire India, said “ 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 the wed-tech platforms to have higher rates of adoption across this diverse culture."