Indians Spending on Weddings: A Report

February 25, 2026

Indians are spending on luxurious wedding celebrations today. Know what’s driving these bigger and bolder budgets in the wedding landscape.

India’s wedding impact isn’t just social, it’s economic. According to industry estimates, the Indian wedding market is valued at roughly Rs. 10 Lakh Crores, making it one of the largest sectors in the country’s consumption landscape, second only to food and grocery spending. This reflects everything, from venue bookings and catering services to decor and entertainment, with a scope that spans small towns to major metro cities.

What’s striking is how these celebrations have become a major economic driver. Average ceremonies often cost much more than households spend on education, especially when extended celebrations, luxury venues, and premium experiences are included.

As Mr. Rajnish Rathi, Publisher and Editor at Wedding Affair, notes, understanding this shift in spending patterns is key for couples and families planning their big day.

How Much Are Couples Really Spending?
Why Costs Are Rising: Main Factors at Play
The Luxury Segment: What Sets It Apart
What This Means for Couples and Families

How Much Are Couples Really Spending?

When we talk about “average” spending, it’s important to remember there’s a huge range: from modest local celebrations to multi-day luxury events. Here’s how the numbers are stacking up:

Average and Upward Trends

Average Budget: Recent industry reports indicate that typical urban wedding budgets are now averaging between Rs. 30-36.5 Lakhs as compared to about Rs. 28 Lakhs just a couple of years ago.
Destination Weddings: For couples opting for destination celebrations, whether in Indian heritage locations or scenic hill stations and beaches, budgets can exceed Rs. 30 Lakhs on average.

These figures reflect hospitality costs, bigger guest lists, and couples wanting curated experiences rather than one-day celebrations.

What Constitutes Luxury Wedding Spending

Luxury weddings go well beyond average budgets. Based on industry cost breakdowns, high-end celebrations often include:

Venue rentals at premium properties, which alone can run into several tens of lakhs per event.
Decor and theming costs that reflect bespoke concepts and imported elements.
Catering and multi-day events that incorporate diverse cuisine offerings and entertainment.

In many of these luxury celebrations, the guest count is larger, and functions span multiple days, adding to the total expense.

Why Costs Are Rising: Main Factors at Play

Understanding what drives these budgets helps decode why weddings are no longer simple rites but elaborate celebrations:

More Functions, Bigger Guest List: Weddings today often stretch across three to four days, with pre-wedding, main ceremony, reception, and post-wedding events. Bigger guest lists mean higher food, decor, and accommodation expenses.
Experience-Led Planning: Couples now prioritise guest experience, from personalised menus to curated decor experiences, and are willing to allocate a substantial portion of their budget to elements that create memorable moments.
Professional Wedding Planning: The rise of professional planners helps orchestrate these complex celebrations. While planners add cost, they also help couples streamline logistics, negotiate with vendors, and tailor experiences. This reflects how wedding planning has become an industry in its own right, enabling more ambitious celebrations without leaving details to chance.

The Luxury Segment: What Sets It Apart

When we look at the luxury segment, what truly differentiates it is not just the scale of spending but the overall experiences it delivers. These celebrations are often hosted at five-star hotels, heritage palaces, or exclusive resorts where accommodation, dining, and ambience merge seamlessly into one immersive environment. The venue itself becomes more than a backdrop; it shapes the narrative of the celebration and elevates every function into a curated experience.

Another defining feature is the level of detail poured into decor and entertainment. Luxury celebrations are rarely generic. They are conceptualised around themes, colour stories and personalised elements crafted by specialist designers. From elaborate floral installations to high-end lighting and stage production, each detail is carefully executed to create visual impact and emotional resonance. Entertainment, too, is thoughtfully curated, often featuring bespoke performances that align with the overall mood of the event.

Destination elements further enhance the exclusivity of this segment. Whether set against scenic landscapes, historic architecture, or coastal views, these experiences are designed to feel distinct and memorable for both the couple and their guests. Ultimately, luxury celebrations stand apart because they are not just events; they are orchestrated experiences where every aspect is intentionally designed to leave a lasting impression.

What This Means for Couples and Families

Planning the celebration has become a balance between aspiration and budget. With rising expectations and broader social influence, many couples are prioritising a customised experience, sometimes even over traditional norms. The planning now involves careful vendor selection, multi-vendor coordination, and deeper financial planning to ensure that celebrations stay meaningful without overwhelming the family’s resources.

Answering Your Queries

Question 1: What’s the average cost of a luxury wedding in India?

They can range from Rs. 30 Lakhs to over Rs. 1 Crores, depending on scale, location, and guest count.

Question 2: Do couples spend more on the venue or the decor?

Venue expenses typically make up the largest share of the budget, followed by decor and catering.

Question 3: How much of the budget is usually spent on catering?

Catering can account for around 25% of the total budget in many cases.

Indians Spending on Weddings: A Report

Indians are spending on luxurious wedding celebrations today. Know what’s driving these bigger and bolder budgets in the wedding landscape.