The rise of the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’

Indian weddings, long celebrated for their grandeur and cultural significance, have grown even more extravagant in 2024. Data from Justdial, India’s leading local search engine, reveals a remarkable surge in search queries for wedding-related services nationwide. The increase highlights a growing preference for luxury, personalisation, and professional assistance, marking a new era in Indian wedding celebrations.

From January to November 2024, searches for wedding services increased by 21 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Metro cities emerged as key drivers, recording a 34 per cent growth in demand. Delhi led the way with a staggering 44 per cent rise in searches, followed by Hyderabad (41 per cent), Mumbai (37 per cent), Kolkata (32 per cent), and Bangalore (27 per cent).

Even non-metro cities experienced significant growth, with search queries increasing by 16 per cent. Among these, Lucknow (36 per cent), Patna (34 per cent), and Jaipur (30 per cent) stood out as hotspots for wedding service demand.

The demand for resort wedding venues has tripled across India. Metro cities like Delhi (4x), Hyderabad (5x), Bangalore (3x), Mumbai (3x), and Chennai (4x) reported remarkable growth. This trend reflects the shift towards destination-style weddings that offer a mix of luxury and exclusivity.

Similarly, cinematic wedding photographers are now an essential part of wedding planning, with searches doubling nationwide. Cities such as Patna (4x), Delhi (3x), and Mumbai (2.5x) led this trend, showcasing the growing emphasis on capturing weddings as elaborate visual narratives.

The desire for personalisation has driven significant interest in niche wedding services. Searches for ‘pre-wedding gowns on rent’ rose by 47 per cent nationwide, led by Hyderabad (2x), Mumbai (33 per cent), and Delhi (10 per cent). Meanwhile, searches for ‘wedding card dealers’ increased by 44 per cent, with Delhi (57 per cent), Hyderabad (43 per cent), and Mumbai (40 per cent) leading the way.

Banquet halls remained a popular choice, recording a 40 per cent increase in searches. Cities like Delhi (79 per cent), Hyderabad (72 per cent), and Mumbai (66 per cent) showcased the highest demand, followed by Bangalore (63 per cent) and Pune (61 per cent).

Specialised services such as ‘candid wedding photographers’ also saw a 28 per cent increase, with Chennai recording an extraordinary 12x growth in searches. Mumbai (61 per cent) and Kolkata (19 per cent) also contributed significantly to this trend.

Entertainment services like ‘choreographers for weddings’ and ‘orchestras for weddings’ gained traction in 2024. Searches for wedding choreographers rose by 24 per cent nationwide, with Mumbai leading the way (3x), followed by Delhi (37 per cent), Jaipur (35 per cent), and Bangalore (24 per cent). Orchestras also saw a 15 per cent increase in searches, led by Delhi (48 per cent) and Patna (46 per cent).

Wedding planners, crucial for coordinating these elaborate events, witnessed a 13 per cent increase in demand. Jaipur (37 per cent), Bangalore (26 per cent), and Ahmedabad (21 per cent) emerged as key cities for wedding planning services.

The data underscores a significant evolution in Indian weddings, characterised by a growing focus on luxury, creativity, and professional services. From destination weddings in resorts to cinematic storytelling by specialised photographers, couples are redefining traditional ceremonies to create unforgettable experiences. The increasing demand for personalised touches, such as rented gowns and choreographed performances, further highlights this trend.

As these preferences continue to shape the industry, Indian weddings remain not only a cultural phenomenon but also a significant contributor to the economy. The rise of the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’ in 2024 reflects a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, setting new benchmarks for celebrations in the years to come.