Wyndham report shows transformative trends in Indian Weddings

In a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, Indian weddings are undergoing a remarkable transformation. The latest research commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts sheds light on the shifting preferences of Indian couples as they embrace a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in their wedding planning. Based on a survey of 1,000 newly engaged or married individuals across India, the findings reveal key trends reshaping the wedding industry.

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Wyndham's wedding trend report reveals a shift toward unique, personalised wedding destinations like Goa and Udaipur reflecting a desire for more exclusive, meaningful experiences. While large and multi-day celebrations are making a comeback, it is great to see younger generations, especially Tech savvy Gen Z’s blending opulence with budget and sustainable-conscious choices, emphasising authenticity and collaboration. At Wyndham, we’re dedicated to helping couples create unforgettable and personalised weddings, making it a moment to remember.”

Unique destinations
As per the reports, emerging scenic locations such as Darjeeling, Amritsar, Mussoorie, and Dehradun are gaining traction, while traditional wedding hotspots like Goa, Udaipur, and Jaipur continue to reign supreme. These destinations offer couples the allure of beauty and exclusivity, reflecting a desire for personalised, meaningful celebrations. By choosing non-traditional venues, couples aim to create unique and memorable experiences for their special day.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with 60 properties across India, is well-positioned to cater to these evolving preferences. The brand’s diverse portfolio provides flexible venues in picturesque settings, ensuring that every couple finds their perfect match.

Grandeur
Indian weddings, once scaled down due to the pandemic, are making a grand comeback. Guest lists now average 350-400 attendees, reflecting a societal shift towards larger, multi-day celebrations. According to the survey, 52 per cent of couples cite the desire to create unforgettable memories as their primary motivation, while 34 per cent point to social expectations as a key driver.
Despite this trend, budget-conscious celebrations remain popular, highlighting the diversity in wedding styles. This dual approach underscores the modern couple's ability to balance extravagance with financial prudence.

Balancing budgets
Modern couples, particularly Gen Z, are redefining wedding planning with a focus on budget-consciousness and aspirational goals. While 46 per cent of respondents plan to spend up to Rs 10 lakh on their weddings, 30 per cent allocate Rs 10-25 lakh, aiming for elaborate yet moderate celebrations. For the premium segment, 9 per cent of couples have budgets between Rs 25-40 lakh, and another 9 per cent plan to exceed  Rs 45 lakh, emphasising high-end experiences.
Social media plays a pivotal role in influencing wedding trends, with 35 per cent of couples drawing inspiration from platforms like Instagram. This has led to a rise in "Instagrammable" venues such as beaches, rooftops, and mountain resorts. Moreover, family and friends actively participate in planning, adding a personal touch while managing costs effectively.

Local weddings
Despite the allure of destination weddings, practicality often takes precedence. The survey reveals that 40 per cent of couples prefer local venues or nearby family-friendly locations, ensuring accessibility for loved ones. Only 11 per cent opt for far-off destinations. Local weddings reduce logistical challenges, allowing for more intimate celebrations that prioritize family involvement.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts caters to this trend with properties in both popular and emerging destinations. Their venues seamlessly combine convenience with experiential luxury, meeting the needs of modern couples.

Technological investments in weddings
The integration of technology into wedding planning and execution is revolutionizing the industry. Gen X and Gen Z couples are leveraging tools like digital invitations, LED screens, and drones for a modern touch. The survey highlights that:
- 36 per cent of couples use LED screens for immersive displays.
- 29 per cent prefer digital invitations over traditional ones.
- 28 per cent incorporate drone photography to capture stunning aerial shots.
Additionally, live streaming, AI-generated vows, and QR-coded check-ins reflect a shift towards tech-driven, interactive experiences. These innovations not only enhance convenience but also cater to a digitally savvy audience seeking unique ways to celebrate.

Sustainability 
Eco-consciousness is a growing priority for millennial and Gen Z couples. The study highlights a significant interest in zero-waste weddings, driven by sustainable choices such as:
- Dried flowers and solar lanterns for décor.
- Recycled paper invitations.
- Eco-friendly wedding favours.
Couples are also moving towards reusable decorations and reducing single-use plastics. In a heartening trend, one in ten couples now donate a portion of their wedding funds to charitable causes, combining celebration with social responsibility.

Spending patterns
The wedding budget landscape is as varied as the preferences of modern couples:
- 46 per cent of respondents allocate up to Rs 10 lakh.
- 30 percent plan for Rs 10-25 lakh celebrations.
- 9 per cent each fall into the Rs 25-40 lakh and Rs 45 lakh-plus categories.
These figures indicate a spectrum of spending, ranging from budget-friendly to opulent. Regardless of budget, personalization remains a common thread, with families contributing to the décor, cuisine, and themes to create unforgettable celebrations.

Cultural shifts 
As Indian weddings evolve, they retain strong familial ties while incorporating modern elements. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts plays a pivotal role in facilitating these trends, offering venues that cater to diverse preferences. From iconic destinations like Udaipur to hidden gems like Darjeeling, Wyndham’s properties align with the vision of today’s couples.

Manikis concluded, “At Wyndham, we are committed to supporting couples in bringing their vision to life. Whether they choose an iconic destination like Udaipur, a quieter gem like Darjeeling or their hometown, we understand that every wedding is unique. With our broad portfolio of venues across India, we are well-positioned to cater to a wide spectrum of wedding styles—allowing couples to celebrate in ways that feel both meaningful and memorable."