Amidst the changing landscape, WeddingWire India conducted a consumer survey among 25,000 respondents across 15 countries of the world to take a closer look at the trends reshaping the Indian wedding ecosystem.

A consumer study conducted by WeddingWire India, wedding technology platform and Indian division of The Knot Worldwide, looked at the trends that are reshaping the global wedding market. In its survey conducted among 25,000 people from 15 different nations, the objective of the poll was to look at how the wedding business in India was evolving with the global trends.

According to a press statement, the survey delves into how the impact of movies, global trends, celebrity weddings, and improved tech accessibility has been rapidly changing the Indian wedding ecology in recent years. It takes a close look at some of the major trends influencing the modern Indian wedding scene, like bridesmaid speeches and cocktail receptions, etc. The report also examines how young couples’ evolving personalities affect the ecosystem as a whole. The statement highlights some of the key trends shaping the wedding industry in India.

Living together pre-marriage

According to the WeddingWire survey, over time, couples have come to understand the importance of living together prior to marriage and how it may deepen their relationship. While the trend is still in its infancy in India, a global poll of over 25,000 participants from 15 nations, among them, Brazil, the US, the UK, and India, found that 15 pc of urban Indian couples are influenced by it.

Catering Formats

Culinary patterns in Indian weddings have been inspired by international trends in addition to menu options. Particularly for intimate weddings with the bride and groom and their close friends and family, European-style sit-down lunches with handcrafted table arrangements have grown to be very popular.

Wedding announcements through social media

Following the lead of nations like the US and UK, the practice of sharing engagement and wedding news online is becoming more common in India. According to WeddingWire data, 57 pc of couples decide to communicate their engagement and wedding news via so-cial media. This move to digital platforms underlines the rising reliance on technology for communication as well as the ease with which it makes it possible to connect with a larger circle of friends and relatives.

Emphasis on venues

Traditionally, Indian families and couples held their marriages at their homes. This tendency was noticeably more prominent in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as well as rural India. But now more people are choosing formal wedding venues like farmhouses and banquet gardens. According to the yearly data survey, in 2022, banquet halls were the preferred wedding venue for 56 pc of Indians.

Performances by the bride and groom

The introduction of partner dances at weddings is a global tradition that is gaining enormous popularity in India. Wedding choreographers have become a significant requirement, sparking a positive reaction and injecting vivid energy into Indian weddings. In accordance with the results of a WeddingWire poll conducted in 2023, 20 pc of Indian couples included a ‘First Dance’ during their wedding.

Lighter-day weddings

The trend towards lighter-day weddings is another one that is changing in the Indian wedding scene. In the past, Indian weddings would start in the evening and last till the morning. However, more people are choosing daylight ceremonies thanks to Hollywood films and famous people. This pattern encourages a looser mood and makes it possible to take in the celebrations better. Additionally, this enables artistic photo shoots. According to the survey, photography is the most popular category for hiring services worldwide. In India, 83 pc of couples employ photographers for weddings.

Aesthetic Set-Up

With an influx of inspiration from global and Bollywood weddings, Indian couples have embraced creative and aesthetic set-ups. Curated mood boards, unique themes, and inventive floral arrangements are becoming increasingly prevalent. Across countries, the majority are using Pinterest at least occasionally for planning. In India, Instagram is the top resource for wedding inspiration with 52 pc couples opting the same, surpassing Pinterest by 11 pc.