India’s Weddings Surge as PM Modi’s ‘Wed In India’ Gains Traction

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When Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to "Wed In India," the call wasn't just symbolic-it reflected a larger push to keep celebration money within the country. And that nudge is proving powerful. According to a recent report from Confederation of All India Traders, the current wedding season-45 days starting November-is going to generate a whopping ₹ 6.5 lakh crore business across approximately 46 lakh weddings held across the country.

This surge is part of a broader boom. Long known for its grandeur, scale, and cultural importance, India's wedding industry has cemented its status as one of the nation's most important drivers of the consumer economy.

Weddings: More Than Rituals - A Driving Force for the Economy

Weddings in India are big business, not just for families, but for whole industries. A typical Indian wedding today has an average spend of ₹12.5 lakh, according to a major industry report.

Because weddings involve multiple sectors-from jewellery and apparel to venues, catering, décor, photography, hospitality and even textiles-they drive consumption across the board. Analysts call it a key driver of discretionary spending in India.

For many businesses, especially the small and medium enterprises - decorators, caterers, florists, jewellers, artisans - weddings have a significant contribution to their annual revenue, creating jobs and boosting local economies.

The 'Wed In India' Push: A Cultural Shift Trends Alongside Economic Sense

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The "Wed In India" campaign thus resonates not merely as patriotism but as smart economics. According to CAIT, weddings held abroad drain the local economy-money spent overseas doesn't circulate back in India.

With the improved quality of domestic venues, hospitality, and services, coupled with better incomes, more couples see no reason to look abroad. Instead, many are embracing destination weddings within India, helping to keep expenditure domestic and supporting local craftsmen, planners, hotels, and more.

What's more, the cultural appeal remains strong. Weddings remain deeply rooted in tradition, community, and celebration - but with modern comforts. It's a shift that reflects changing preferences for a mix of tradition, pride in homegrown vendors, and aspirational lifestyle.

Weddings in 2025: Numbers That Speak Volumes

• CAIT estimates 46 lakh weddings during this season, contributing ₹ 6.5 lakh crore to the economy.
• The average expenditure per wedding, across many households, remains substantial, making the sector one of India's largest discretionary-spend markets.
• From jewellery, fashion, and décor to hospitality, catering, venue rentals, photography, travel, and so much more-a whole ecosystem is given a boost with each marriage, supporting millions of jobs, seasonal businesses, and solid demand.

What This Means - For Couples, For Vendors, For India

• For couples: Weddings are becoming not just ceremonies, but statements - blending tradition, glamour, modern comforts and patriotism. Choosing "Wed in India" reflects pride and purpose.
• For businesses and vendors: The domestic wedding boom offers big opportunities. Local artisans, event planners, décor companies, hospitality providers - all benefit from rising demand.
• For the economy: Wedding-linked spending circulates through multiple sectors - textiles, hospitality, retail, services - creating income streams, jobs, and catalysing growth. Staying domestic helps channel wealth internally.

Weddings Are Changing And So Is What They Represent

The Indian wedding is no longer just about rituals and community; today, it is a micro-economy, a celebration of tradition and self-expression, a chance to support local business, and even sometimes a patriotic decision.

The "Wed in India" drive, rising incomes, better domestic infrastructure, and evolving tastes are redefining weddings in India. And if numbers such as ₹ 6.5 lakh crore this season and many more millions of weddings ahead are any indication, this transformation is well beyond a trend-it's the new normal.