Putting the Wow into Weddings

As hotels become the preferred venue choices for weddings, the industry is certainly shaking things up.

- BINDU GOPAL RAO

Hotels have learnt to adjust their operations to the requirements of a wedding function and be more flexible. And this is what is auguring well as hotels are increasingly becoming the first choice for weddings. Industry experts weigh in.

WED IN STYLE

Within the hospitality sector, the events business, especially weddings play a pivotal role. In 2023, this segment alone experienced a 30% growth, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels. Recent statistics about Indian weddings show that an estimated 20 lakh weddings will spend an average of Rs 1 crore on the event. Rising incomes have elevated the expectations of Indian couples, who increasingly desire luxurious, memorable weddings. "Another significant factor is the 'Wed in India' initiative, endorsed by our Prime Minister, which promotes destination weddings within the country. This initiative has encouraged couples to celebrate locally, boosting the trend of destination weddings at picturesque locations across India. As a result, popular destinations at a drivable distance like Jim Corbett and Ranthambore from Delhi NCR and Udaipur from Jaipur and Gujarat are witnessing an uptick in hotel weddings, with venues embracing this demand," says Nitin Srivastava, Director of Sales - Weddings, ZANA Luxury Resorts.

GEARING UP