The country is preparing for an unprecedented wedding boom as nearly 46 lakh marriages are set to take place across India over the next six weeks, creating an estimated Rs 6.5 lakh crore worth of business. From jewellers and designers to caterers, hoteliers and traders, the wedding season has turned into one of the largest economic celebrations the nation witnesses each year.
According to estimates by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), this short 45-day period will see record trade activity, with every segment of the wedding economy — including jewellery, apparel, gifts, decor, catering, event management and travel — working at full capacity. Delhi alone is expected to host nearly 4.8 lakh weddings, contributing about Rs 1.8 lakh crore to the total business.
Markets in cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad are witnessing similar excitement, with venues booked months in advance and vendors reporting a sharp rise in orders. From bridal lehengas to elaborate decor themes and multi-course menus, spending has grown across all categories. Traders say the scale of this year’s celebration reflects the growing desire for lavish, personalised weddings that combine tradition with modern presentation.
A striking feature of this season is the dominance of Indian-made products, as about 70 percent of wedding-related purchases are being sourced domestically. Local artisans, designers, florists, confectioners and caterers are seeing their busiest season in years.
CAIT has estimated that more than one crore people will find employment, temporary or permanent, through this wedding cycle, spanning hundreds of ancillary industries such as transportation, hospitality, and event logistics.
The surge is being attributed to a rare alignment of multiple auspicious dates, rising incomes, and an appetite for large-scale celebration. Traders note that while the prices of gold, flowers, and food items have risen in recent months, families are showing no hesitation in spending. Many weddings are now planned like full-scale events, featuring professional decor teams, curated menus, celebrity performances, and destination venues that reflect each couple’s style.
In markets across India, the buzz is unmistakable. Sweet shops are working overtime, jewellery stores are witnessing queues, and designers are running back-to-back appointments. Travel agencies have reported a rise in group bookings for wedding-related trips, while hotels and resorts are packed to capacity. The influx of demand is also pushing smaller service providers — from mehndi artists and tailors to musicians and decorators — into round-the-clock work.
Experts describe the wedding season as a “festival of trade” that boosts cash flow, supports local manufacturing, and revives demand across the informal sector. Every wedding, they say, acts as a micro-economy, engaging dozens of suppliers and service providers. Economists view this period as a reflection of India’s expanding middle class, where cultural tradition merges seamlessly with consumer ambition.
The celebrations are also seeing new trends: eco-friendly weddings, locally sourced décor, sustainable gifting, and digital invitation platforms have found favour with younger couples looking to blend luxury with responsibility. Technology, too, is reshaping the way weddings are planned — with digital vendors, social media-based marketing, and online marketplaces connecting families with service providers nationwide.
