As the destination wedding industry flourishes worldwide, India emerges as a key player, with its segment poised for a remarkable growth rate of 23.1% CAGR. The Pioneer delves into this evolving trend with insights from leading industry experts
In a sun-dappled courtyard of a restored Rajasthani palace, a bride twirls in a lehenga embroidered with her love story, as a band plays a medley of folk tunes and chart-toppers. Hundreds of miles away, another couple exchanges vows on a secluded Greek island, their families watching on a live stream while sipping cocktails named after their favourite moments together.
Welcome to the world of modern weddings, where grandiosity and personalisation converge. Destination weddings and bespoke trousseaux are no longer niche indulgences; they have become defining trends, reshaping the $300 billion global wedding industry. Couples today aren’t just walking down the aisle—they are curating a deeply personal experience that tells their unique story.
The allure of destination weddings
From the beaches of Bali to the vineyards of Tuscany, destination weddings have become the preferred choice for millennial and Gen Z couples looking to break away from traditional hometown ceremonies. According to a latest survey by The Knot, nearly one in four weddings now takes place in a destination outside the couple’s home city.
“Destination weddings allow couples to combine the intimacy of a vacation with their nuptials,” says wedding planner Gunjan Bansal of L’amore Weddings whose clientele includes global entrepreneurs and Bollywood celebrities. “It’s a way to escape the cookie-cutter mold and immerse guests in an unforgettable experience.”
“As a destination wedding planner, I see Indian weddings as a symphony of tradition, culture and unmatched grandeur. Each celebration is a journey, weaving timeless rituals with the charm of breathtaking destinations—from the majestic palaces of Rajasthan to serene beaches in Europe. Every detail is curated to reflect the heritage while embracing the uniqueness of the locale,” adds Bansal.
The pandemic may have momentarily paused globe-trotting weddings, but it also amplified their appeal. “Couples now want to make up for lost time with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences,” explains Upendra Bahadur Srivastava of United Hoteliers Of Udaipur Society. And they’re willing to splurge—the average destination wedding costs 20-30% more than a local ceremony, with planners, stylists and concierge services adding personalised touches.
Over the years, weddings have also become either minimalist or extravagant. The idea of luxury while subjective has evolved over the time. Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London is the epitome of luxury and personalisation for destination weddings and bespoke trousseau experiences. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, the hotel offers stunning venues, including a grand ballroom and picturesque views of Cadogan Gardens, creating an elegant setting for intimate celebrations. “With tailored services, the hotel brings every couple’s vision to life, from personalised decor and gourmet catering to seamless accommodations for guests. It excels in hosting multicultural weddings, blending diverse traditions with a sophisticated London charm. Beyond weddings, Jumeirah Carlton Tower enhances the bridal journey with exclusive trousseau experiences. Its proximity to iconic boutiques like Harrods and Sloane Street provides access to world-class designers for crafting unique wedding attire,” shares Andrew Booth, Hotel Manager, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London.
Brides also enjoy pre-wedding rituals, including private fittings, beauty consultations, and indulgent spa treatments at their award-winning Peak Fitness Club & Spa.
Personalisation of the trousseau
While the venues have expanded across continents, the trousseau—the collection of clothing, accessories and memorabilia assembled for the bride—has undergone a quiet revolution. Once a showcase of family heirlooms and fine silks, today’s trousseaux are deeply personal, blending tradition with modernity.
Indonesia offers a captivating setting for Indian destination weddings, blending its natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. From Bali’s tranquil beaches to Yogyakarta’s historic temples, these locations provide a stunning backdrop for a traditional yet exotic celebration. Couples are incorporating Indian wedding rituals, such as a Hindu ceremony with Balinese blessings, creating a seamless fusion of cultures.
For personalised trousseaus, Indonesia’s artisanal heritage plays a pivotal role. The intricate patterns of batik and ikat textiles can be woven into bridal outfits, adding a unique, cultural flair. Brides can select saris or lehengas crafted from Indonesian fabrics, or choose contemporary designs inspired by the region’s craftsmanship. Handcrafted accessories such as silver jewelry from Bali or pearl jewelry from Lombok can complement the bridal attire, making it even more special.
Eco-friendly, handcrafted packaging made from bamboo or rattan enhances the trousseau experience, reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to sustainability. By blending the beauty of Indonesian landscapes with Indian wedding traditions, couples can enjoy a wedding that is as memorable as it is unique, creating a perfect harmony of cultures, elegance, and timeless memories,” says Erny Wahyuni, social and cultural affairs at the Indonesian Embassy.
Sustainability, too, is shaping this trend. Conscious brides are increasingly opting for repurposed vintage fabrics, renting luxury pieces, or commissioning outfits that can be worn beyond the wedding day. “My trousseau is about creating memories, not waste,” says entrepreneur Megha Sharma, who wore a saree stitched from her grandmother’s wedding lehenga for her reception.
Grooms, often overlooked in traditional trousseau planning, are also stepping into the spotlight. Personalised sherwanis, embroidered pocket squares and monogrammed cufflinks have found a place in contemporary trousseaux, reflecting the groom’s personality.
Social media: A silent architect
Behind this shift lies the invisible hand of social media. Pinterest boards, Instagram reels and TikTok trends have turned wedding planning into a spectator sport, pushing couples to raise the bar.
Over 80% of wedding planning now happens online, with couples leveraging apps, websites, and hashtags to organise and personalize their ceremonies. This trend is reshaping the industry by enhancing visibility and access to diverse venues.
“Couples want their weddings to be ‘Instagrammable,’ but not in a generic way,” says luxury wedding photographer Vivek Saparia who shot Ambani’s functions in the recent past. “They’re seeking moments that look stunning but also feel authentic—like a barefoot beach ceremony or a cake inspired by their favourite travel destination.”
This digital-first approach also extends to trousseaux. Brides are documenting the unboxing of their personalised wardrobe with as much care as the actual ceremony, often collaborating with influencers and stylists for pre-wedding shoots.
“At Narain Niwas, we understand that weddings today are not just personal milestones but moments shared widely, thanks to social media. The way people celebrate, document and share their big day has redefined modern weddings. We have observed that people are attracted to the royal charm of heritage properties creating picturesque backdrops that resonate with couples seeking both timeless elegance and shareable memories,” says, Thakur Prithvi Singh Kanota, managing director, Narain Niwas Palace in Jaipur.
Despite these modern flourishes, tradition remains at the heart of these celebrations. Destination weddings and personalised trousseaux are often vehicles for reviving heritage innovatively.
For instance, couples marrying in heritage venues often incorporate local customs into their ceremonies. A South Indian couple tying the knot in Udaipur included Rajasthani folk dances, blending their family’s and the locale traditions. Similarly, trousseaux now frequently include regional crafts, from Pashmina shawls to Banarasi sarees, customised with the bride’s initials or wedding date.
