India is poised for a significant economic uplift as the wedding season approaches, with projections indicating that approximately ₹5.9 lakh crore will be generated from an estimated 48 lakh weddings scheduled for November and December 2024. This surge in wedding activity marks a substantial increase from last year’s figures, which recorded 35 lakh weddings and yielded ₹4.25 lakh crore.
The upcoming season is particularly noteworthy due to the rise in auspicious wedding dates, which have increased from 11 last year to 18 this year. This expansion is expected to drive heightened consumer spending on wedding-related goods and services across the nation.
Delhi is set to play a pivotal role in this economic boost, with an anticipated 4.5 lakh weddings contributing around ₹1.5 lakh crore to the overall business. The wedding season will commence on November 12, coinciding with Dev Uthani Ekadashi, and will continue until December 16, featuring numerous auspicious dates that are likely to enhance spending.
Acharya Durgesh Tare, Convenor of CAIT’s Veda and Spiritual Committee, emphasized that the extended timeframe for weddings this year is expected to stimulate greater business activity compared to previous years. Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s National Secretary General, noted a growing preference among consumers for Indian products, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives like “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
A detailed breakdown of expected expenditures indicates a diverse range of spending patterns: from ₹3 lakh per wedding for about 10 lakh ceremonies to over ₹1 crore for high-end celebrations. This varied spending is anticipated to benefit multiple sectors, including clothing, jewelry, electronics, and food services.
Additionally, there is a notable trend this year towards increased investment in social media services for capturing wedding moments digitally, reflecting a shift in how couples choose to document their celebrations. Following the wedding season, upcoming festive celebrations such as Christmas and New Year are expected to maintain this economic momentum.
The second phase of the wedding season is scheduled to resume in mid-January 2025, further extending the opportunities for traders and service providers in this vibrant market.
