81% of Indians Now Prefer Luxury Travel Over Lavish Weddings – Report

In a telling reflection of evolving lifestyle choices, a recent report has revealed that 81% of Indians now prefer investing in luxury travel experiences over hosting extravagant weddings. The findings point toward a significant cultural shift where experiential value is being prioritized over traditional display-oriented celebrations.

The report, based on consumer behavior trends, underscores how modern Indian couples and families are leaning toward meaningful, immersive getaways, often international, rather than spending large sums on traditional multi-day wedding functions.

Industry experts suggest this shift is driven by a combination of factors, including the influence of social media-driven travel aspirations, rising awareness of personal fulfillment, and changing perceptions around the return on investment in weddings.

Luxury destinations such as Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and bespoke Indian resorts are increasingly becoming the new "celebration hotspots",  not for ceremonies, but for memories.

“The post-pandemic mindset has further accelerated this change,” said an industry spokesperson. “People want to celebrate milestones in ways that are personally enriching and globally aspirational.”

This trend has also opened up new opportunities for the luxury travel and hospitality sectors, with many brands now offering “celebration travel” packages tailored to former wedding budgets,  including private villa bookings, curated itineraries, and immersive cultural experiences.

While traditional Indian weddings remain culturally significant, this data suggests that for a growing segment of the population, experience now trumps extravagance.