Marriages, they say, are made in heaven. But weddings are crafted right here on earth by couples in love, their wedding planners and their bank accounts. With its diverse communities and myriad of traditions, Indian weddings are known to be big, fat and fabulous. Shaped by the trends of time and the past pandemic, weddings have changed drastically since the past couple of years. Still dazzling as ever, they've grown smaller, more thoughtful and personalised. As per Wed Me Good's Annual Wedding Industry Report of 2024 - 2025, here are the 5 wedding trends you can expect to see in the next couple of months of the wedding season in 2025.
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1. Jewellery Takes Precedence Among Prices
The report found that 37.1% of wedding costs, the highest percentage, were associated with the purchase of jewellery. "Jewellery and diamonds are most sought after due to their inherent preciousness. The demand is also influenced by a shift in consumer buying pattern, as individuals are increasingly drawn to purchase items that hold significance and value," said Amit Pratihari, Vice President, De Beers Forevermark. The second highest cost was for wedding venues at 22.9% and then 20% each for the catering and decor.
2. Lab Grown Diamonds Shine Bright
45.5% of respondents opted for lab grown diamonds, which are proving to be tough competition for natural diamonds which is the choice of 54.4%. Considered an ethical choice that is made sustainably, lab grown diamonds have found their way primarily into engagement rings. Jewelbox, the lab grown diamond brand which was featured on Shark Tank India has spoken about the changing consumer tastes, saying, "Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, created through advanced and innovative processes. Unlike simulants, LGDs are exact substitutes for natural diamonds and uphold the same brilliance and durability as them. Hence, it's crucial to dispel the myth that lab-grown diamonds are inferior to their mined counterparts."
3. Family Is Still Most Influential For Wedding Decisions
When it comes to making tricky wedding decisions about decorations, gowns and catering, 31.42% of respondents were influenced by their family and cultural traditions. Social media platforms influenced 16.48% of respondents while the weddings of friends were also an influential factor at 13.03%.
4. Meet Cutes Online
Social media apps gained more popularity than dating or matrimonial apps with 30% couples having met online through social media, dating apps and matrimonial websites. 60% met offline through work, family and social gatherings while 10% were through a mix of both.
5. Eco-Friendly Weddings Rise
52% of couples opted for eco-conscious choices throughout their wedding decor. 49.2% did this by extending e-vites rather than paper invitations, 40.9% donated the excess wedding food, 36% used artificial flowers rather than fresh flowers and 31.8% limited the use of plastic during their functions.
(Also Read: This Couple's Wedding With 1000 Guests Was Plastic Free, Low On Waste And High On Love)
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