Wedding Planner Divulges the Wedding Themes & Trends for 2024-25

From nukkad ka halwai and bhabhi ke bhai ke dost, who’s a decorator, to grand events like the Ambani weddings, Indians have and are seeing it all. Indian weddings are evolving, blending tradition with cutting-edge trends. Destination weddings are booming, offering intimate celebrations with modern twists on classic rituals. From stunning décor inspired by Radha Krishna Pichwai to tech-infused Sangeet parties, couples are embracing both spiritual themes and glamorous celebrations. Sustainable practices are also making waves, from eco-friendly flower sourcing to reusing family heirlooms. Wedding planner Vaibhav Sadhwani, Co-founder of Behind The Scene Weddings, shares the top trends, helping couples craft unique, unforgettable weddings.

State of the Current Indian Wedding Market

Indian weddings are a grand celebration blending tradition with modernity, especially at destination weddings. The main ceremony remains traditional, while events like Haldi, Mehendi, and Sangeet offer a fun, vibrant touch. Vaibhav said, “Designer weddings with every little detail catered to, be it particular flowers for decoration, customised menu or celeb performances, are on the rise. From celebrities to commoners, everyone wants to make their special day more special, yet large-scale gatherings are giving way to intimate weddings. NRIs are also coming back to their roots to celebrate the wedding in Indian style, and this will ensure that destination weddings will be popular for a long time to come.”

Noteworthy Progress in the Indian Wedding Industry

“Oh, there is a massive change. Today, the couple really wants to enjoy their day and wants everybody present to celebrate their happiness. Their taste for décor and dresses has evolved. Amazingly, the planners have evolved in tune with the changing times, and the vendors for décor, fabric and flowers have also upped their game. This has led to beautiful, never-seen-before weddings as everything comes together to create the whole experience. Also, technology is now being used more often to organise the events and ensure that the show flow is flawless,” explained Vaibhav.

What Influences the Indian Wedding Market?

The top influencers for weddings have always been celebrities, experts agree. “Everybody has always wanted to copy them, right from their dresses to wedding poses to décor. We have seen how dupes of Anushka Sharma’s wedding lehenga or Priyanka Chopra’s wedding dress were later seen everywhere. So, a lot of people do end up recreating the wedding dresses and wedding looks. This is often complimented with similar décor. Thus, celebs have always impacted weddings,” Vaibhav explained.

“Of late, JK Anchor, a popular event emcee, has started setting new goals for weddings as he makes sure that the guests are having a lot of fun. And this trend too is becoming quite popular. As wedding planners, we make sure that our couple becomes a trendsetter rather than copying trends; that is why we collaborate to understand their vision and then give them the best.”

The Dying Trends

Vaibhav asked, “Have you realised that once popular Vatika weddings in the nearby parks of residential complexes are not happening anymore? People have realised that it leads to a lot of inconvenience and in the end, instead of enjoying the wedding, the immediate family is busy organising everything. Such weddings are well on their way out. In fact, large-scale weddings are also dying down as they are leading to more intimate weddings, where people celebrate their big day with their close friends and relatives. Many couples and their families are also opting for destination weddings as it is easier to manage a small gathering and everybody can enjoy the wedding to the fullest and create great memories.”

Themes & Trends for the Indian Wedding Industry for 2024

“Radha Krishna Pichwai theme that showcases Indian culture in all its grandeur is on the rise. Here, the entire wedding ceremony is conducted in a very traditional way, with décor that matches the theme. Musical pheras are also quite popular. They make the ambience soothing and calming as the soulful songs play while the couple takes their wedding vows and goes around the holy fire. Spiritual themes are also on the rise for wedding ceremonies. On the other hand, the other events are more in tune with the current times. The Glitz and glam-themed sangeet has an element of innovative décor with guests and hosts dressing up accordingly. Tech-infused Sangeet is now more popular, as it caters to the latest music choices of the guests and brings with it an element of innovation,” shared Vaibhav.   

Themes & Trends Predictions for 2025

Earlier, weddings meant simply putting up a tent and serving food to the guests, with dhol playing for those who would want to dance. However, we now get to witness well-planned weddings that are aesthetic, and every little detail has been well thought out. "Wedding planners create a visual treat with amazing themes. Pastel themes with everything in pastel colours have been popular for quite some time and will be on everyone’s social media. Another quirky but unique concept we are expecting to really catch up on is ‘Neon theme’ events like Sangeet or after party. They add an element of fun to the event and will be a hit amongst youngsters and we can certainly expect to see this on social media," said Vaibhav.

Sustainability, Zero-Waste & the Indian Wedding Industry

Indian weddings have always focused on sustainability, says Vaibhav, without us ever calling it that. “Traditionally, food has been served on banana leaves or plates made of dried leaves. The waste can be composted easily. Thus, there was less plastic waste created. Even now, food is served on washable plates, so they can be reutilised later. A while ago, imported flowers for décor were in high demand, but people soon realised that there were cheaper alternatives available at the local flower shop. Thus, sourcing flowers locally helped in reducing the carbon footprint. Moreover, brides are re-using their mother’s or relative’s wedding attire, which again saves the environment. So, there are many ways to make your wedding eco-friendly, you just have to get creative.”

Curious about sustainable weddings in India and how to make it a reality? Read all about it here.