Home ／ Insights on entering the Indian market
2026.03.26
India's wedding services market is one of the world's largest wedding industries, undergoing rapid growth. The market was estimated at approximately $103.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $228.7 billion by 2030 (a CAGR of 14.3%). There are even forecasts that it will grow to $502.6 billion by 2035 in the longer term, and the wedding industry's presence in the Indian economy is only becoming greater.
About 10 million weddings take place in India each year, and because of its economic impact, the industry is sometimes called the "fourth industry." Average spending per couple reaches INR 1.2-2.5 million (about JPY 2.2-4.6 million) in urban areas, and it is not unusual for weddings among the wealthy to exceed 1 crore rupees (about JPY 18 million). A wedding is not a single ceremony but a large-scale, multi-day event consisting of several occasions, including mehndi (henna ceremony), sangeet (night of music), the wedding ceremony itself, and the reception.
Spending at Indian weddings covers a wide range, with each category forming its own large market. Understanding this spending structure is essential for Japanese companies considering market entry.
Catering and venue services form the largest spending category, accounting for over 30% of the total. The wedding catering market alone is projected to grow from approximately $16.2 billion in 2025 to $28.6 billion by 2032. At Indian weddings, catering for the reception commonly serves hundreds to thousands of guests, with the catering cost per guest ranging from INR 1,000-3,000 (about JPY 1,700-5,200) for mid-priced weddings to INR 5,000-15,000 (about JPY 8,700-26,000) for luxury weddings.
The bride's and groom's attire and jewelry account for 20-25% of total spending. Bridal jewelry in particular is expensive, with gold jewelry sets typically priced at INR 500,000-5,000,000. A lehenga (the bride's traditional attire) from a designer brand can cost INR 100,000-1,000,000 or more.
Venue rental and decoration costs account for 15-20% of the total. This includes flower decoration, lighting production, and stage setup. For destination weddings, venue costs are even higher.
Demand for professional wedding photography and video production is surging. With the sophistication of technology such as drone footage, cinematic wedding films, and pre-wedding photo shoots, unit prices are also rising.
Invitations to guests and return gifts (equivalent to Japanese favors) are also an important spending category. While digital invitations are becoming more common, demand for premium invitations on fine paper or handmade also remains strong.
Let's analyze the structural factors supporting the rapid growth of India's wedding market and the latest trends for 2025-2026.
India's middle class The rapid expansion of the middle class is the biggest growth driver of the wedding market. Middle-class wedding budgets are increasing year by year, and premium wedding services that were once the privilege of the wealthy are spreading to a much wider range of income levels. In particular, Tier 2 cities: the rise in wedding budgets there is notable, and large, extravagant weddings are becoming common even in regional cities.
目的地ウェディング市場はGrand View Researchの推計で2024年に約162.5億ドル規模であり、2033年までに553.9億ドルに達すると予測されています（CAGR 14.8%）。目的地ウェディングを選ぶカップルの割合は2022年の約18%から2024年には26%に拡大しており、ラジャスタン州（ウダイプール、ジャイプール）、ゴア、ケララ、さらにはバリ島やタイなどの海外ロケーションが人気です。ラグジュアリーウェディングの支出は2024年以降、前年比20〜25%増で推移しています。
About 46% of Indian couples now hire a professional wedding planner, and the event planning services market is expanding at a CAGR of 16.8%. Online platforms such as WedMeGood, WeddingWire India, and ShaadiSaga provide one-stop services for vendor search, comparison, and booking, driving the market's digitalization.
The adoption of digital technology in the wedding industry is accelerating. AR-based virtual dress fitting, AI-based budget management tools, vendor matching apps, drone photography, and live streaming are becoming widespread. Currently, 76% of bookings are made offline, but the online share is rising at a pace of about 3 percentage points per year.
Innovation is also progressing in wedding cuisine. In addition to traditional Indian food, demand for fusion cuisine incorporating global cuisine is surging. "Live counters" (cooking in front of guests) featuring Japanese, Italian, and Thai food are gaining popularity at upscale urban weddings. Demand for health-conscious menus (gluten-free, vegan) is also increasing.
As of 2024, about 30% of couples are considering sustainable options, with eco-friendly decorations (biodegradable materials), food waste reduction programs, and destination weddings with carbon offsets attracting attention. As environmentally conscious Gen Z couples increase, this trend is expected to strengthen further.
For Japanese food and beverage companies, India's wedding market offers a major entry opportunity. The catering market alone is worth $16.2 billion, and food and beverage form the core of wedding spending.
At Indian weddings, offering vegetarian food is often a required condition. At Hindu weddings, it is common for the entire menu to be vegetarian, and even at multi-religious, multicultural weddings, a clear separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus is required. For Japanese food to enter this market, accommodating vegetarian needs must be built into product design as a fundamental premise.
Wedding desserts are an important production element of a wedding and a high-value-added market. In addition to wedding cakes, dessert tables (offering multiple types of dessert buffet-style) are popular, and there is room to incorporate Japanese sweets here, such as matcha tiramisu, wagashi, and mochi ice cream.
At luxury weddings, demand for premium alcoholic beverages is rising. Sake and Japanese whisky can be incorporated as differentiating elements on the bar menu at weddings targeting the wealthy. However, since alcohol regulations in India vary greatly by state, prior research into the regulatory environment of the target market is essential.
India's wedding services market is one of the world's largest wedding industries. Numerous weddings take place every year, and it is drawing attention as an important consumer market given its economic impact. Average spending per couple is also high, especially in urban areas.
Catering and venue services form the largest spending category. Next come attire and jewelry, venue and decoration, photography and videography, and invitations and gifts. The wedding catering market alone is enormous, and each category forms its own independent market.
Yes, the share of destination weddings is on an expanding trend. Besides Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala, overseas locations are also popular. Spending on luxury weddings also continues to rise.
In many cases, offering vegetarian food is a required condition. At Hindu weddings, it is common for the entire menu to be vegetarian, and even when guests of multiple religions attend, a clear separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus is required. For Japanese food to enter this market, accommodating vegetarian needs must be built into product design as a fundamental premise.
Yes, there is. Wedding desserts are an important production element, offered in multiple varieties, leaving room to incorporate items such as wagashi and mochi ice cream. At luxury weddings, demand for premium alcohol is high, and sake and Japanese whisky can serve as differentiating elements. However, since alcohol regulations in India vary greatly by state, prior research into the regulatory environment of the target market is essential.
The starting point is to clarify the target segment, such as luxury weddings for the wealthy, premium offerings for the middle class, or destination weddings. Because India's wedding industry places extreme importance on personal networks and referrals, partnering with local wedding planners and catering companies is a shortcut to market entry. Given that this is a family event deeply involving both families, prepare a localization strategy that incorporates auspicious colors and religious considerations.
India Market For Japanese companies considering entry into this market, the following strategic approaches are effective.
First is clarifying the target segment. The products and services required differ greatly depending on the segment, such as luxury weddings for the wealthy, premium weddings for the middle class, or destination weddings. Second is partnering with local wedding planners and catering companies. India's wedding industry is one where personal networks and referrals are extremely important, and collaborating with existing players is the fastest route to market entry.
Third, localization is pursued thoroughly. Designing products and services that maintain Japanese quality and design while adapting to Indian wedding culture (auspicious colors, religious considerations, regional preferences) is key to success. Fourth is cultural gaps understanding family decision-making. Indian weddings are family events, and decision-making deeply involves not only the bride and groom but both families. Where businesses go wrong in India A marketing strategy grounded in an understanding of this cultural context is essential to avoid missteps.
MORE
Can Japanese products be placed on India's quick commerce?Will supermarkets in India stock Japanese products?Is wholesaling to India's ubiquitous kirana shops possible?Which malls in India are UNIQLO and MUJI in?Where does sales channel development in India start? How distribution works and how to choose a channelOrders placed in India do not arrive | How to find suppliers of ingredients and materials, and what to do about itSOJAPAN
We support Japanese companies entering India, from market research through local partner development, test sales, and import.