While winter is traditionally seen as the most preferred time for weddings in India, the summer of 2025 is turning out to be a hot-seller for an industry that is estimated to be worth Rs 10 lakh crore (approximately $130 billion) in the country. With a bulk, if not more, of auspicious dates falling beyond the winter months this year—there were about 70 between February and May—and a growing inclination of the people towards more intimate celebrations, flexibility around timings, and greater appreciation for privacy and exclusivity, businesses are also betting big on the big fat Indian wedding this summer season.
As per the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which has urged the Centre to grant ‘industry status’ to the wedding sector citing significant business activities across a wide range of related sectors, including apparel, jewellery, food and catering, wedding-related spending on Akshaya Tritiya this year (April 30) exceeded Rs 5,000 crore in Delhi alone, with over 20,000 weddings coinciding with the auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.
“Weddings in India are largely driven by saya (auspicious dates) and not necessarily season—summer or winter,” says Anil Chadha, managing director, ITC Hotels. “Traditionally, saya dates are skewed towards winter months. However, this year seems to be an exception with more than 25 saya dates in April and May. Interestingly, most of the saya dates are on weekends that encourage guests towards bleisure or sheer leisure travel,” he adds.
According to Rajesh Namby, general manager, Raffles Udaipur, who is expected to host 10 to 15 weddings this season, winter continues to be the preferred season but the appeal of summer weddings is also gaining momentum. “We see a notable increase in summer wedding bookings this year. One reason is the longer stretch of auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar. With fewer wedding dates available later in the year, many couples are also choosing to celebrate earlier,” he adds.
A recurring trend for summer has been that many families, who couldn’t hold a wedding in December or plan a palace or destination wedding, are going to all-weather destinations like Bengaluru or Dehradun, says Parthip Thyagarajan, CEO of wedding media brand WeddingSutra.com. “Every year, we see 2% of the population wed; so summer weddings are now happening at new wedding hotspots, such as Dehradun, which has many five-star and boutique properties with access to the hills,” he adds.
“Summer weddings are a practical choice, and they are for people who want to have an intimate one, or are comfortable with ballrooms, and see weddings as great luxury,” says Thyagarajan.
Hospitality hot-sellers
Winter or summer, Rajasthan’s allure as a destination for weddings in India is hard to miss. With over 27 auspicious dates driving a 26% increase in overall demand compared to last year, Jaipur remains a preferred destination, says Gaurav Shrivastava, cluster director of revenue management, Fairmont and Raffles Jaipur.
This summer, Shrivastava is targeting 37 weddings—an increase from 33 in 2024 and 34 in 2023.
With properties in Udaipur and Jaipur in Rajasthan, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has also seen a sustained momentum in the wedding segment, and the outlook for the summer remains encouraging. “There seems to be a resurgence in large-format celebrations and full hotel buyouts, particularly in culturally rich destinations like Udaipur and Jaipur,” says Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
According to Bhatnagar, summer weddings are favoured for the longer daylight hours and the possibility of outdoor ceremonies, as compared to winter. “Spaces like beachfront lawns or lakeside vistas and heritage courtyards make every celebration special, besides offering artisanal sorbets, cooling beverages, and vibrant seasonal menus,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand has received confirmations and queries for summer weddings, given the location’s pleasant weather during this time. “Winter remains a preferred season for weddings, but the resort’s location by the Kosi river enhances the overall experience,” says Nivedan Kukreti, GM, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa.
Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun, which opened in February, has bookings for three buy-out weddings already, with four venues and proximity to the airport as factors that appeal to guests. Jitender Singh, director of sales & marketing, Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun, says, “The ease of access for guests travelling from various destinations delivers just that, and Dehradun’s pleasant weather acts as a natural pull for a picturesque summer wedding.”
Hospitality brands like ITC Hotels are catering to non-residential wedding demand this summer. “ITC Royal Bengal is in demand both in summers and winters due to its large room inventory (456 rooms and suites, including 82 serviced apartments), spacious rooms, and large banquet facility that has a dedicated entrance for the baraat. Similarly, ITC Grand Bharat in Manesar, Mementos Jaipur and ITC Mughal in Agra have received great interest for summer weddings with dates already being blocked,” adds Chadha.
While specific numbers may vary across regions, Radisson Hotel Group is also anticipating a considerable increase in wedding bookings this season compared to last year. “We are witnessing a strong demand for summer weddings across our portfolio, particularly in resort destinations. Bookings have been robust, with a preference for venues offering expansive outdoor spaces and curated experiences,” says Nikhil Sharma, MD and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
According to Sharma, the strong demand is largely because of couples who select destinations that offer a blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and cultural richness. “A growing demand for bespoke experiences, wellness-focused elements like pre-wedding spa rituals, and curated, personalised celebrations, ease of travel, and venue flexibility are key factors influencing decisions. Our properties such as Radisson Blu Resort Kumbhalgarh, Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug have emerged as preferred choices due to their scenic backdrops, accessibility, and capacity to host large gatherings with personalised service,” says Sharma. Radisson Hotel Group recently introduced ‘The Art of Weddings’, an initiative designed to offer personalised wedding experiences.
With destination weddings, the demand is also growing for pre-wedding bachelor/ bachelorette and family bonding events. “Summer celebrations often double up as mini vacations, with guests staying under one roof and enjoying quality time together. Additionally, with growing spending power, we are witnessing a trend of families increasingly travelling to international destinations to mark milestone celebrations like 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries, blending family occasions with exploring fresh new locations,” says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India).
Décor & more
Weddings are a grand affair in India, and the season in which they are held can play an important role in shaping the overall experience. As in winter, weddings in summer can also be memorable, when done right. One such factor is décor.
While indoor conventions are the go-to places, cooling arrangements also become crucial. “Poolside events with thoughtful inclusions like mist fans, coolers, and coconut water counters help guests stay comfortable,” says Priya Maganti, CEO and co-founder, RVR PRO & RVR Eventz & Design, a luxury boutique wedding planner.
The company has seen a demand for gola stations, paper fans, and refreshing drinks like coconut water this summer. Decor-wise, bright colour palettes with lightweight fabrics and airy drapes are being preferred for a summery vibe.
Wedding photographer Himanshu Patel, who is also the founder of Epic Stories and has covered the wedding ceremonies of celebrities like Anant and Radhika Ambani, among others, has seen more people engage in sundowner pheras, pastel-toned decor, and breezy, floral setups. “Most people are investing in guest-friendly cooling arrangements—shaded lounges, cold towel stations, and hydration counters—to beat the heat,” says Patel.
Post-Covid, there has been a sharp rise in summer weddings but venue availability hasn’t kept pace. “Prime venues are booked out or priced high during peak (winter) months, making summer a more practical choice. We’ve experienced a 30% increase in summer bookings over the last year alone,” says Patel.
From a photography perspective, Patel feels summer weddings demand technical precision. “Harsh light and extreme temperatures mean we have to carefully plan timelines around golden hours. We rely on ND (neutral density) filters, reflectors, and diffusers to manage lighting, and have contingency plans in place to prevent camera gear from overheating,” he adds.
The energy, the scale, and the attention to detail are all very much on par with winter weddings, explains wedding stationary and invitation specialist Itchha Talreja, who is also the founder of Itchha Talreja Designs. Its Instagram handle says it is booked till July.
Talreja tells FE that April has been just as packed as December. “Now summer weddings are as elaborate as winter ones. To look like summer weddings, people should opt for softer pastels instead of deeper hues. They must choose something engaging in video invites. Prints on prints are a trend that is becoming bigger this season,” says Talreja.
For this summer, Talreja is experimenting with new design and print styles, the look to feel subtle and summery, but not overly reliant on watercolours, which she feels has been overdone. “For instance, at a recent wedding, we created hand fans with little ghungroo charms. It was a huge hit on a warm evening—the fans looked pretty, sounded beautiful when people fanned themselves, and added a sensory layer to the experience,” adds Talreja.
Dressing up for D-Day
Summer weddings are giving a fresh twist to wardrobes. Fashion designer Kunal Rawal says, “Think featherlight linens, cotton-silk blends, and unconventional pairings that don’t just look cool but breathe better. We’re loving the relaxed rebellion of half-sleeve kurtas paired with sharply cut kotis. It’s an easy win for grooms looking to make a statement without going over the top. These silhouettes move with you—ideal for sundowners and sangeets alike.”
The use of tone-on-tone thread work embroidery in the colour palette of mushroom, ice blue, and soft peach are in major demand from expats and NRIs, leading to a noticeable spike over previous seasons.
Similarly, designer Amit Aggarwal has seen a shift towards comfort, individuality, and conscious luxury. “Couples today are more experimental and are looking for outfits that reflect their personality rather than just tradition. I’ve been working with pastel palettes, lightweight fabrics, and fluid silhouettes that allow ease of movement and elegance under the summer sun. There’s a growing interest in sustainable fashion—using upcycled textiles like Banarasi fabrics and transforming them into sculpted, contemporary forms, creating a balance between cultural heritage and modern expression,” says Aggarwal.
Lighter tones in dusty rose, powder blue, and lilacs and soft, breathable fabrics like silkmul and organza are trending for designer Payal Singhal. She recommends the iconic back tie-up choli and sharara for brides and bridesmaids for haldi, mehendis, and sangeets at destination and theme weddings. “We sell almost 100 of these every month,” says Singhal.
Brands like JADE by Monica and Karishma or Swapna Anumolu, the designer behind Mishru, the Hyderabad-based couture house, are creating looks to balance tradition with ease. As per Monica Shah of JADE, breezier fabrics like organza, tissue, and silk-chiffon are summer heroes, for daytime celebrations, while sorbet-inspired colour palettes like soft blush, mint, powder blue, ivory, and sunshine yellow are photographed well in natural light. Their bestsellers include light embroidered lehengas in organza and silk-chiffon that make up nearly 40% of bridal trousseau bookings between March and July. Statement accessories like the silver minaudierie line alone have seen a 25% increase in demand compared to last season. Custom dupattas and detachable elements (like capes, trails, and sleeves) account for about 30% of bridal customisation requests, showing the shift towards versatile styling this season.
“People want to invest in pieces that go beyond a single event. Our summer palettes lean into hues like blush, powder blue, ivory, and happy sunshine gold. These shades work beautifully in natural light and are timeless. For summers, we begin prepping summer capsule collections and bespoke bridal edits 3–4 months in advance, and bookings now rival (if not exceed) the traditional winter wedding rush,” says Shah.
Anumolu from Mishru says, “Gossamer fabrics like organza and tulle are perfect for staying cool while corset dresses, structured pantsuits, and modern sarees are big. We’ve seen a 20-30% increase in demand for multifunctional separates that can be mixed and matched—especially in pastels and ombré shades. Pieces with delicate 3D embroidery are particularly popular.”
Costume designer Rimple Narula of the Rimple and Harpreet Narula label says, “We’ve developed summer colours and summer edit for brides, lighter, breathable pieces that don’t compromise on detail or drama . Like the pomegranate pink colour for summers bring fresh energy to summer weddings while organza, chanderi, and georgette for dupattas allow you to move freely. Hand-embroidered potlis, dainty layered jewellery, and statement juttis are both stylish and functional.”
Grooming for a summer wedding also means to look best. “Grooms are equally conscious about their hair and grooming, and pay special attention to their beards. In hair design, grooms can opt for mid-length hair, which is easy to style and maintains a formal look for events like haldi or pheras, to even look cool when not wearing a pagdi but attending cocktail dinners or a sangeet night,” adds celebrity hair designer Darshan Yewalekar.
For brides, Niharika Jhunjhunwala, founder and CEO of skincare brand ClayCo, suggests hydration, sun protection, exfoliation, and nourishment for a glowing complexion this summer. “Choose serums with lower levels of active ingredients, and a makeup removal regimen to minimise irritation on skin.
Jewel in the crown
Bridal jewellery has distinct layers with timeless elegance and evolving sensibilities. This summer, the bridal season is reflecting that, says MP Ahammed, chairman, Malabar Group. “Bold chokers or heavy gold necklaces, the quintessential bridal statement pieces, are now paired with intricately crafted earrings and bangles. Maang tikkas, diamond necklace, chandbalis, and danglers are in demand and we see more focus on wearability and colourfulness. Gold remains a staple choice, but brides are showing interest in experimenting with colours, thus including precious gemstones such as rubies and emeralds in their jewellery ensembles that are witnessing strong demand,” he adds.
Coloured gemstones are also in high demand. “They offer vibrant ways for brides to express their individuality through colour. Lightweight designs are also ideal for long summer ceremonies; so mixing gemstone colours and pairing bold pieces with minimal accents is trending,” says Aditi Daga, co-founder of Angara, a global online jewellery brand now in India.
There is also a rise in interest for lab-grown diamonds. “We are witnessing a strong demand for LGD engagement rings among young couples. This year, we anticipate that summer weddings will be all about minimal, elegant lightweight jewellery pieces. Since Q4 is typically an event-heavy quarter, we’ve seen a significant uptick in solitaire, substantially higher than what we received in Q1 this year. In fact, our rings category has grown by an impressive 127% over the last quarter,” adds Resha Jain, chief brand officer of GIVA, a jewellery brand.
Eating light and right
Food is the hero of any wedding to leave a lasting impression, especially in summers when a celebration demands the season’s freshness and vibrancy, both in spirit and on the plate.
Hill wedding destinations may be climate-friendly and set against the serene mountain backdrop but the menus must be curated to offer locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that reflect summer bounty. For instance, ingredients found in Uttarakhand, such as amaranth leaves, kandali, barnyard millet, buckwheat, or red rice, offer light, cooling, and nutritious options—perfect for summer celebrations.
“Couples often request a balance of tradition and wellness. From millet-based herbal drinks and fusion-style tandoori dishes with global twists to handcrafted desserts using hill fruits like apricots, plums, and berries, they look for light yet flavourful, health-conscious choices that don’t compromise on taste or presentation. So we offer a wide selection of regional Indian cuisines—from Gujarat and Maharashtra to Bengal and Rajasthan—ensuring every plate tells a story,” says Pankaj Singh Panwar, executive chef, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, a luxury resort near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The property is hosting eight to 10 weddings this season with an overall spend of `1.5-2 crore per wedding.
While classic counters like ganne ke juice, shikanji, and kokum sharbat and fruit-based drinks, mojitos, and piña colada are most-loved, during daytime garden weddings, a berry counter—an assortment of berries along with condiments and dressings—is very much in.
To add a bit of fun and nostalgia—roller kulfi, chuski, cotton candy, and bhutte counter can instantly take people back to their childhood. Anuj Mathur, executive chef, Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR, who has been curating wedding menus for years, feels light yet flavourful menus bring a mix of traditional favourites and modern interpretations.
“When it comes to summer meals, we keep spices on the lighter side and incorporate a wide range of seasonal produce. This gives us the freedom to include global favourites across Mexican, British, Thai, Lebanese, and Asian cuisines, while still making room for regional Indian dishes that are a must for many families,” says Mathur. Traditional grains and millets in breakfast and bajre ki khichdi, millet upma, or multigrain halwa, along with live stations are always in demand, as per Mathur. “We love designing asparagus stations, fondue counters, mushroom counters, avocado stations, sushi, and dim sums,” he says.
The signature Aahana Harvest Lunch at the Aahana Resort in Jim Corbett brings organic produce from their farm and neighbouring growers. “We make fusion creations like sweet potato and millet burgers, hot off the grill, freshwater fish delicately infused with hand-plucked basil, and edible centrepieces featuring seasonal fruits, herbs and local salts. Live salad counters, slow-cooked meats steeped in forest spices, and refreshing iced teas round out the spread with rustic elegance. Tangy gol-gappas, kulfi, ganne ka ras, jaljeera shots are preferred in this season for its cooling nature and sustainability in summer months,” adds Manoj Kumar, executive chef, Aahana Resort.
Cucumber-mint coolers, watermelon-lime juice, aam panna shots, and hibiscus iced tea are signature delights while mango lassi infused with cardamom and nimbu pudina soda flow from tender coconut and mocktail stations. Tanuj Nayyar, executive assistant manager, Jaypee Residency Manor, Mussoorie, has seen a 60% increase in summer weddings from winters because it is a hill resort.
“Whether it is dahi ke kebabs, palak chaat, Amritsari fish or chilli garlic prawns, appetisers strike the ideal balance between indulgence and lightness. The mains feature paneer mango curry, kathal biryani, murg kesar malai, and prawns moilee. Normally lunches are laid inside the restaurant and dinner outside. We use ice baths and plan the menu without much protein content. In case of outdoor areas, mist fans and coverings on top are laid to avoid direct sunlight,” adds Nayyar.
