This shaadi season GST cuts rewrite Indian wedding bill---cheaper venues, costlier sparkle

What is more expensive?

Premium garments and luxury items have become more expensive, with high-end clothing attracting 18 percent GST, now falling under a 40 percent tax slab, Nikhil Mahajan, Director at Kestone Utsav, a luxury weddings and social events company, told Moneycontrol.

Indian weddings are all about premium outfits which rarely cost less than Rs 2,500, making most ensembles fall under the higher tax slab.

What is getting cheaper?

Wedding venues and banquet services have become more affordable with GST reduced from 28 percent to 18 percent.

"Couples can save roughly 10 percent on venue and banquet services. This can make a notable difference, especially for premium venues whose costs can run into several lakhs, allowing couples to allocate savings to other experiences or enhancements for their wedding," Mahajan said.

Venues and banqueting facilities are seeing a rise in the number of enquiries due to the GST cuts, TailorMade Experiences' Shashank Gupta said.

Mahajan also pointed out that beauty and wellness services, including salons, spas, gyms, and health clubs, now attract 5 percent GST, instead of 18 percent. Budget clothing, priced up to Rs 2,500, is now taxed at 5 percent, encouraging greater consumer spending, he said.

While hotel rooms get cheaper with rooms costing up to Rs 7,500 now attracting 5 percent GST, instead of 12 percent, Gupta said these types of rooms are not the ones that are booked for weddings.

"For most of the wedding bill, things have gotten expensive. Venues and caterers are trying to see how they can pass on some benefit, if at all. Families have started asking venue owners and  decorators to reduce their fees, since they are shelling out more for things like apparels," he added.

What venues are Indians opting for?

Couples are spending across a wide range of venues, from boutique and heritage hotels in India to international locations such as private islands in Thailand, estates in Bali, the Amalfi Coast, and villas in Tuscany, Mahajan said. "In India, luxury hotels overlooking lakes in Udaipur remain popular for their royal ambience and cinematic appeal."

How much are Indians spending this wedding season?

Wedding budgets this year are generally higher, reflecting a growing focus on tailored experiences, curated details, and destination arrangements, Mahajan said. According to him, the average wedding budget ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore, depending on scale and destination, about 10–15 percent higher, compared to last year.

He added that venue budgets are ranging from Rs 20 lakh to over Rs 8 crore, slightly higher than last year.

On the other hand, FNP (Formerly Ferns N Petals) is seeing Indians spending less than last year, with budgets ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 30 lakh.

Are destination weddings still a rage?

Destination weddings continue to be highly popular among Indian couples, Mahajan said.

Internationally, preferred locations include private islands in Thailand, lush estates in Bali, the Amalfi Coast and elegant villas in Tuscany, both in Italy, that combine exclusivity with scenic beauty, he added.

Within India, couples are drawn to Udaipur’s lakeside palaces, the royal forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur, the beaches of Goa, the coffee estates of Coorg, the backwaters of Kerala, and the hill stations of Mussoorie and Shimla. "These venues offer heritage, natural charm, and logistical ease while maintaining the grandeur of a destination celebration," Mahajan added.

Budgets for destination weddings range from Rs 50 lakh and can go beyond Rs 1.5 crore.

Gupta noted that a lot of families are going for the hybrid model, which is destination wedding and a city reception to ensure all their extensive guest list is invited and are a part of the celebrations. "Planners like us are doing single projects spread across cities."

What are the wedding themes this year?

Interactive culinary experiences, such as live cooking stations, global tasting counters, and mixology workshops are increasingly getting popular, Mahajan said.

"Offbeat concepts, like silent discos, pop-up bars and live art performances are gaining popularity. Also, 3D mapping, sound-light shows, and immersive designs enhance celebrations, creating weddings that are both memorable and deeply reflective of the couple’s personality and journey," he added. White or minimalistic and tech-inspired themes are trending this wedding season, Gupta said.