Indian weddings are far more than just a celebration of love -they are grand spectacles, cultural milestones, and, for many, powerful symbols of prestige. The bigger, the more lavish, the better. In India, weddings are not only personal milestones but also a reflection of one’s social status, with opulence and extravagance serving as visible markers of success. No stone is left unturned when it comes to expenses, whether it’s the glittering jewellery, the elaborate rituals, or the star-studded guest lists. For many families, spending on a wedding is not just a budget decision but a statement to the world about their place in society. As the wedding season draws near, it’s the perfect time to delve into the sustainability of Indian weddings – a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues to grow year after year.
The term “Big Fat Indian Wedding” has become synonymous with grandeur, and it’s easy to see why. Gone are the days when a simple ceremony would suffice; today, weddings have evolved into extravagant affairs that span several days, featuring multiple functions, lavish decorations, and elaborate feasts. The costs involved are astronomical, with a typical wedding in India today ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, or even more. In major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, wedding costs can easily exceed ₹1 crore. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), last year alone, 35 lakh weddings contributed a staggering ₹4.25 lakh crore to the economy.
India’s wedding industry has grown into one of the largest in the world, a recent Jefferies’ report estimates the industry’s worth at $130 billion (approximately ₹11 lakh crore), second only to food and groceries in terms of consumption. The average wedding bill in India now stands at ₹12 lakh -three times the average household earnings of ₹4 lakh -putting it far ahead of global wedding spending trends. To put this into perspective, the amount families often spend on weddings can sometimes surpass the cost of a child’s entire education, underscoring the immense cultural importance and financial value attached to these events. As the wedding season kicks off, an estimated 48 lakh weddings are expected to take place during this season, with Delhi alone accounting for around 10% of these celebrations. The festivities provide an opportunity for the retail sector to tap into business worth ₹5.9 lakh crore this season, making the Indian wedding industry a force to be reckoned with.
Taking loans to invest in assets that can generate long-term value or be monetised over time is often considered a smart financial decision, and many personal finance experts may even encourage it. However, a marriage – though a significant and memorable occasion – is an expense, not an investment. While it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for most, the desire to create an extravagant, picture-perfect wedding can put a severe strain on personal finances, sometimes for years. This financial burden can delay other life goals, such as buying a home, pursuing further education, or starting a family. According to the IndiaLends Wedding Spends Report 2.0, 26% of couples planning their weddings consider borrowing money to cover expenses, with 68% of those considering an amount in the range of ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This growing trend of wedding loans, while not new, has reached unprecedented levels. The desire to have a lavish celebration can lead to families taking on significant debt, often resulting in long-term financial repercussions.
No Indian wedding is complete without an elaborate food spread, and catering is often one of the largest expenses. Indian weddings are known for their multi-cuisine offerings, ranging from traditional Indian delicacies to international fare, all served in an extravagant fashion. Large-scale buffets, live cooking stations, dessert bars, and themed catering setups are common at high-end weddings, further driving up costs. The sheer number of guests -often running into the hundreds or even thousands -adds to the complexity and cost of the catering.
Given that food plays such a central role in the festivities, many families opt for the best in culinary experiences, hiring renowned chefs and catering companies to ensure a memorable gastronomic experience. The catering segment alone accounts for a substantial portion of the total wedding budget, often making up 15% to 20% of the overall expenses.
However, the scale of food served at weddings often leads to a concerning level of waste. A wedding with 500 guests typically generates between 500 to 700 kilos of food waste over just three days, enough to feed a small village. With hundreds of thousands of weddings happening during the season, this waste becomes astronomical. In a country where parts of the population still face hunger and food insecurity, the level of waste at these lavish events is both shocking and deeply troubling.
Furthermore, much of the waste generated is in the form of disposable plates, plastic cups, and PET bottles. These items often end up in landfills, with no proper segregation or recycling, exacerbating the environmental impact. One way to address this is by encouraging the culture of RSVPing for events. This simple practice allows organisers to better estimate the number of attendees and, consequently, better manage food requirements to avoid over preparation.
Indian weddings are a vibrant expression of cultural heritage and joy; however the associated wastefulness, particularly in terms of food, and the ill practice of taking loans for extravagant celebrations, call for urgent attention. The pressure to host lavish events often leads families into debt, with many borrowing large sums to maintain social status and meet societal expectations. This financial burden can have long-term consequences, putting families under significant stress. Moreover, the scale of these events, with lavish feasts, extensive guest lists, and an abundance of food, results in vast amounts of uneaten, discarded food. By embracing mindful consumption, better planning, and sustainable practices, these celebrations can be made more eco-friendly and socially responsible. With growing awareness and conscious efforts, there is hope that future weddings can retain their cultural richness without compromising the planet, or the people who need it most.
