85% Of Respondents In India Plan A Destination Wedding: Skyscanner Report

Goa tops the spots for Indian couples looking for a sun-soaked wedding celebration, followed by Dubai for its glitz.

Skyscraper has revealed its latest survey titled "Destination 'I Do,' showing a solid desire for destination weddings among Indians, with 85% of them either planning or having already had a destination wedding. GenZ is leading the change, with 49% considering tying the knot at a beautiful wedding destination compared to 33% of Millennials. This younger generation is drawn to the adventure and distinctiveness of such celebrations—the influence of opulent weddings on exaggerated high-profile celebrations is undeniable. Data from the survey reveals that 66% of respondents in India are totally on board with hosting their own extravagant pre-wedding galore. If Indian couples were to indulge in their first celebrations, 33% would rock their crew. Meanwhile, 29% envision an Italian-style soiree, and 26% would rock out at gigs with their squad for the ultimate pre-wedding celebration! Indian couples are leaving no stone unturned in making memorable pre-wedding experiences.

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi Skyscanner, a Travel Trends and Destination Expert, said: "Destination weddings are sweeping Indian couples off their feet, turning travel dreams into spectacular celebrations! Recent high-profile weddings have inspired more Indians to mark their milestones with memorable celebrations such as destination weddings. Our research found that couples prioritise unique experiences and are willing to invest more to create celebrations that truly reflect their aspirations. But it is not just about splurging; they thoughtfully plan every detail and balance grand gestures with savvy choices."

Explaining the ideal 'I Do' Destination for Indian couples 

Asia was the top choice for a destination wedding among Indians- 48% of respondents in India are eyeing Asia for their destination wedding, drawn to the allure of places like Thailand, Japan, and the Maldives. Not only do these locales promise breathtaking backdrops, but they are also closer to home and easier on the wallet. On the other hand, they are captured by Europe's romantic charm, with conspiring destinations like the UK, Spain, France, and Italy.

Top Places for Indian Couples—When planning the perfect destination wedding, some of the top places respondents are drawn to include Goa, Dubai, Bali, and Bangkok. With its sun-kissed beaches and lively vibe, Goa offers the perfect mix of chill and thrill for wedding celebrations. Dubai brings the bling with its ultra-glamorous skyline and opulent venues, ideal for couples looking to say 'I Do' in style. Bali and Bangkok are all about those dreamy tropical vibes and rich cultural backdrops that allow couples to tie the knot in paradise while soaking up the local charm.

Bleach Bliss, Royal Palaces or Scenic Mountains?- Regarding the nature of dream destination weddings, 26% of respondents in India envision aromantic beach celebrations with sunsets and sand. In comparison, 20% are usually drawn to the luxury of a royal palace affair like in Jaipur or Udaipur. Others envision a soulful, personalised celebration in scenic spots like Tuscany, lake Como, or Mussoorie. The same percentage crave a lavish, glamorous event in cheerful cities like Dubai, New York, or Bahrain. 19% of respondents are also drawn to a picturesque mountain backdrop, imagining a proposal against the stunning views in spots like Mussoorie, Munnar or Switzerland.

Couples in India go out on their destination weddings but remain savvy.

Splurging on wedding dreams—Indians are all set to splurge. With destination weddings becoming increasingly popular, nearly half of couples in India are willing to boost their budgets by up to 50% for the extra adventure and make their celebration genuinely unforgettable, proving that a destination wedding is worth every extra penny for many.

According to insights from WeddingWire India, a leading wedding technology platform in India that connects engaged couples with local wedding professionals, 56% of couples value the type or style of the venue when looking for their wedding destination. As a result, top-tier destinations like Udaipur, Goa, and Dehradun have become increasingly popular, providing couples with the perfect mix of bespoke services and beautiful settings.

Hidden gems- The answer to overbooked hotspots- To void the chaos of overbooked hotspots or paying for overpriced locations, Indian respondents are up for breaking away from the ordinary and choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations. An impressive 83% of respondents in India will swap the usual wedding hotspots of Shimla or Goa for hidden gems like Gokarna or Kalimpong, proving that love knows no bounds and neither do their destination dreams! One way to explore these hidden treasures is by using the Everywhere search feature on Skyscanner, which ranks destinations based on your origin city and price, making it easier than ever to find a suitable spot for a distinctive and memorable experience.

Wedding Wire India also reveals that lesser-known destinations like Mahabalipuram in Chennai and Kukas village in Jaipur, Rajasthan, are becoming increasingly popular for their unique charm and intimate settings, offering couples the chance to create truly one-of-a-kind celebrations.

Planning for the perfect celebration- Indians meticulously plan their travel and destination weddings! A prominent 62% start organising their destination weddings up to 12 months in advance, ensuring every detail is perfect. While 40% of respondents in India rely on wedding planners for expert guidance, proving that pros are still the go-to for planning a dream destination wedding, 36% trust suggestions from friends and family for that personal touch.

To further assist Indian couples in their quest for the perfect big day, Mohit Joshi suggests using tools like Savvy Search-Skyscanners, a generative Al travel planning tool available on the Skyscanner app. He shares, "Savvy Search makes finding your dream wedding destination a breeze! Tell it what kind of celebration you dream of, and it will pop up with up to three fantastic location ideas. It's like having a personal wedding planner right at your fingertips!"

Commenting on the growing trend of destination weddings, Anam Zubair, Director of Consumer Marketing WeddinWire India, shared, "The concept of planning a destination wedding in India is growing in popularity, with nearly a 13% increase year over year in the number of couples who are opting for destination weddings. As per WeddingWire India's recent consumer survey, 50% of the respondents are looking for wedding planning information, advice, and tools from wedding technology websites and blogs like WeddingWire. Our website offers over 73k+ venues, vendors, and free planning tools and blogs, ensuring our couples have an easy and stress-free wedding planning experience."

Planning a destination wedding is not all about just picking the perfect spot. Mohit adds, "It is also essential to balance this dream with the reality of costs as our survey shows that for 41% of respondents in India, prioritising cost when picking destination wedding venues is key. The good news is you do not need to break the bank to make that dream come true. Just a little flexibility and the right tools can turn your dream destination wedding into a fabulous and budget-savvy reality. With Skyscanners Whole Month feature, couples and guests can find the cheapest day to fly with just a few clicks. Sometimes, a flight is a day of the month with just a few clicks. Sometimes, a flight a day or two earlier could save you big bucks. We aim to help couples plan their destination weddings confidently and effortlessly without breaking the bank."

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