It seems that the trend of overseas weddings is here to stay. A recent survey by Onepoll on behalf of Skyscanner found that a remarkable 85 percent of Indian respondents are planning or have already planned an overseas wedding. The survey, conducted in July 2024, included 2,000 respondents from across India.

Influenced by lavish events like the Ambani wedding celebrations, millennials and Gen Z are increasingly drawn to the unique and adventurous experiences that destination weddings offer, the Destination ‘I Do’ survey shows. While 33 percent of millennials are considering international or domestic destinations, Gen Z respondents show an even stronger preference for destination weddings, with 49 percent planning to get married outside their hometown.

Destination Wedding Trends: The desire for unique experiences

The survey found that Asia is the first choice for 48 percent of respondents, especially destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand and Japan. However, 31 percent of couples are drawn to European destinations such as Italy, Spain, the UK and France. Goa, Bangkok, Dubai and Bali are popular with Indian couples looking for a mix of luxury and culture.

When it comes to scenic destinations, 19 percent of survey respondents showed a preference for Tuscany, Lake Como or Mussoorie, while another 19 percent considered glamorous destinations such as New York, Dubai or Bahrain. In addition, 26 percent of respondents said they would prefer a romantic beach wedding, while another 20 percent would prefer wedding destinations with royal palaces and a touch of opulence such as Udaipur and Jaipur.

Weddings abroad offer unique experiences, but for many couples, cost is a major factor. The survey found that 45 percent of respondents are willing to increase their wedding budget by up to 50 percent for an unforgettable celebration abroad, while 83 percent of couples are willing to explore lesser-known destinations like Kalimpong and Gokarna to save costs and avoid crowds. The survey also found that 62 percent of respondents plan their wedding abroad at least 12 months in advance.

Mohit Joshi, travel trends and destination expert at Skyscanner, highlights the growing trend of destination weddings in India, noting that couples are prioritising once-in-a-lifetime experiences and are willing to invest in creating unforgettable celebrations.

“Recent spectacular weddings have inspired more Indians to celebrate their wedding milestones with unforgettable celebrations like weddings abroad… But it’s not just about spending money – couples are carefully planning every detail and balancing grand gestures with smart choices.” However, it’s important to balance these ambitions with budget constraints. “Our survey shows that for 41 percent of respondents in India, cost is the most important factor when choosing a wedding abroad venue,” adds Joshi.

Planning to get married soon? Read our story about 10 enchanting wedding destinations for your big day.

(Image credit: Nishant Jha/Shutterstock)

Related: Why cruise weddings are the next big trend

Note:
The information in this article is correct as of the date of publication.

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