The New Luxury: How Dream Destination Weddings Are Becoming More Affordable

Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 07:14 IST

As the wedding industry evolves, the definition of luxury is clearly being rewritten and grandeur no longer needs to come with a lavish price tag

From ornate palaces in Rajasthan to sun-drenched shores in Sri Lanka, the world of destination weddings has expanded beyond fairy-tale opulence to embrace a new kind of luxury—one that’s defined by personalization, intimacy, and thoughtful planning. With couples becoming more conscious of both budget and meaning, today’s luxury wedding is less about excess and more about experience. And according to some of the top names in India’s wedding planning industry, you don’t have to spend extravagantly to create a celebration that feels truly elite.

“A luxury wedding isn’t always about spending more,  it’s about spending smart,” says Prachi Tandon, Co-Founder and Director, Copper Events. “Today, couples are prioritising curated experiences, intimate guest lists, and authentic settings that reflect their story. India has some of the most stunning destinations in the world — from palatial Rajasthan to the serene beaches of Kerala — it’s possible to ‘wed in India’ with grandeur and soul, without going overboard on the budget. The key lies in personalisation, not excess.”

The shift is palpable. From Delhi to Doha, wedding planners are seeing a surge in demand for smaller but highly curated destination weddings—especially in offbeat or underexplored locales.

Prateek Tandon, Co-Founder and Director, Copper Events, adds, “India has become the world’s most exciting wedding playground spanning royal palaces, urban terraces, and seaside retreats—all at prices that don’t break the bank.”

He suggests that couples and planners can maximise their budget by considering Tier II and III destinations, booking during off-peak seasons, and tapping into local networks. “Partnering with local artisans and eco-friendly vendors adds unforgettable, one-of-a-kind touches,” he explains. “And with new state incentives under ‘Wed in India’ packages, there’s a massive opportunity to attract both domestic and international families to this booming, affordable-luxury market.”

Indeed, the modern couple is more interested in experiences than spectacles. Visual storytelling, cultural connection, and meaningful design choices have become the hallmarks of modern wedding luxury. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Anjali Tolani, Vice President, Celebrations at Tamarind Global, believes that a luxe wedding is less about splurging and more about strategy. “It all comes down to making wise decisions, such as picking off-season dates, searching for hidden treasures that provide five-star services at reduced rates and concentrating on small things that express the couple’s individuality,” she says.

Her team has pulled off destination weddings in locations like Georgia and Sri Lanka, where natural landscapes replace the need for elaborate décor. “Unless one needs to create a unique design, not bringing on a décor designer but recreating designs already available with a décor vendor also results in substantial savings,” she adds. “The secret is to combine strategic planning with imagination and flair.”

That flair is something Dheera Likhri, Founder and CEO, Parinaya Sutra, champions passionately. “At Parinaya Sutra, we believe that every couple deserves to experience the magic of a luxury destination wedding, regardless of their budget,” she says.

For her, true opulence lies in “thoughtful details, personalized experiences, and creating unforgettable memories in breathtaking settings.” Leveraging strong vendor networks and creative planning, her team crafts weddings that are not only stunning but also financially sensible. “Our mission is to prove that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. With Parinaya Sutra, your dream destination wedding is not just a possibility—it’s a promise.”

As the wedding industry evolves, the definition of luxury is clearly being rewritten. It’s no longer about how much you can spend—it’s about how much heart you can infuse into every moment. And with the right planners, the perfect setting, and a thoughtful approach, your dream wedding doesn’t have to be a financial fantasy. It can be a beautifully lived reality.

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