Anupam Mittal, co-founder of Shaadi.com and a keen observer of wedding trends, nails the shift: Today’s couples aren’t just choosing life partners, they’re actively choosing to manage—and share—the budget.
Once, “Papa se baat karo” was the norm—ask dad for permission, funding, and all the big ticket wedding decisions. Now, Gen Z and Millennials are clearly saying, “Let’s split the cost.”
Check out his post as shared on Linkedin:
“We’ll Pay Our Own Way”—The Rise of Financially Independent Weddings
Anupam Mittal’s viral post sums it up: Over 70% of young Indians surveyed now want to fund their own weddings. No more sliding mamma the mandap bill or worrying about passing dad the hotel invoice. As Mittal puts it, “We love each other. We can cover this.” For many, it’s a matter of principle. Couples want to kick off married life free from emotional or financial debt—“Let’s not start this marriage in emotional or financial debt” isn’t just a slogan, it reflects growing sentiment nationwide.
Surveys back up the trend with hard numbers. A recent post-pandemic poll of over 2,100 Indians aged 21–35 found 70% opting for self-funded celebrations, while 68% prioritized being financially prepared before tying the knot. The glitzy, overcrowded spectacle is waning: 53% now pick micro-weddings with under 100 guests. Only 16% still crave 250+ guest galas.
Rituals Kept—Pressure Skipped
Anupam Mittal points out, “The new flex isn’t a 500-person wedding. It’s knowing exactly who’s paying for what and why.” Couples today want the rituals—but without the family pressure. Many Mumbai and Delhi couples say they’re covering 80% or more of costs, not to pinch pennies but because starting life together on independent financial footing “just feels right.” They’re taking charge, from booking venues to planning the guest list; both partners equally pulling weight, both in emotion—and in the expense ledger.
Wedding Loans and Smarter Money Moves
Fintech has jumped in, replacing the old bank-borrowing shuffle. According to online lending platforms, 57% of youth prefer quick wedding loans from digital lenders rather than tradition-bound banks. Borrowing amounts are practical, not extravagant: 54% opt for ₹1–5 lakh, about 40% feel comfortable with ₹10 lakh, while 35% spend in the ₹5–10 lakh bracket. The underlying mood isn’t about lavish spending—it’s about thoughtful choices, clear budgets, and transparent planning.
From Weddings to “Fake Weddings”—A Social Entertainment Trend
India’s wedding scene gets even more creative. Gen Z is now hosting “fake weddings”—no bride or groom, just the party, music, food and décor. These events, with ticket prices up to ₹10,000 per head, are booming in Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. For many, it’s not just about marking relationship milestones but also using wedding culture as a canvas for social experiments and urban entertainment.
As Mittal puts it, these couples are saying “I do” to love and “We got this” to logistics. The new Indian wedding flex is thoughtful—meaningful rituals, shared budgets, and a sense of responsibility. It’s less about crowd size, more about values and partnership.
