With so much talk about the general economic slowdown around the globe, is it any wonder that the traditionally depression-proof wedding market may be experiencing the urge to cut down on the show-boating as well?
The idea of having an intimate wedding ceremony with a smaller guest list in an exotic locale has gained ground, aided by the rise of wedding planners and travel companies that promise a bijou experience customised to the client’s budget.
Even though ‘affordable’ destination weddings may seem like an oxymoron, many families are using relaxed visa rules and cheap group travel options to host smaller nuptial ceremonies away from home.
A recent report by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Majestic Market Research Support Services (MRSS), India says that the Indian destination wedding tourism sector is set to grow up to ₹45,000 crore by the end of 2020. At present, they account for ₹23,438 crore out of the overall Indian wedding market of ₹110,000 crore.
Countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey have begun catering to couples who are looking to host a pocket-friendly wedding in a foreign country, but with enough of the ‘bling factor’ to make it memorable.
“Weddings are becoming larger-than-life events and we are seeing a huge increase in destination weddings. Azerbaijan has an amazing landscape which provides the perfect backdrop for any celebration and it also boasts a diverse climate. Thanks to our easy visa policy of three working days (and visa on arrival for a majority), travelling to the capital Baku is completely hassle-free,” says Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, in a press statement.
A single-entry visa (valid for 30 days), costs US$59 (approximately ₹4,200), while the same for 10 or more people is priced at US$45 (approximately ₹3,200).
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is offering an ‘enchanted wedding experience’ on its Bosphorus, Istanbul property in Turkey. The Shangri-La Bosphorus package includes a business-class flight for the couple to Paris, where they will enjoy a two-day stay with a wedding menu curated by Michelin-star Executive Chef Christophe Moret, who will then travel to Istanbul to recreate the dishes for the special day. While wedding package rates are only available on request, the hotel’s deluxe double room tariff starts at ₹23,447 per night.
