Italy has always been close to my heart. Its timeless beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a dream destination for so many, and for Indian weddings, it’s truly a match made in heaven.
So when I was invited to speak at the Tourism Management Board in Bari, Puglia, it was an absolute honour. Being recognised as an expert in Indian weddings and given the platform to share insights on how Italy—particularly Puglia—can benefit from this ever-growing market was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Picture credit: PR Media
A Destination Made for Big, Fat Indian Weddings
Puglia, with its breathtaking coastline, stunning resorts, and sprawling estates, is an undiscovered gem for Indian weddings. Unlike some of Italy’s more commercialised wedding destinations, Puglia offers seclusion, authenticity, and space — three things that are essential for the grandeur of an Indian wedding.
I had the privilege of exploring some of the region’s most spectacular venues, from luxury resorts with private beaches and infinity pools to historic villas surrounded by olive groves. What stood out to me was the versatility of these venues. Whether a couple envisions a traditional palace-style wedding, a modern beachfront affair, or a countryside celebration under the stars, Puglia offers it all. And with its fantastic weather almost all year round, there is little risk of the rain dampening the celebrations — something that is always a concern in other European destinations.
Sharing My Expertise on Indian Weddings
Speaking at the Tourism Management Board was a fantastic experience. I was able to highlight why Indian weddings are such a lucrative market and how destinations like Puglia can position themselves to attract high-end clients. Indian weddings are not just about the wedding day — they are multi-day extravaganzas filled with rituals, traditions, music, dance, and feasting, often involving 300–1000 guests traveling from all over the world. This means incredible opportunities for hoteliers, venues, caterers, decorators, and the entire local economy.
One of the key messages I wanted to deliver was that Italy, and specifically Puglia, already has everything needed to host an Indian wedding — it just needs to be marketed the right way.
The region’s hospitality industry has to start understanding the specific needs of Indian weddings, from ensuring ample event spaces and vegetarian catering options to being flexible with fire ceremonies and multiple-day celebrations.
Picture credit: PR Media
Exciting Announcement: Launching My Indian Wedding Workshop
This visit to Puglia wasn’t just about speaking at the Tourism Board; it was also the perfect place to introduce my upcoming workshop for hoteliers and event professionals. Having successfully delivered Indian weddings across Europe and beyond, I know that many venues and suppliers are keen to tap into this market but don’t always know where to start.
Through my Indian Wedding Workshop, I’ll be providing a deep dive into what makes an Indian wedding successful, how hotels can adapt their services, what facilities are essential, and how they can promote themselves as the ideal wedding venue for Indian couples. Italy is already a dream wedding destination — it’s just about making it wedding-ready for Indian families.
Looking Ahead
My time in Puglia was short but incredibly rewarding. I left feeling inspired, knowing that this stunning region has so much potential to become a top choice for Indian weddings. I am excited about the collaborations that may come from this visit and even more excited about returning to train and guide hotels on how to welcome this booming wedding market.
Italy has always been known for its romance, elegance, and charm, and Puglia is no exception. With its world-class hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and now, a growing interest in Indian weddings, I have no doubt that we’ll soon see more and more couples choosing this incredible destination for their once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.
Until next time, arrivederci Puglia!
For more information on destination wedding planning, contact Priti Raichura, Multi-Award winning, Luxury Wedding Planner at: https://www.pritiraichura.com/
