There’s a certain kind of magic about Budapest — a city where regal architecture meets contemporary luxury, and every street corner whispers stories from centuries past. But on my most recent visit, it wasn’t just the city’s old-world charm or grand cafés that stole the show. It was the undeniable buzz surrounding one of the world’s most spectacular cultural traditions: the Indian wedding.
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Globally, the Indian wedding industry is a force to be reckoned with, valued at an estimated $130 billion. And it’s no longer confined to India. Lavish, multi-day celebrations have found homes in Dubai, Lake Como, the French Riviera — and now, Budapest is firmly making its mark.
A Capital Inspired by Celebration
The catalyst for this growing interest? The recent pre-wedding celebrations of the Ambani family — India’s wealthiest dynasty — whose headline-making festivities have crisscrossed the globe. Among their chosen destinations: none other than Budapest. The city’s grand hotels, historic venues, and romantic riverside terraces played host to a series of opulent events, dazzling both the local hospitality industry and the international media.
The aftershocks of such a high-profile celebration were immediate. Luxury hotels and vendors in Budapest were eager to step into this glittering world — only to realise the complexity, nuance, and cultural depth required to deliver Indian weddings at this scale. And that’s exactly where my latest project comes in.
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Bringing the Art of Indian Weddings to Budapest
This autumn, in partnership with HotelPremio Group, I’ll be launching The Art of Indian Weddings — a bespoke training programme designed for European hoteliers, event planners, and suppliers eager to master the intricacies of creating unforgettable Indian weddings.
We officially introduced the concept during a press launch at the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest — a venue fresh from hosting the Ambani family’s pre-wedding events. The interest from the city’s lifestyle press, wedding magazines, and TV broadcasters was instant and enthusiastic. Journalists were eager to know more about the customs, cuisine, rituals, and entertainment that make these weddings so extraordinary.
To bring it to life, we staged a styled photoshoot, with one of our models dressed in rich Indian party attire, set against the venue’s ornate ceilings and opulent interiors. It was a vivid reminder of how these magnificent European spaces can be effortlessly transformed into bold, beautiful Indian wedding backdrops.
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An Open Door to a Booming Market
During my visit, I also spent time at a soon-to-be-revealed luxury hotel, where we enjoyed a glamorous rooftop soirée. Toasting with champagne against the city skyline, I couldn’t help but imagine how perfectly that terrace would host a mehndi party or sunset sangeet.
Adding to the experience, we were also hosted by River Ride, Budapest’s famous floating bus company. Their unique land-and-water tour offered a different, playful perspective of this beautiful city — and I couldn’t help but think how much Indian wedding guests would absolutely love this kind of lighthearted, scenic experience as part of a multi-day celebration.
And the best part? This initiative won’t stop in Budapest. Together with HotelPremio Group, we plan to take this workshop across Europe — from Vienna and Porto to Venice and beyond.
Because what many don’t realise is that Indian weddings aren’t just weddings; they’re multi-day festivals of love, culture, and colour. A tapestry of rituals, feasts, music, dance, and community. And for luxury hotels and planners willing to learn, it’s one of the most rewarding — and lucrative — opportunities in the global events industry.
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Join the Journey
Whether you’re a hotelier, planner, florist, caterer, or simply curious about this extraordinary tradition, consider this your invitation to step into a world of grandeur, celebration, and unforgettable memories.
For more details on upcoming workshops or collaborations, get in touch. Budapest is only the beginning.
For more information on destination wedding planning, contact Priti Raichura, Multi-Award winning, Luxury Wedding Planner.
www.pritiraichura.com
