10,000 per plate! Weddings are dishing out big business

Ahmedabad: The city's catering and event management industry is experiencing a significant upturn as the wedding season reaches its peak. Industry experts report significant growth in both demand and spending patterns. Caterers are witnessing a marked shift in food preferences, with clients increasingly requesting fusion cuisine, international dishes and regional Indian specialties. Premium dishes ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 are in high demand, while luxury weddings are setting aside budgets of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per dish. The average catering cost has increased by 10% from last year and the competition is fierce. The event management industry is experiencing a boost as families are not only increasing their budgets for various wedding-related functions but also extending the duration of wedding celebrations across multiple days. Narendra Somani, president of the Gujarat Hotels and Restaurants Association, said, "Weddings are becoming more and more attractive, and food has always been an integral part of a luxury wedding. Along with international cuisines, there is also a growing demand for regional Indian specialties, with families requesting authentic dishes from various states." According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), approximately 4.8 million weddings are expected to take place this season, generating an estimated business revenue of Rs 6 lakh crore. Caterers said even food presentation has seen a shift. "Modern weddings now have carefully curated combinations served on smaller plates to enhance the dining experience. Hosts are ready to spend extra to ensure their guests can sample various culinary offerings," said a leading caterer. According to Somani, the per dish cost has increased by around 10% this year due to inflation. "At most party-plot weddings in the city, the average cost per dish stands at around Rs 1,500, with most customers opting for dishes in the Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 range. High-end weddings hosted by affluent families command even higher prices, with costs per dish ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000."Rajeev Chhajer, founder member of the Event Management Federation, said, "We're seeing a huge increase in both the number of weddings and their duration. Traditional rituals have regained their importance, similar to what we saw decades ago. Modern weddings often feature specific themes, and even traditional elements like the varghoda (wedding procession) now incorporate multiple dance zones for different music. Event management companies handle over half of all weddings. Families are opting for specialized services, separately hiring vendors for hospitality, logistics, catering, entertainment and decor."