Wedding season rekindles singles’ faith in love

To anyone watching her, Alisha appears completely at ease at weddings. At 28, the Varanasi-based media professional enjoys dressing up, greeting relatives, and cheering enthusiastically as the couple takes their vows. Yet somewhere between the pheras and the post-dinner photos, a quieter thought often surfaces. “Weddings remind me that having someone by your side isn’t such a bad thing,” she says softly. “They make me rethink the idea of settling down one day.”

For many singles like Alisha, the shaadi season brings joy, nostalgia, and a gentle push to reflect on their own love lives. The celebrations, filled with togetherness, often stir personal questions too.

Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and president of the dating app happn, says this emotional mix is natural. “Singles today aren’t just looking for ‘the one’; they’re seeking relationships that reflect their values, pace, and ideologies.” A recent survey supports this: Gen Z feels more hopeful about love after attending weddings, while millennials take a slower, more thoughtful approach.

Weddings stir fresh hope

When asked if weddings bring her hope or anxiety, Alisha is candid. “There is a bit of pressure, of course, but I still feel hopeful,” she says. “I’m trying to stay positive about getting married when I’m ready and when the time feels right.”

In Mumbai, Vasundhara Katkar admits she experiences a different sort of restlessness. “Wedding season often makes me want to leave the apps altogether and meet someone organically, or even through an arranged match,” she says. “It brings out a more traditional side of me. On dating apps, it’s hard to find people with genuine intentions.”

Yet, much like Alisha, she finds herself oddly uplifted by the festive atmosphere. “There’s a sense of hopefulness — not just for me, but for everyone. Seeing families come together brings a kind of fresh energy, and it makes me feel more optimistic.”

Shaadi season sparks a jump in swipes, matches, and long chats

This emotional mix shows up on dating apps every year, and founders say the spike is unmistakable.

“Since the beginning of November, activity has gone up almost threefold,” says Ravi Mittal, founder of QuackQuack. “We’re seeing 13% more matches and much longer conversations. Users mention feeling the pressure, yet even those eager to find a partner are slowing down to talk, understand one another, and commit. Five years ago, this process felt rushed, but today’s daters prefer meaningful connections despite family or societal nudges.”

At Aisle, spokesperson Chandni Gaglani has noticed the same shift. “Between mid-November and early January, we see sign-ups rise by 12–15%, but the real story is in how people engage,” she says. “Conversations run deeper, profiles are more thoughtfully crafted, and users spend more time evaluating compatibility rather than staying passive.”

Smart swiping this shaadi seasonFor anyone feeling overwhelmed during the busy wedding season, Mittal shares some gentle advice. He says, “Don’t rush. Real, healthy connections take time. Focus on conversations that go deeper than the basics.” He also cautions against matching with the first person who appears, reminding singles that “every love story has its own timeline.”

Weddings without a plus-one?

- 31% still feel awkward attending weddings solo

- 51% of singles feel more open to finding a partner during the wedding season in India

- 29% admit to feeling lonely, showing that the season of love brings out a wide range of emotions

- 40% of singles say that “Why are you still single?” is the most dreaded question relatives and family members ask at celebrations

(as per a dating app survey)

Managing emotions during weddings

Weddings can stir joy, nostalgia, loneliness or pressure — and sometimes all at once. Arouba Kabir, consulting psychologist and relationship expert at Aisle, says it’s important to honour whatever comes up. “Acknowledge any discomfort and remind yourself you’re there to celebrate someone else’s milestone, not assess your own timeline,” she explains. “Everyone’s life moves at a different pace, and being single is not a failure. At the event, stay close to familiar faces, take brief breaks if you feel overwhelmed, and avoid comparisons.”

For Alisha and Vasundhara, this perspective helps ease the weight of expectations.

"Singles should try virtual dates and spend at least a few weeks talking online before meeting in person. Wedding seasons will come and go — the right partner won’t. Even if it takes two more wedding seasons to find your match, it’s absolutely fine." — Ravi Mittal, dating app founder

"When you’re single, everyone suddenly feels entitled to your life story. That pressure can make you doubt yourself. But being single isn’t a problem; it’s simply a phase of life with its own lessons, freedom, and growth. You’re not ‘behind’. You’re not ‘missing something’. You’re living at your own pace." - Arouba Kabir, a relationship expert