After years of scaled-back celebrations, grand weddings are making a triumphant return. Couples who postponed their nuptials during the pandemic are now going all out, embracing opulent venues, celebrity-style performances, and over-the-top décor. This resurgence reflects a renewed appreciation for communal joy and the desire to make up for lost time.
Luxury wedding planners report a surge in demand for extravagant affairs, with budgets often exceeding $100,000. One notable example is a recent wedding in Dubai, where the couple transformed a desert into a floral paradise with thousands of roses, a custom-built glass ballroom, and a performance by a Grammy-winning artist. The groom, a tech entrepreneur, stated, “We waited three years for this moment. We wanted it to be unforgettable.”
Destination weddings are also rebounding, with popular locations like Italy, Greece, and Mexico seeing record bookings. Couples are opting for week-long celebrations that include pre-wedding yacht parties, private museum tours, and gourmet cooking classes for guests. A bride in Santorini hosted a “welcome sunset cruise” followed by a rehearsal dinner in a cliffside cave. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were on vacation, not just attending a wedding,” she explained.
Another trend within grand weddings is the incorporation of immersive entertainment. Instead of traditional DJs, couples are hiring Broadway performers, acrobats, and even fireworks synchronized to live orchestras. At a recent wedding in Las Vegas, the reception featured a Cirque du Soleil-style aerial act suspended above the dance floor. Others have brought in celebrity chefs for exclusive tasting menus or hired actors to perform personalized skits about the couple’s love story.
Social media has amplified the grandeur, with couples striving to create “Instagrammable” moments. Elaborate entrance reveals, such as descending from the ceiling on a swing or arriving in a vintage car surrounded by doves, are becoming commonplace. One bride made headlines when she changed into four different couture gowns throughout the evening, each reveal more dramatic than the last.
However, critics argue that the pressure to host a “perfect” wedding can lead to excessive stress and financial strain. Some couples take out loans or delay other life goals to fund their dream day. Wedding therapists—a growing niche—help couples navigate the emotional toll of planning a large-scale event while maintaining a healthy relationship.
Despite the debates, the revival of grand weddings underscores a universal truth: people crave celebration and connection. Whether through intimate gatherings or lavish spectacles, weddings remain a powerful expression of love and joy. As the industry evolves, one thing is certain—the ways we celebrate marriage will continue to inspire, innovate, and captivate.
