MAM
48 per cent urban couples influenced by cost-affordability for destination weddings: Betterhalf survey
Mumbai: Indian weddings are renowned for their elaborate ceremonies, exquisite decor, picturesque venues, and culinary creations. All of these have contributed to making the Indian wedding market the second-largest in the world. In fact, weddings in India have truly evolved as brides and grooms today are more than ready to have their dream destination weddings instead of fitting them into the little traditional box.
Given the burgeoning trend of destination weddings, Betterhalf- India’s leading matrimony super-app and premier tech-enabled end-to-end wedding planning company recently conducted a survey to unveil a new perspective on Indian destination weddings, breaking them away from the connotations of being exorbitant affairs. With more than 47 per cent of eligible bachelors and to-be-wed couples opting for destination weddings, Betterhalf’s survey also debunks the myths associated with the trend.
The majority of around 48 per cent of urban professionals preferring to have a destination wedding are significantly influenced by the affordable cost associated with them. This majority underpins that destination weddings have departed from being costly celebrations to becoming more customizable as per the couple’s wedding budget. In addition, 25 per cent of urban professionals value location while 23 per cent consider experience as the key influential factor to choose a destination wedding.
“Destination weddings have evolved so much over the years, that they have emerged as the most favorable wedding option for India’s diverse populace. That being said, destination weddings are elaborate ceremonies and people tend to think of them as over-the-top expensive affairs. With our survey insights, we are hoping to break away from this persona of the Big-Fat destination Weddings, making it a dream come true for all by making budget-friendly destination weddings more accessible,” said Betterhalf co-founder and CEO Pawan Gupta.
For all to-be-wed couples, budget plays a significant role, which was highlighted by Betterhalf’s survey as 72 per cent of urban professionals considered it significant when planning a destination wedding. As a result, the secret ingredient to having the most surreal yet economical destination wedding that perfectly aligns with your budget is to engage the services of online wedding planning platforms, as preferred by 38 per cent of couples in contrast to traditional planners.
With an online wedding planning platform, one can be guaranteed to have a fairytale wedding come true, in perfect accordance with the budget set. These online wedding platforms create a synergy between affordability and top-notch quality, and their network of multiple vendors further helps them offer the best services within the decided budget. While destination wedding planners can certainly help in allocating the budget effectively, over 54 per cent of urban professionals want them to offer additional services like travel arrangements. Apart from this, over 30 per cent of them look for assistance in on-site coordination respectively.
Thus, amidst all the pomp and circumstance, destination weddings can truly be economical. By choosing to engage the services of online wedding planning platforms, you stand a chance to save big bucks on your big day. Having said that, destination wedding or not, the most important element is cherishing the future that awaits you and your partner on this incredible journey.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
