The Indian weddings market has become a huge attraction. Every luxury brand with a stake in hospitality wants in. With Indian weddings now more lavish than ever, Shangri-La Group has introduced a dedicated program to enter this dynamic space. Their latest initiative, called “Bandhan,” is designed to capture the growing demand for high-end wedding venues.
This global launch will take place in New Delhi at the Shangri-La Eros Hotel. This will also reveal the hotel’s transformed grand ballroom and event spaces. These renovations reflect Shangri-La’s commitment to creating spaces that blend elegance with cultural significance. These new spaces, a core part of the Bandhan program, are set to elevate wedding experiences to the highest standards.
The Rising Impact of Indian Weddings on Hospitality
Indian weddings are grand, multi-day events that demand premium spaces and exceptional services. Shangri-La’s Vice President of Sales, Chris McFall, notes that Bandhan will directly cater to the specific needs of Indian wedding clients. This program aims to simplify wedding planning and bring clients directly to the heart of Shangri-La’s luxury services.
Bandhan’s first phase includes six main properties. These were selected for their popularity with the Indian market and connectivity to wedding destinations. These hotels include two Shangri-La resorts in Muscat, two in Sri Lanka (Colombo and Hambantota), Shangri-La Istanbul, and two properties in India: Shangri-La Eros in New Delhi and Shangri-La Bangalore. The aim is to meet demand by focusing on top destinations, making luxury weddings accessible and seamless for clients.
Culinary Excellence as a Key Offering for Indian Weddings
A rich culinary experience is key to every Indian wedding. To meet this need, Shangri-La has set up a culinary center of excellence for Bandhan. Leading the initiative are top chefs from Shangri-La’s hotels in India. They craft menus that blend traditional flavors with modern tastes. They will also host workshops across Bandhan venues to keep quality consistent. Notably, international chefs will join Indian teams, sharing ideas and skills. This strong focus on food enhances each event, appealing deeply to the cultural and culinary expectations that Indian weddings demand.
A Digital Strategy for Targeted Reach
The Bandhan launch is timed perfectly, just before India’s wedding season. Catalina Dixon, Assistant VP of Marketing at Shangri-La, shared that the campaign will focus heavily on social media, especially Instagram. This strategy aims to connect with younger couples and families planning weddings. Visual content will highlight Bandhan’s unique offerings, drawing attention across social platforms. Dixon notes that this approach will attract not only Indian clients but also a global audience that admires the beauty of Indian weddings.
The program will have a dedicated Bandhan website. This site will feature virtual tours of the event spaces, making it easy for clients to explore. There will also be a simple inquiry form, ensuring clients can connect directly with Shangri-La to start planning their weddings.
Future Expansion Plans
Shangri-La has big plans for Bandhan. In 2025, they expect to add five or six more properties to the program. This expansion could include top locations in Europe, such as Paris and London, making Bandhan a truly global wedding service. This vision demonstrates Shangri-La’s dedication to the Indian wedding market and its long-term commitment to growth in luxury weddings.
Insights: Why Bandhan Is a Smart Move
Shangri-La’s Bandhan campaign is a strategic move in the competitive luxury wedding market. By offering culturally relevant elements like fine cuisine, elegant venues, and easy online access, Shangri-La sets itself apart. Bandhan is not just a set of wedding spaces; it’s a complete planning experience for Indian weddings with an international touch.
Bandhan’s future expansion shows Shangri-La’s belief in the long-term potential of the Indian wedding market. With this initiative, Shangri-La is positioning itself as a leader in the wedding industry, ready to meet the expectations of clients who want unique, memorable events.
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Source & Credits: ET Hospitality World