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HOSPITALITY BIZ n FEBRUARY, 2025WWW.HOSPITALITYBIZINDIA.COMEXPERT SPEAK 21the picturesque locales but also for privacy and exclusivity. These weddings often involve significant expenses in travel, accommodation, and event coordination.2. Technology Integration: From live-streaming weddings for global guests to creating digital invitations, technology has redefined the wedding experience. The integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for wedding functions is another emerging trend, contributing to an increase in overall spending.3. Eco-friendly Weddings: A shift towards sustainability is also gaining momentum, with many couples choosing eco-friendly wedding options. This includes biodegradable wedding decor, reduced waste, and sustainable attire. A study by The Economic Times (2022) found that 18% of wedding planners are focusing on sustainable weddings, driven by growing environmental concerns.4. Celebrity Influence: Celebrity weddings continue to play a significant role in shaping wedding trends. The high-profile weddings of celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma or Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have set the tone for lavish celebrations, often influencing commoners%u2019 wedding choices. These weddings are often inspirations for the masses, leading to increased demand for similar extravagant celebrations.The Future of Indian WeddingsThe future of the Indian wedding industry looks promising, with emerging trends like luxury pre-wedding shoots, high-end wedding technology, and sustainable wedding options. The market is expected to continue evolving as disposable incomes rise and aspirations grow, with more families willing to spend on extravagant experiences.In conclusion, the Indian wedding industry is not only an essential part of the cultural fabric but also a major economic contributor. As families spend more to ensure their weddings are remembered for years, the industry%u2019s value is expected to continue soaring. Whether it%u2019s through grandeur, sophistication, or technology, the million-dollar industry will keep adapting to new trends, shaping the very nature of weddings in India. nThe views expressed within this column are the opinion of the author, and may not necessarily be endorsed by the publication.NEWS BULLETINHBI Staff | HyderabadBrigade Hotel Ventures Limited, the second largest owner of chain-affiliated hotels and rooms in South India among major private hotel asset owners, has received the Securities and Exchange Board of India (%u201cSEBI%u201d) approval for its proposed initial public offering.The Company%u2019s initial public offering comprises of a fresh issue of Equity Shares of face value of INR 10 each aggregating up to INR 900 Crores.Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited is the owner and developer of hotels in key cities in India primarily across South India. They are the second largest owner of chain-affiliated hotels and rooms in South India (comprising the states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and the Union territories Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Pondicherry) among major private hotel asset owners (i.e., owning at least 500 rooms pan India) as of June 30, 2024.Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brigade Enterprises Limited which is one of the leading Indian real estate developers in India. BEL entered into the hospitality business in 2004 with the development of their first hotel Grand Mercure Bangalore, which commenced operations in 2009. The company has a have a portfolio of nine operating hotels across Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kochi (Kerala), Mysuru (Karnataka) and the GIFT City (Gujarat) with 1,604 keys. The hotels are operated by global marquee hospitality companies such as Marriott, Accor and InterContinental Hotels Group and are in the upper upscale, upscale, upper-midscale, and midscale segments. The hotels provide a comprehensive customer experience including fine dining and specialty restaurants, venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (%u201cMICE%u201d), lounges, swimming pools, outdoor spaces, spas, and gymnasiums. The hotels are strategically located in areas with high population density, premium neighbourhoods, commercial centres and IT hubs.JM Financial Limited and ICICI Securities Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue. nBrigade Hotel Ventures Limited gets SEBI nod for IPO