Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — After sharp declines during the pandemic and recent economic crises, the global wedding industry is making a strong comeback and is expected to grow quickly in the years ahead.
The wedding services market, worth about $899.6 billion in 2024, is projected to almost double to $1.84 trillion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Analysts expect an annual growth rate of 12.7 percent from 2025 to 2030, supported by higher incomes and demand for more personalized celebrations.
Wedding planning services are expected to reach $134.9 billion by 2030, while wedding loans are set to grow from $11.6 billion in 2023 to $23.3 billion by 2033, OpenPR reported.
Still, inflation and changing social norms toward smaller ceremonies remain challenges. But overall, analysts say demand for large, detailed, and destination weddings is rising fast.
In Lebanon, the wedding sector is also finding its balance again after years of hardship caused by the economic crisis, COVID-19, and regional instability. Arkan Beaini, founder of APlus Events, said the toughest period came when the Lebanese pound collapsed at the same time the pandemic hit.
“We were committed to delivering exactly what we and the couples had agreed upon,” Beaini said. “Financially, it was difficult. We executed weddings based on an exchange rate of 1,500 pounds per dollar, while the real rate was closer to 10,000. Couples benefited. A wedding that normally cost $60,000 ended up costing just $10,000.”
COVID-19 restrictions added further problems, often forcing weddings with 200 guests to be cut in half or postponed. Many couples, especially those in the public sector, chose smaller and more affordable celebrations. Today, Beaini says most high-end weddings in Lebanon are led by expatriates, who make up about 95 percent of such events. Weddings with 80 to 120 guests are now more popular.
Even so, he sees progress. “From about a year and a half ago, weddings are returning to the level they were before the 2019 economic crisis,” Beaini said. His team works with suppliers to get discounts and help couples plan beautiful weddings within their budgets.
Lebanon’s landscapes and culture remain a big attraction for couples across the Arab world and beyond. “Lebanese planners are recognized globally for delivering some of the best weddings in the region,” Beaini said.
Looking forward, he hopes for more stability: “If the situation improves, the wedding sector will thrive. Lebanese people deserve the best. My advice for couples: choose a smart, reliable planner, and you can have a beautiful wedding at an affordable cost.”
