From expert-led discussions and international networking to breathtaking celebrations and creative showcases, Bride Club ME looks back at DWP Congress 2026 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, with exclusive insights from the industry leaders who helped bring this landmark edition to life.

India has long been synonymous with magnificent weddings, rich cultural traditions and extraordinary hospitality. This October, however, the country had another reason to celebrate as the 17th edition of DWP Congress made its highly anticipated debut in India, bringing together more than 350 wedding industry professionals from over 70 countries.

Organised by QnA International and held from 6–8 October 2026 at the magnificent Fairmont Udaipur Palace, the congress welcomed wedding planners, luxury venues, creative designers, destinations and industry leaders from around the world for three days of education, networking, cultural experiences and unforgettable celebrations.

Three Days of Expert Talks, Creative Workshops and International Networking

At its heart, DWP Congress is about bringing the global wedding industry together to exchange ideas, build relationships and explore the future of destination weddings. Across two packed days, delegates attended insightful talks and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics relevant to today’s wedding and event professionals.

From the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the wedding industry and important legal considerations to design-led inspiration, creative innovation and changing client expectations, the programme offered valuable perspectives on an industry that continues to evolve.

Alongside the conference sessions, delegates had the opportunity to participate in creative workshops led by established wedding designers, exploring new ideas and approaches to creating memorable celebrations.

The programme also featured structured B2B meetings and networking opportunities, connecting international wedding planners with luxury hotels, destinations, designers, production specialists and wedding suppliers. For many attendees, these conversations were just as valuable as the conference itself, creating opportunities for future partnerships, referrals and international collaborations. And once the daytime sessions wrapped up, the celebrations began!

Each evening offered a different experience, showcasing India’s incredible talent for immersive event design, entertainment, cultural storytelling and hospitality.

It was this combination of education, business development, creative inspiration and experiential events that made DWP Congress 2026 such a memorable gathering. The international reach of the congress was particularly impressive, with destinations and hospitality partners representing markets including Japan, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and the Mexican Caribbean.

Through curated one-to-one meetings, these partners had the opportunity to connect directly with experienced wedding planners from across the globe, opening up conversations around destination weddings, future collaborations and new opportunities for their respective markets.

It was a reminder that DWP Congress is not only a platform for inspiration, but also an important meeting point for the international destination wedding business.

From Royal Processions to Lakeside Celebrations: The DWP India Experience

While the daytime programme delivered plenty of industry insights and opportunities for collaboration, the evenings were an entirely different experience, each designed to immerse delegates in India’s rich culture, creativity and hospitality.

The celebrations began with “Padharo Sa”, a traditional Rajasthani-inspired welcome hosted by Fairmont Udaipur Palace, setting the tone for what was to come.

The first evening saw delegates gather at the palace’s dramatic Chand Baori for “Ritual Reimagined: The Haldi Glow – Sunkissed by the Timelessness of Turmeric.” Created by FB Celebrations, the welcome reception brought the joy and symbolism of an Indian wedding to life through vibrant performances, traditional rituals, music and immersive design.

The following evening, guests experienced “The Royal Night Out – A Regal Wilderness Experience Beneath the Aravalli Skies,” curated by Tamarind Global. Beginning with a royal baraat procession towards the Lotus Pond, the evening continued at Jashn Lawn with a spectacular gala inspired by Rajasthan’s regal heritage and natural surroundings. And what a finale!

The congress concluded with “The After Party: One World, One Celebration” at the iconic Jag Mandir Palace on Lake Pichola, managed by Taj. Curated by Absolute Events, the closing celebration brought delegates together one final time against one of Udaipur’s most beautiful backdrops.

Each event had its own distinct personality, yet together they demonstrated something that India does exceptionally well: combining cultural storytelling, creative production and warm hospitality to create experiences that guests remember long after the celebrations have ended.

Fairmont Udaipur Palace: A Grand Setting for a Historic First

For the first Indian edition of DWP Congress, the organisers selected Fairmont Udaipur Palace as the official host palace partner. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, the property provided an impressive setting for the international gathering, while introducing delegates to a luxury wedding venue designed to accommodate elaborate, multi-day celebrations.

For Rajan Malhotra, Director of Sales and Marketing at Fairmont Udaipur Palace, welcoming DWP to India was a particularly exciting opportunity.

Having followed the congress for more than a decade, Rajan explained that both the hotel and DWP teams were so enthusiastic about bringing the event to Rajasthan that the partnership was confirmed in fewer than ten days.

I think what you see today is all because both sides were so excited to be here and bring everyone to Rajasthan and India for the first time –  he shared.

The objective extended beyond hosting a successful congress. It was also an opportunity to introduce the palace, the city and India’s wider wedding offering to an influential international audience.

I think this will give us a great opportunity to showcase ourselves, the city, and the country to the world and show them what we have to offer.

With 327 rooms and suites, accommodation for approximately 650 resident guests and extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces, Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers considerable flexibility for destination weddings. From vibrant mehndi celebrations on the lawns to elegant ballroom receptions and intimate sunset gatherings, couples can create different experiences across several days without leaving the property.

For couples planning a destination wedding in India from Dubai or elsewhere overseas, Rajan also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the wedding planner and venue team.

While the planner typically leads the creative vision, styling, entertainment and wider wedding programme, the hotel’s events team manages accommodation, food and beverage, venue readiness and the on-property guest experience. Clear responsibilities and close communication allow couples and their families to enjoy the celebrations rather than worry about the logistics.

FB Celebrations: Welcoming the World to India in Spectacular Style

The opening reception was the perfect introduction to India’s vibrant wedding culture. Created by FB Celebrations, the experience brought together music, dance, traditional rituals, colourful décor and immersive entertainment to welcome delegates from around the world.

For Bhavnesh Sawhney, Co-Founder of FB Celebrations, the opportunity to create the opening celebration was particularly meaningful. Having been associated with DWP since its early years, Bhavnesh and his co-founder Farid wanted the first evening to offer international guests a genuine taste of an Indian wedding.

The result was a lively, condensed journey through wedding traditions, from the significance of choosing an auspicious date to the joyful celebrations of the mehndi, sangeet and varmala. Wedding planners and hotel partners were even invited to join the choreography, becoming part of the celebration themselves.

Beyond the entertainment, Bhavnesh shared an important philosophy about wedding design.

For me, every wedding starts with a conversation, not a mood board.

He believes that understanding a couple’s story, personalities, family connections and the emotions they want their guests to experience should always come before choosing flowers, colours or decorative details.

It’s a wonderful reminder for couples that the most memorable weddings are not necessarily the most extravagant, but those that feel genuinely personal.

The Wedding Design Company: Why Experience Matters More Than Aesthetics

As the congress’s Conference Creative Partner, The Wedding Design Company played an important role in shaping the visual identity and atmosphere of DWP India 2026.

For Vandana Mohan, Founder and Artistic Director of The Wedding Design Company, the creative vision was to celebrate India’s rich design heritage through a fresh, contemporary perspective. Rather than relying on familiar interpretations of Indian décor, the aim was to create an environment that felt distinctly Indian while appealing to an international audience.

Vandana also shared her thoughts on how luxury wedding expectations are changing.

It’s no longer just about designing a beautiful space, but creating an experience that stays with people.

Today’s couples increasingly want their guests to feel emotionally connected to their celebrations. That means thinking beyond the visual impact of an event and considering the music, atmosphere, entertainment, movement between spaces and overall guest journey.

For couples choosing a destination wedding venue, Vandana’s advice is equally practical: don’t select a property purely because it photographs beautifully. Consider the weather, accessibility, guest comfort and how the spaces will function across different celebrations. After all, exceptional design should not only look beautiful. It should work beautifully, too.

Tamarind Global: A Gala Dinner Designed to Engage the Senses

The gala dinner provided another spectacular opportunity to celebrate India’s creative talent. With Tamarind Global as the gala dinner partner, the evening was designed around cultural storytelling and sensory experiences.

From the décor and table details to the lighting, music and entertainment, each element was thoughtfully considered to create an atmosphere rooted in Indian traditions.

For Mahesh Shirodkar, Managing Director of Tamarind Global, welcoming international wedding professionals to India was a moment of genuine pride. He described the congress as a celebration of cultures coming together, with guests discovering the country’s traditions through its colours, sounds, flavours and rituals. But beyond the glamour, Mahesh also offered practical advice for couples considering a destination wedding in India.

Start with the experience you want your guests to have, and then be realistic about your guest count and overall budget.

His advice is particularly relevant to couples planning multi-day celebrations from overseas. Guest arrivals, transfers, check-ins, hospitality, meals and downtime all require careful consideration. It’s also easy to underestimate smaller expenses such as taxes, last-minute requirements and additional production adjustments.

Mahesh encourages couples to prioritise what matters most to their guests and to work with experienced local partners who understand the destination.

Sumant Jayakrishnan Design: Creativity Without Borders

Another creative talent associated with the wider DWP India experience was Sumant Jayakrishnan, Founder of Sumant Jayakrishnan Design.

Sumant contributed to the spectacular gala design experience at Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, which formed part of the familiarisation experiences surrounding the congress.

Reflecting on DWP’s Udaipur edition, Sumant described it as “an extraordinary version of DWP in Udaipur”, highlighting the interesting mix of international delegates, including a particularly strong presence from Japan alongside attendees from America and other parts of the world.

For him, one of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to make “new friends and new family” while connecting with creative professionals from different cultures and backgrounds.

His biggest takeaway? The power of human interaction and our ability to connect with people from anywhere in the world, regardless of geography or cultural differences.

For wedding professionals, this is one of the greatest benefits of attending international industry gatherings. Creative inspiration often comes from unexpected conversations, new perspectives and relationships that develop long after an event has ended. And for couples, these collaborations can lead to truly distinctive celebrations that combine international creativity with local cultural influences.

Absolute Events: Ending the Congress on a High

No international wedding congress would be complete without a memorable closing celebration! As the Closing After Party Event Partner, Absolute Events helped bring the DWP India experience to a fitting conclusion.

For Kaival Patel, Director of Absolute Events, this edition held particular significance because it took place in his home country.

It has been a dream to bring DWP to India, and today, seeing it here in this beautiful setting, makes it feel so close to my heart –  he shared.

Having attended more than 13 DWP gatherings, Kaival spoke warmly about the sense of community that has developed around the congress over the years, describing DWP as being like a family to him.

He also highlighted the value of meeting new planners, discovering fresh talent and forming international relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

Maybe business doesn’t happen immediately, but in the long run, it’s definitely going to work.

It’s an important reminder that successful networking isn’t simply about collecting business cards. It’s about building genuine, long-term relationships, something DWP Congress continues to encourage year after year.

Pashtush: Bringing Indian Craftsmanship to an International Audience

Beyond the large-scale event productions, DWP India 2026 also offered opportunities for specialist suppliers and creative brands to showcase their work.

Among them was Pashtush, whose director described the congress as an exceptional opportunity to connect with wedding professionals from across the globe. Bringing an international audience together in one setting allowed the brand to introduce its products to experienced planners and industry decision-makers without having to travel to multiple markets.

It also highlighted the growing importance of craftsmanship and locally inspired details within destination weddings. From textiles and bespoke gifting to artisanal accessories and decorative elements, India’s creative heritage offers couples endless possibilities for adding personality and cultural meaning to their celebrations.

Five Wedding Trends and Takeaways from DWP Congress 2026

Beyond the incredible experiences, several recurring themes emerged from the conversations and interviews with the creative professionals involved.

1. Personalisation is becoming more emotional

Couples are moving beyond personalised signage and decorative details, seeking celebrations that genuinely reflect their stories, values and personalities.

2. Guest experience is taking priority

Thoughtful hospitality, seamless logistics, meaningful entertainment and comfortable schedules are becoming just as important as spectacular décor.

3. Cultural storytelling is inspiring contemporary design

Wedding designers are increasingly drawing on local architecture, traditions, craftsmanship and music, reinterpreting these influences in fresh and unexpected ways.

4. Technology is part of the industry’s evolving conversation

With AI among the topics explored at DWP Congress, wedding professionals are examining how emerging technologies can support their businesses and creative processes while maintaining the personal relationships at the heart of wedding planning.

5. International collaboration continues to grow

From structured B2B meetings to informal conversations over dinner, the congress demonstrated how valuable cross-border relationships can be for venues, planners, designers and specialist suppliers.

Why India Should Be on Your Destination Wedding Radar

For couples based in Dubai and across the UAE, India offers an extraordinary variety of destination wedding possibilities. From Rajasthan’s grand palaces and historic forts to coastal retreats and culturally rich cities, the country offers something for many different wedding styles and guest experiences.

Udaipur, in particular, combines regal architecture, established wedding expertise and beautiful settings suited to multi-day celebrations. However, choosing the right destination involves more than falling in love with a venue.

Couples should consider guest numbers, travel logistics, accommodation, budgets, seasonal weather, cultural requirements and the type of experience they want to create. For those planning from overseas, an experienced wedding planner working alongside trusted local partners can make all the difference.

Our Final Thoughts on DWP Congress India 2026

For us, DWP Congress 2026 was about so much more than the spectacular venues, elaborate installations and unforgettable parties. It was about the people behind the experiences.

The designers pushing creative boundaries. The planners finding new ways to tell their couples’ stories. The hospitality teams delivering thoughtful service. And the industry professionals sharing their expertise, ideas and experiences with one another.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, discover new talent and strengthen relationships with wedding professionals from around the world.

As an official media partner, Bride Club ME was delighted to support this historic first edition in India, and we extend our congratulations to the DWP Congress team, Fairmont Udaipur Palace and all the creative partners who contributed to its success.

From two days of valuable industry conversations and international networking to the extraordinary celebrations that followed, DWP Congress 2026 certainly left its mark. And if there was one message we took away from the experience, it was this:

The future of luxury weddings isn’t simply about creating bigger celebrations. It’s about creating more meaningful ones.

Planning a destination wedding in India? Explore our dedicated features on Fairmont Udaipur Palace and Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, for more venue inspiration and first-hand insights from our recent travels through Rajasthan.