Bali has long been synonymous with dream honeymoons, drawing couples from around the world. However, beyond its reputation as a romantic getaway, Bali has also established itself as a thriving hub for the wedding industry. With an increasing number of both domestic and international couples choosing Bali as their wedding destination, the demand for professional wedding services continues to rise.
“Bali has great potential. The vendors here are already excellent, but there hasn’t been an expo to showcase them. Meanwhile, many customers are looking for services beyond Bali. This isn’t just about the domestic market—it’s also attracting international clients,” said Ferdiansyah King, Head Committee and Event Director of Bali Wedding Fair (BWF), as quoted by IDN Times Bali on Friday (March 21, 2025).
Recognizing this growing market, BWF was established as a platform for wedding vendors to connect, enhance their services, and refine their expertise. The event, held over three days at The Meru Sanur, brings together 102 wedding vendors eager to expand their reach and cater to the evolving needs of couples planning their big day.
In 2025, the wedding industry in Bali is seeing a significant shift toward more personalized experiences. Couples are opting for intimate celebrations with fewer guests, focusing on unique details that reflect their personalities.
“The trend now is personalized weddings, often held in private villas,” Ferdiansyah explained. He also highlighted the increasing popularity of small-scale wedding parties, where couples invite only their closest family and friends. Guest lists typically range from 100 to 200 people, creating a more intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
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Unlike previous years, couples today are no longer fixated on whether their wedding takes place indoors or outdoors. This preference shift has been evolving since the early 2000s. In 2017, forest-themed weddings were all the rage, followed by castle-inspired celebrations in 2018. By 2022 and 2023, the influence of stylists and wedding planners led to more personalized thematic designs, each tailored to the couple’s vision.
“Now, weddings are all about unique concepts. It depends entirely on the couple’s preferences, which makes every celebration different,” Ferdiansyah added.
Strengthening Wedding Industry in Bali
The increasing demand for high-quality wedding services has also spurred efforts to professionalize the industry. The Bali Wedding Association (BWA) is actively working to develop and promote the sector, ensuring that local vendors meet international standards.
AA Istri Vera Laksmi Dewi, Head of Institutional Development and Human Resources at the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, emphasized the importance of industry growth. She noted that vendors participating in BWF gain valuable insights and opportunities to enhance their service quality.
“This indirectly contributes to Bali’s tourism sector. The wedding industry is an important part of Bali’s appeal, and professionalizing this business will further strengthen the island’s reputation as a premier wedding destination,” she said.
With Bali’s growing prominence in the global wedding industry and an increasing number of couples seeking unique, personalized celebrations, the island is poised to maintain its status as one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world.
