How indian sweets are redefining the modern wedding menu this winter

Indian weddings have always been defined by their generosity, their colour, and their unforgettable food traditions. While menus continue to evolve with global influences, one element that remains at the heart of every celebration, especially in winter, is Indian sweets. This season, mithai is enjoying a renewed presence at wedding celebrations, not just as a closing note to the meal but as an experience.

Winter naturally brings with it a preference for richer, warmer flavours. Indian sweets, made with ghee, jaggery, saffron, gram flour, and a variety of nuts, fit perfectly into this mood. What is changing today is the way these sweets are selected, curated, and presented to match the expectations of modern couples and their guests.

One noticeable shift is the increasing demand for classic, trustworthy sweets that carry a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Families want the menu to reflect flavours they have grown up with, pure ghee laddoos, Mysore Pak, kaju-based sweets, soan papdi, dry fruit barfis, Gajak, Gur Rewari, and jaggery-forward winter specialities. These are favourites that feel familiar, festive, and naturally suited to the season.

Another rising trend at weddings is the presence of curated mithai counters. Instead of one standard table, couples now prefer themed sweet stations that highlight regional specialities or ingredient-led collections. A winter mithai spread might include Boondi Laddoo, Kaju Katli variations, saffron pedas, dry fruit bites, and traditional jaggery sweets, giving guests a warm and indulgent experience. These assortments allow people to savour a variety of flavours, something that has become increasingly appreciated at large gatherings.

When it comes to preference, couples today are leaning toward sweets that feel rich, flavour-forward, and rooted in traditional taste profiles. Nut-based sweets, especially those made with almonds, cashews, and pistachios, have become popular choices for their depth of flavour and festive feel. These classics bring a sense of warmth and luxury to winter celebrations without straying from the authenticity people expect from traditional mithai.

Personalisation has become another interesting addition to wedding sweet culture. Hosts often create customised sweet hampers or curated selections that reflect their family traditions or the regional flavours they cherish. Boxes featuring combinations like kaju delicacies, dry fruit assortments, ghee laddoos, Mysore Pak, and seasonal jaggery sweets have become thoughtful gifting choices that hold emotional significance.

Presentation continues to evolve as well. Couples are preferring clean, elegant styling, with sweets displayed on modern platters and served in ways that complement the overall wedding aesthetic. Packaging, too, has become more considered, simple, warm, and designed to enhance the experience of gifting and receiving mithai without overpowering the essence of the sweet itself.

In many ways, the rising prominence of Indian sweets in winter weddings is more than a shift in menu preference. It reflects a desire to stay connected to tradition while celebrating in a way that feels relevant to today’s lifestyle. Couples want their wedding to feel personal and meaningful, and sweets offer a way to bring family memory, flavour, and culture into the celebration.

This winter, as more couples look for flavours that bring comfort and joy, Indian sweets are once again becoming the heart of wedding celebrations. They capture the warmth of the season, the spirit of festivity, and the timeless charm of moments shared over something sweet.

(The writer is a Managing Director & CEO, LAL)