only an emotional value but also a touch of sustainability. Hence, it’s safe to say that even styling norms have changed too with a focus on comfort and movement. While Anika believes that today’s generation of brides and grooms have changed with a desire to look like themselves, they want their fashion to be an expression of who they are.Along with a change in fashion choices, she also has noted some key changes in wedding décor. One of the most distinguishable ones is the focus on more detail and storytelling. “I believe in oldworld nostalgia and slow-living luxury, so honestly, I’m having the best time creating these stories and experiences. It is a huge change. For example, if I were to create a charming mehndi afternoon, now I can create old-school polo tents in checks and stripes, with rattan garden furniture and layered trees and pots with tangerines and hanging wildflowers. Instead of multi-coloured loud gimmicky elements. I design the table linen and do hand-painted menu cards instead of printed ones. The change is that now people will appreciate this attention to detail unlike before where these things weren’t paid attention to.”Adding to this Shubham says, “Prices have skyrocketed postpandemic and bloated wedding expenses to soaring levels. The persistently rising inflation has pushed average people to crush the guest list, shaving down extra frills on the décor and menu. Swapping the dates to leaner wedding periods or merging different events, e-invites versus invitation cards are also gaining popularity. Yet those with a luxury wedding budget are still pursuing their fantasy and going for upscale, glamorous events filled with drama and glitz.” Destination weddings “Big fat Indian wedding is the way to go, and we say why not!” says Mr Ajit Singh Garcha, General Manager, THE Park Hyderabad. While farm and hotel weddings in cities have their charm, destination weddings have seen a drastic boom in the post-pandemic world. It’s not to say that they didn’t exist prior, but the numbers have definitely scaled up. “The pandemic has redefined the concept of a destination wedding. It’s no longer just about scrumptious menus, flashy decors, and extravaganza events, rather it’s about thoughtfulness, personalization, and celebrating with loved ones. A place with scenic or ancestral significance, and India has many such locations,” says Manish Malhotra.With Rajasthan being one of the most popular destinations, the advantage is a smaller guestlist and more attention to detail, customization, and integration. However, Ajit has also noted an increase in the number of destination weddings in South India. “Popular for its mesmerising Hussain Sagar Lake Views and an infinity pool it is apt to plan a dream wedding which is bright, beautiful and full of joy. Even Vizag is an upcoming destination for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make for a beautiful backdrop.” Summing this up Shubham says, “ An experiential destination is a buzzword in the current times, one that focuses on exuberant experiences throughout the entire event.” The bottom line Although 2020 and 2021 were slow for the wedding industry in 2022 the business for wedding vendors is on the rise. With people becoming more sustainable and digital in their approach Ajit Singh says, “we have more events coming which are technology driven. “However, the new buzzword for Shubha is flexibility.“Bookings, contracts and deposits should be fine-combed and have the ability to pivot around, viewing the rear view of the past years.” While there is a change in the kind of weddings from scale to materials used and new techniques. As the covid curve is flattening out, people are also keenly awaiting to get back to the big fat Indian weddings. “As things are flattening out, to pre-pandemic levels, we see a resurgence of fairy tale weddings. Fresh and improved, they are back with a modern makeover, with couples having the final say in the events: gay and dazzling parties but a week-long saga cutting short to two to three days affairs. The pandemic-led shift is there, but subtle with the quintessential celebrations back in force,” says Shubham. Adding further,Malhotra feels that the big fat Indian wedding will always be a mainstay.“India as a country is huge and communities diverse, and rituals are as varied as the religions, castes, and people who host them. But the big fat Indian wedding—a combination of traditions and Bollywood influence— does have fascinating stability. Even through economic turbulence, social reform, modern technology, or a pandemic, the big fat Indian wedding remains a mainstay.” A&V S&K Dhol Party Varun Bahl, Fashion Designer The D-day Photo Courtesy: Beyond Photos Team bride Photo Courtesy: Beyond Photos Destination wedding set up Photo Courtesy: Beyond Photos 14|L U X E B O O K|O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 |L U X E B O O K| 15
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