Making Small and Online Weddings Fun in Lockdown: In Conversation with Chelna Lekhi of Soul Events India

Arya Singh

‘The Big Fat Indian Wedding’ is a term we are all very familiar with- but how does one host a lavish and memorable wedding, amidst quarantine and lock-down?

With India being one of the largest wedding industries in the world, people are being made to adapt to the concept of downsizing their original wedding plans, to adhere to lock-down norms. Chelna believes that although small weddings are a foreign concept to most Indians -who dream of their special day being large and luxurious- small weddings prove to be equally memorable, as they are more intimate and personalized

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In conversation with Chelna Lekhi, of Soul Events India, we ask her to break down the process of making small and online weddings, equally fun!

The ‘Zoom’ Wedding: Are Online Weddings the way to go? 

Already preparing wedding plans to curate a client’s special day on the 24th of June, Chelna unveils how she plans on ensuring that the wedding will be fun and grand, even for those having to view through a screen.

Making the best of the given circumstances and the Government only allowing a maximum of 50 guests to be physically present, Soul Events has adopted the concept of hosting small weddings, for family and close friends- while the rest of the guests, domestic & international, are connected via the Zoom application.

Stating that while ensuring all hygiene protocols and precautions are met for those physically present, Chelna plans on creating a fun, interactive atmosphere for all -including those virtually connected-  from the singing & dancing, to making sure everyone is dressed up.

To make sure the virtual wedding feels as lavish as a regular one, Soul Events will be going all out and putting together 3 functions- a Haldi for mainly immediate family to participate; the main Wedding with the Pheras; and an Evening Dinner, that would be the ‘small wedding adaptation’ of a regular Reception.

Using the lock-down to prepare for the future, Chelna tells us that she has utilized her time to figure out the technical aspects of Zoom, the legal permissions required for events, building a social media presence and coming up with budget-friendly, new concepts for future events.

Combining Health & Hygiene, with Fun & Entertaining

With wedding planning being stressful enough, Chelna states that any planner’s role would now include being concerned about the health and safety of all attendees. Chelna clearly states that having a sanitized, hygienic venue, that follows all the legal norms, should be one of the top priorities. Any wedding planner must now assume the responsibility of the safety of guests, vendors and staff. 

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Soul Events plans on implementing this responsibility, by sanitizing all props and equipment, installing hand-wash basins around the venue, using temperature control technology as an extra precaution, providing masks to all members of their team and even showing them how to properly wear the mask.

Keeping all this in mind, Chelna tells us about a crowd-favourite game, that she likes to integrate into the nigh’s entertainment, called ‘Stock Market Antakshari’

She says it is a great way to involve all age groups, with everybody gearing up to win- and an added pro, is that it is a great way to connect those on the Zoom chat, with those present on site.

Cautious Catering: Providing Good Food & Hygiene Levels

With good food being the promise that guarantees the attendance of most guests at any Indian wedding, food is now an even bigger concern in the current circumstances.

Chelna tells us how her team plans on combating any food-related hygiene concerns: She states that if the venue is a hotel (as they will gradually open up again) Soul Events will need to keep a check on the hotel and their adherence to all the legal, and other, regulations. However, in the case of a resort or outdoor venue, the same oversight will be maintained on the caterer.

Agreeing that Indian weddings are very food-centered, Chelna believes no body would be cutting down on their portions, and is hopeful that the set ups will include all the courses, starters, counters, desserts, as it normally would. She suggests avoiding excess physical handling of the food- stating that directly serving the guests would help cut down on guests having excess contact with the food. She also recommends switching to ‘sit-down’ dinners, as they provide a better ambiance, as well. 

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From Bridal-wear to Transport: Here’s how to source the best vendors during lock-down

The wedding industry is heavily relies on several other industries, such as bridal-wear, jewelry, florists, alcohol & beverages and transport.

With the example of bridal-wear, Chelna explains to our viewers, that in cities that have easing of lock-down restrictions, brides could turn to online retailers or request at-home try ons, and then get alterations done accordingly. Everybody understands that the circumstances warrant adaptation and modification, and most importantly cooperation, while still abiding by the rules.

Stating that every bride wishes to look her best -whether it be a registered or regular wedding- Chelna believes under these circumstances, it is simply a matter of figuring out logistics. She jokingly compares the matter to food-delivery, saying ”If a person can order and bring in food into their building, so should a bride be allowed to order in her lehengas!”

Giving the viewers a word of advice, Chelna adds that by creating a strong social media presence, and with adequate advertising of their modified plans, these affiliated industries can easily stay in touch with their clients, during the lock-down.

In response to a viewers question about the import of foreign goods required for weddings (such as alcohol) Chelna discusses how the industry must now adapt and use locally sourced products/materials. She thankfully states that Soul Events has always relied on locally sourced & hand-crafted decor, rather than purchasing ready-made goods.

The ‘New Normal’ for Indian Weddings

Admitting that a few people are already asking for an increase on the 50 person guest limit, and that this online phase will go on for a fair amount of time, Chelna explains that this takes a huge toll on hotels and resorts, who are faced with large overheads & massive bodies of staff. 

For those looking to have a big fat Indian wedding, they will have to be patient. Learning to spend their money wisely, once restrictions ease up, will be a great benefit to bridal parties.

Destination weddings are possible for the near future, if done locally she says, as she is already in talks with several hotels in Goa, to use as possible venues for events in December/January. The fear of flights and safety, would be an obstacle for those looking at international locations- Chelna provides an alternative solution, stating that many are starting to opt for registered/small weddings now, and planning to host a big, lavish wedding next year.

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Ending on a positive note, Chelna reiterates the importance of cooperation, understanding and optimism, for the success of an event in these circumstances. She tells us about the four key aspects that Soul Events keeps in mind when planning a wedding: Good food, respect, decor & entertainment. If these four aspects are met, then regardless of the scale of the wedding, it will be as special and memorable as you hope!

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