Hello! I’m Jatin Oberoi, Founder of Reet Entertainment, and I’m excited to take you through my deeply emotional journey of planning Indian weddings.
From long days to sleepless nights, it’s been an incredible experience turning Indian weddings into unforgettable celebrations. Let me show you the magic behind the scenes!
Long days of working every detail to the T and months of sleepless nights with just one dream in our eyes – to make their wedding the grandest, most memorable day of their life. It is this dedication and teamwork that keeps everything together to make any wedding, a “GREAT WEDDING” !!
Today’s wedding trends emphasise personalisation, comfort, and a blend of traditional and modern elements. Couples are more focused on creating a unique experience that reflects their personalities and values. This shift is evident in the growing popularity of custom elements, from personalised vows and décor to bespoke experiences.
Vision VS Reality – a helicopter moment
In the business of emotions and dreams, our ultimate goal is always to meet the needs of every member of the wedding party, no matter how sudden or unusual the request might be. However, achieving this can sometimes be more challenging than anticipated.
I remember a particular incident while planning a beach wedding in Goa. On the morning of the event, the groom expressed a sudden desire for a more dramatic entrance. He wanted to arrive via helicopter, Bollywood-style, and land next to the Varmala Stage, which was set up right on the beach. With the DJ, band, and décor all prepared for the Baraat scheduled to begin in the next three hours, this request posed a significant challenge.
As event planners, our instinct is to explore every possibility before turning down a request. Our team promptly sprang into action and managed to arrange a helicopter on very short notice. Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the request and the constraints of the venue, we were unable to fulfil it. Nonetheless, this unusual set of circumstances presented a considerable challenge for our team.
Reinventing Dreams – and Locations!
In another schedule, during the difficult times of COVID, we faced a challenge like never before. Transforming a couple’s vision into reality, especially in the context of weddings, involves a blend of creativity, technical skills, and effective project management. Being sensitive to the couple’s emotional needs and cultural or family considerations is important in making their vision truly personal. But this comes with its fair share of challenges.
Planning a wedding typically takes several months to nearly a year. However, when COVID-19 struck, it brought everything to a halt. The wedding we had meticulously arranged for months was set to take place at Leela in Jaipur. Due to the changing circumstances, the family decided to move the entire event to their farmhouse in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Initially planned as a destination wedding in Rajasthan, our team had to quickly reimagine, redesign, and adapt the entire plan within just two months to meet the family’s needs and ensure the event remained aligned with their original vision.
Hidden challenges – Fear of Joy
Every wedding we orchestrate begins as a blank canvas, ready to be infused with the couple’s unique love story and dreams, transforming every detail into a masterpiece. However, even when everything appears to be going smoothly, hidden challenges can arise.
One such challenge emerged when a friend of the groom while joking around, exaggerated the importance of the wedding and the number of guests expected. Unfortunately, this playful banter unknowingly intensified the groom’s fear of crowds. The situation came to a head right after the sangeet night when the groom, overwhelmed by anxiety, confided in me that he was considering cancelling the wedding. The couple’s relatives had travelled from across the country to Mumbai—where they had met and fallen in love during college—because it was a significant place for them.
At that moment, the groom’s anxiety overshadowed his excitement about marrying his beloved, leading him to contemplate a drastic decision. I spoke with him and helped him calm down, and he eventually shared his concerns related to his friend’s comments. It was challenging to reassure him that the remarks were meant in jest and posed no real threat. We also explored alternative venues with fewer guests as a potential solution. Ultimately, it was the heartfelt discussion about his love for his bride-to-be that helped him overcome his fears and agree to proceed with the wedding.
In such a delicate situation, we had limited control over the circumstances, but our focus remained on handling the crisis with care and empathy.
Key Trends and Insights in Indian Weddings
While traditions in Indian weddings are important, the event itself is deeply personal and cultural and reflects not only the couple’s tastes but also the broader trends shaping the celebration.
As we navigate through today’s wedding landscape, several trends stand out, influencing everything from colour schemes to attire and jewellery. Here’s a look at what’s trending in the world of weddings today.
Trending Colours – Indian Weddings
In recent years, wedding colour palettes have seen a shift from traditional to contemporary. Classic whites and pastels are giving way to more vibrant and nuanced colours. Popular trends include:
- Earthy Tones: Shades like terracotta, sage green, and ochre have become favourites for their natural, calming qualities. These colours often pair well with rustic or bohemian-themed weddings.
- Bold Jewel Tones: Rich colours such as emerald green, royal blue, and deep burgundy add a sense of drama and sophistication, perfect for evening or formal weddings.
- Soft Neutrals: Soft shades like blush pink, ivory, and champagne remain popular for their timeless elegance and versatility, making them a safe choice for a classic look.
Must-Have Jewellery at weddings
Jewellery plays a crucial role in complementing a bride’s attire, and today’s trends highlight both classic elegance and modern innovation. Key trends include:
- Statement Pieces: Bold, eye-catching jewellery is making a strong statement. Large, ornate earrings or chunky necklaces add a dramatic flair to wedding ensembles.
- Minimalist Elegance: On the other end of the spectrum, minimalist designs with delicate, understated pieces are popular for their sophistication and timeless appeal. Simple diamond studs or thin gold chains can offer a refined touch.
- Personalised Jewellery: Custom pieces that feature initials, birthstones, or meaningful symbols are increasingly favoured, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the bride’s look.
Weddings tailored with unique themes
Some unique and memorable themed weddings we have created include:
- Celestial Dreams: A celestial-themed wedding embraces the beauty of the cosmos with deep blues, silvers, golds, star and moon motifs, and twinkling lights. It features decor like starry backdrops, galaxy-patterned tables, and ethereal lighting. Attire includes glittering or star-themed elements, while floral arrangements and cakes reflect cosmic inspiration. Overall, a celestial theme wedding turns your special day into a magical experience, reminiscent of a starlit journey through the universe.
- Petals of Paradise: A bougainvillea-themed wedding is an explosion of colour and vibrancy, centred around the striking bougainvillea flower. The decor features an array of bold pinks, purples, and fuchsias, creating a lush, tropical setting. Bougainvillea blooms are used extensively in floral arrangements, aisle decor, and arches. Attire for the bride and bridal party often includes vibrant hues or floral patterns to complement the theme. Invitations and wedding cakes reflect the theme with floral designs. This theme brings a lively, exotic atmosphere to the celebration, highlighting the natural beauty and rich colours of bougainvillaea.
- Cultural Heritage: A Cultural Heritage Wedding is a celebration that beautifully blends traditional customs and practices with modern elements. It features classic decor, formal attire, and ceremonies that reflect the couple’s cultural and historical heritage. The decor features elegant and timeless elements such as floral arrangements, classic linens, and formal furniture.
- Key highlights include ornate arches or mandap, elegant table settings with fine china, and soft lighting from candles. The decor creates a refined and culturally rich atmosphere, honouring cherished customs and traditions. This type of wedding creates a refined and elegant atmosphere, paying homage to cherished traditions while offering a sophisticated and memorable experience for all.
To ensure that every element of the wedding is aligned with the chosen theme, it’s crucial to approach the planning process with a structured and cohesive strategy. Wedding planning is an art that transforms dreams into reality. It’s about carefully crafting every detail, from the grand vision to the smallest nuance, ensuring that each couple’s unique story is told through a seamless and unforgettable celebration. No matter if it’s a fairytale fantasy, a royal spiritual experience, or an elegant soirée, every wedding we plan is a masterpiece in the making.
Transforming Wedding Feasts
Food trends in Indian weddings have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in tastes, dietary preferences, and the desire for a unique culinary experience. Here are some of the notable trends in Indian wedding cuisine:
- Fusion Cuisine: Incorporating international cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, or Japanese alongside traditional Indian dishes is gaining popularity. This fusion approach offers guests a diverse and exciting culinary experience.
- Personalised Menus: Many couples are opting for personalised menus that reflect their tastes and preferences. This includes tailoring the food to include favourite dishes or regional specialities.
- Interactive Stations: Live food stations where guests can customise their dishes, such as chaat counters, pasta stations, or taco bars, are becoming increasingly popular.
- Dietary Considerations: With a growing focus on health and dietary restrictions, many weddings are offering a range of vegan and vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary needs Gluten-free and low-carb dishes are also being incorporated to cater to guests with specific dietary requirements.
- Traditional with a Twist: Traditional Indian dishes are being reimagined with contemporary presentations and innovative ingredients. For example, deconstructed samosas or mini dosas served with gourmet toppings. Showcasing regional cuisines and traditional dishes with a modern twist adds a unique touch to the wedding menu.
- Themed Food Experiences: Weddings incorporate themed food experiences that match the overall wedding theme, such as a royal Mughlai feast for a regal-themed wedding or coastal seafood spreads for beach weddings. Engaging guests with interactive food experiences, like cooking demonstrations or chef-led tasting sessions, adds a fun element to the wedding.
- Gourmet and Artisanal Touches: The use of gourmet ingredients such as truffles, saffron, or artisanal cheeses elevates the dining experience. Handcrafted, artisanal desserts like bespoke cakes, gourmet chocolates, or custom macarons are trending for their elegance and uniqueness.
- Traditional Desserts with a Modern Flair: Classic Indian sweets are being given a modern twist, such as fusion mithais or creatively presented desserts. Offering a selection of signature sweets or dessert bars where guests can sample a variety of traditional and contemporary options.
These trends reflect the dynamic nature of Indian wedding cuisine, where tradition meets innovation to create memorable and delightful culinary experiences for guests.
Curating the Perfect Setting
For a Big Fat Indian Wedding, several picturesque locations can offer a stunning backdrop and add to the grandeur of the event.
Popular destinations include Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, and international locations like Bali or Phuket. These locations stand out for their unique blend of cultural heritage, architectural splendour, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable setting for a Big Fat Indian Wedding.
Have detailed conversations to understand their vision, including style, theme, and overall ambience and if they have any specific, such as outdoor spaces, historical features, or modern amenities. Ensuring that the location can handle the number of guests and that the layout suits the different events. For instance, a location with separate areas for ceremonies, dining, and dancing can be ideal.
A beach setting might be perfect for a relaxed, tropical theme, while a palace or heritage site could suit a more formal or royal theme. Ensuring its accessibility for guests, considering travel and accommodation. Choosing a location that’s suitable for the season and weather conditions. Some venues are ideal for year-round events, while others may be seasonal. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, we can ensure that the chosen location complements the couple’s vision and accommodates the scale of their wedding, creating a memorable and harmonious celebration.
Indian weddings is all about celebrating love, tradition, and family with grandeur and style. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of creativity, you can create a wedding that is not only grand but also deeply personal and memorable for everyone involved.
About the Author
(Jatin Oberoi, is the Founder of Reet Entertainment. With his natural charm and commitment, Jatin Oberoi doesn’t just plan events; he becomes a cherished part of his client’s lives, building trust and making every celebration truly special. Based in Mumbai, Reet Entertainment specializes in offering unique and innovative event-planning solutions for all types of occasions. With a focus on delivering top-notch services while staying within budget, Reet Entertainment has built a reputation for creating stunning and elegant weddings at some of the most breathtaking venues. Image credit: Reet Entertainment)
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