Hey everyone! I’m Harshal Kothari, the creative force behind Rising Events, and trust me when I say, there’s nothing as exhilarating as orchestrating a Big Fat Indian Wedding.
Understanding Desires and Vision
Every Big Fat Indian Wedding begins with a deep dive into the couple’s desires and the family’s expectations. The first step is an intimate conversation with the couple and their families to understand their vision, preferences, and cultural values. Whether it’s a traditional ceremony steeped in heritage or a modern celebration with contemporary elements, the key is to ensure that the wedding reflects the couple’s personalities and respects the family’s traditions.
We focus on elements such as the significance of rituals, colour schemes, family traditions, and the emotional connections the couple has with certain cultural practices. This foundation allows us to create a wedding that is not just an event but an expression of the couple’s love story and the family’s legacy.
As Indian weddings are firmly believed to be a reunion of 2 families and not just 2 individuals we also tend to cater and try to find a balance between both and in turn, try to make it the most memorable event for both.
Bringing Concepts to Life
Transforming a couple’s vision into reality requires a blend of creativity, project management, and an understanding of cultural nuances. Our team comprises experts in design, logistics, and cultural customs, who work together to bring every element of the wedding to life.
Challenges often arise, such as finding the right vendors who can deliver on the couple’s specific requests or dealing with last-minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances. To overcome these, we maintain close communication with all stakeholders, ensuring flexibility and problem-solving are part of our approach.
For instance, a couple once wanted a fusion of a traditional South Indian wedding with modern minimalist décor. The challenge was to blend the vibrancy of South Indian traditions with the simplicity of modern design. We overcame this by incorporating subtle traditional elements into a minimalist design, using muted colour palettes and simple floral arrangements while keeping the essence of the cultural rituals intact.
Mood Boards
Mood boards are crucial in capturing the essence of a wedding. They serve as a visual representation of the couple’s vision and guide the overall planning process. We start by gathering inspiration from the couple’s favourite colours, textures, and styles, along with elements of their personalities and cultural backgrounds.
For a royal Rajasthani-themed wedding, we created a mood board that combined rich jewel tones, traditional Rajasthani motifs, and luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet. This mood board guided everything from the decor to the attire, ensuring a cohesive look that transported guests to a regal Rajasthani palace.
Another example is a beach wedding where the mood board included soft pastels, seashell motifs, and breezy fabrics to evoke the serenity of the seaside. This mood board influenced the choice of location, decor, and even the menu, which featured seafood delicacies.
So to conclude a lot of factors play an important role in exploring mood boards such as the venue whether its indoor or outdoor, the number of people, the layouts of the events, the time of the event, and how intimate or how grand the couple wants the venue.
Theme Weddings
Theme weddings are where creativity truly shines. Some of the most memorable weddings we’ve planned include a Bollywood-themed extravaganza, where every element, from the decor to the entertainment, was inspired by classic Bollywood films. We ensured that the colour schemes, music, and even the attire reflected the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, creating an unforgettable experience for the guests.
Another unique wedding was based on a “Royal Vintage” theme, where the couple wanted to recreate the elegance of a bygone era. We sourced antique furniture, and vintage cars, and used sepia-toned decor elements to transport guests back in time. Attention to detail, such as using period-appropriate floral arrangements and vintage-style attire, ensured that every aspect of the wedding was in harmony with the theme.
We have also explored very different themes right from taking inspiration from nature- celestial, and galaxy, we basically also try to personalize themes as much as possible for the couple, in turn, trying to make their D-day more and more special.
Curating Food Styles
Food is a central element of any Indian wedding, and curating a menu that complements the theme while satisfying diverse palates is an art. We work closely with chefs to design menus that not only meet the couple’s preferences but also reflect the cultural significance of the dishes.
For a wedding with a Maharashtrian theme, we introduced traditional dishes like Puran Poli and Ukadiche Modak (sweet dumplings), served with a modern twist. The food was presented in a way that highlighted its cultural importance while also appealing to a modern palate.
In another wedding, we curated a global fusion menu that included Indian street food with a gourmet twist, such as pav bhaji bruschettas and butter chicken sliders. This innovative approach delighted the guests and added a unique culinary experience to the wedding.
We also firmly believe that it is important to give the wedding guests a good experience and not just serve food, hence we also try our best to curate different ways of presenting so it could differ right from decorating the serving station in an innovative way, to emotional catering to curating menus that are more personalized to the couple’s and the family’s choices.
Recommended Locations
The location of a wedding can elevate the entire experience. We recommend picturesque locations that not only provide a stunning backdrop but also align with the couple’s vision.
Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is a top recommendation for a royal-themed wedding. Its palatial hotels and serene lakes provide an enchanting setting that is perfect for a grand celebration. For beach weddings, Goa remains a favourite, with its sun-kissed beaches and luxurious resorts offering the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.
For couples seeking a more intimate setting, we recommend heritage properties in Rajasthan or Kerala, where the historical architecture and natural beauty create a magical atmosphere.
We basically try our best to select unique and more unexplored locations that fit the couple’s and the family’s requirements and in turn, make the event a success.
The Intricate Details
What makes the Big Fat Indian Wedding truly grand and memorable are the intricate details—whether it’s the handcrafted invitations, the personalized wedding favours, or the live performances that reflect the couple’s journey together. Every element is carefully curated to ensure that it resonates with the couple’s story and leaves a lasting impression on the guests.
From choreographing a dance sequence that tells the couple’s love story to designing personalized elements like monograms on the wedding attire, these details contribute to the uniqueness of each wedding. The result is a celebration that is not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant, creating memories that last a lifetime.
The Big Fat Indian Wedding is more than just a celebration; it’s a tapestry of love, tradition, and creativity woven together with meticulous attention to detail. From understanding the couple’s desires to bringing their vision to life, every step is a journey toward creating an unforgettable experience that reflects the richness of Indian culture and the uniqueness of the couple’s love story.
About the author: Harshal Kothari, Founder, Rising Events
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