After two major waves of the Covid pandemic and restrictions during the last two years, wedding season this winter is off to a roaring start. A lot has changed since the pre-pandemic era and so have the weddings.
The number of invitees and functions have both shrunk, dressing trends have changed and quality over quantity is the new normal. We spoke to different stakeholders to know about the current trend.
Prominent florist and decorator Jameel Shamsi tells, “We are back to the pre-pandemic phase in terms of pomp and show. Spendings are happening, gatherings are back but the size of marriages has shrunk. Now, it’s quality over quantity. Gatherings of 2,000-3000 people are far and few. Big fat weddings in terms of gathering have reduced to 250-500. From elders to those getting married, all have now started believing in close-kitted affair with family and friends.”
IT engineer Nikhil Tekwani is all set to tie the knot with footwear designer Shubhangi on December 3. They have planned the two-day affair with utmost precision.
“We have been designing the wedding for over a year now. Our cocktail party that is slated a day before will be a totally western affair at a city hotel. The next morning will see a traditional ‘Haldi’ (pre-wedding ceremony) that will be organised at Moti Mahal lawns. The wedding at the same venue in the evening will have 450 plus guests,” says Tekwani.
{{/usCountry}}“We have been designing the wedding for over a year now. Our cocktail party that is slated a day before will be a totally western affair at a city hotel. The next morning will see a traditional ‘Haldi’ (pre-wedding ceremony) that will be organised at Moti Mahal lawns. The wedding at the same venue in the evening will have 450 plus guests,” says Tekwani.
{{/usCountry}}“People are moving away from holding wedding in parks nearby and open venues. Instead, they are preferring hotels and resorts where they can walk-in, do all function in 1-2 days and go back without any hassles. They want everything, including parlour services, decorators, brass bands and event guys under one roof and we are happily providing the same from our authorised vendors,” says Rajender Singh, owner of Regnant Hotel.
More than everlasting, memorable big fat albums focus on instant social media reels and short videos. “The description that we get from bride and groom is more focused on instant reels which means we need to activate out digital team so provide short videos for social media. Normal videos and print photographs are a tradition and that will stay but the number has gone down. Instead, the focus is on digital photos and reels for Instagram feeds and stories,” says Amit Sehta of Shaadi Filmer.
“For over two years everyone has suffered a lot and spendings on social affair were low. But now people are not shying away from splurging. They want personalised and never-worn-before dress. They have choice and are spending heavily in wedding,” tells fashion designer Manish Tripathi, a Lucknowite.
Cards make a comeback
Ullas Agarwal, owner of Shriji Cards in Aminabad, asserts that it’s heartening to see the wedding card market back in action. “We are getting a good number of orders. As we have a team of in-house designers, so we meet brides and grooms and ask their requirements. Box cards with goodies are surely in demand. And the price starts at ₹400 onwards.” The trend of e-cards also touched its peak in the pandemic phase and is surely here to co-exist.
Exotic foods are in
Now that the weddings are smaller yet smarter, foodies are looking for the best bet. “Pan-Asian food and cheese stations are trending this season. Sushi’s, Thai curry and seafood are very much in now in premium weddings in Lucknow. It’s true size of wedding has become smaller and people are cutting on extra spending on food. Instead, they are selective about what they actually want instead of just adding counters,” tells Manoj Bachaani of Richi Rich Caterers.