After the Indian cricket team’s humiliating defeat in England, the game has lost its charm even for diehard fans. So much so, that Rohit Singh (name changed), a Delhi based businessman, was willing to lose Rs 1.5 lakh to disassociate himself from it!
Singh had booked a cricket themed wedding in November for Rs 20 lakh, after India won the World Cup in April. Last week, he paid Rs 1.5 lakh as cancellation charges to withdraw the theme. “Look at how the Indian team is playing; it would have been embarrassing to get married with a cricket theme party now. I’ve now chosen a Greek theme, to be on the safer side,” says Singh.
Chhatarpur based event planners, JB Decore, who organise theme weddings, say Singh is not the only one backing out of cricket themed events. “After the World Cup, and even the IPL, we got a lot of cricket themed bookings, weddings, birthday parties and even a VIP corporate night in October. But ever since the England series, there have been cancellations,” says Rupinder Walia of the firm. He adds that cancellation charges range from Rs 51,000 to Rs 2 lakhs depending on preparations already made, but that hasn’t deterred clients from calling the events off.
“The cricket charm has worn off now. People are more keen on weddings inspired by TV shows, where it’s like a one hour TV serial with choreography and acting,” says Kanisha Verma of Bollywoodnaach.com.
It’s the Indian Grand Prix that also seems to have stolen the sport’s thunder. “A sense of fatigue has set in from cricket. People are so disappointed with the team that no cricket based party merchandise is selling. What’s really hot are F1 flags and party gear,” says Aditya Kapur of Party Hunterz. Saurabh Agrawal of Red Events however feels that the cricket based action will be back soon again. “It’s just a phase. The country lives by cricket, I have no doubt someone will soon book a cricket wedding or party again!”
“The cricket charm has worn off now. People are more keen on weddings inspired by TV shows, where it’s like a one hour TV serial with choreography and acting,” says Kanisha Verma of Bollywoodnaach.com.
It’s the Indian Grand Prix that also seems to have stolen the sport’s thunder. “A sense of fatigue has set in from cricket. People are so disappointed with the team that no cricket based party merchandise is selling. What’s really hot are F1 flags and party gear,” says Aditya Kapur of Party Hunterz. Saurabh Agrawal of Red Events however feels that the cricket based action will be back soon again. “It’s just a phase. The country lives by cricket, I have no doubt someone will soon book a cricket wedding or party again!”
Wedding themes in vogue
Spanish salsa: After Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’s Spanish setting, a mix of Bollywood and Spain is a hit theme.
Grand Prix: With Delhi all set to host the Indian Grand Prix, Formula 1 is a popular theme for birthdays and corporate parties.
International travel: Settings inspired by historical sites abroad, especially in Greece, are in demand this year.
Dropping cricket doesn’t come cheap!
Cancelling a cricket theme event booked on a budget of Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh costs anywhere between Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh if cancelled early, but if work on the sets has started, the charges can go up to the entire booking amount.