Can't make it to a wedding? Now, e-attend it

Three nights ago, Deepa Balagopalan attended a friend's wedding in Chennai, dressed in her nightclothes and seated in her home in New Jersey. Aarefa Johari reports.

Three nights ago, Deepa Balagopalan attended a friend's wedding in Chennai, dressed in her nightclothes and seated in her home in New Jersey.

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Using Google+ Hangouts, she watched the entire event live on her laptop.

Five other friends of the bride also 'e-attended' the wedding, says Balagopalan. They all used video-chat platform Google+ Hangouts, in their respective homes around the world.

"Travelling to India was not possible, but I also wanted to be there for my friend's wedding. So, I loved the idea of watching the ceremonies online," said Balagopalan, 26, a language trainer.

With the wedding season in full swing, this trend is getting more popular with youngsters.

"I heard about a friend in England using video chat to attend a church wedding last month, and realised it's a convenient solution to travel problems," said Akshay Vora, 30, a businessman from Malad. "I will be able to e-attend two weddings in the US this January."

That's how Andheri resident Amisha Shah made sure her brother - a student in Australia - participated in her engagement ceremony in 2009.

Her friends brought a laptop to the party, logged on to Skype and guided the camera so that her brother could watch the ceremonies.

"Virtually attending a party helps you be there for your loved ones," said Shah, who, however, believes that it is no substitute for actually attending a big occasion. "For my wedding, I made sure that the dates worked for my brother."