Everything you need to know about Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s elaborate wedding invitation

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s extravagant nuptials will go down in history for far too many reasons. While the highly decorated guest list garnered attention on social media, the lavish affair was a perfect melange of quintessential Indian traditions, proficient artistry, curated offerings, and meticulous attention to detail. Take for instance, the wedding invitation card was well-thought-out to incorporate traditional values and craftsmanship. Brides Today spoke to Kapil and Sandeep Khurana, the founders of The Entertainment Design Co. (EDC).

The bespoke luxury invitation design house, and their one-of-a-kind gifting line, Fleur de Lis curated the wedding invite. The duo collaborated with one of the world’s most influential families to bring Nita Ambani’s vision to life. “Mrs. Ambani’s design sensibilities and eye for details played a crucial role in creating an invitation that reflects cultural richness and emotional depth of this auspicious occasion,” says Kapil Khurana.

The Ambani family and EDC share a relationship of mutual understanding. And this made working together on design briefs much easier. It took approximately six months to give shape to the vision, and make the invitation an experience of a kind for each guest. “This period involved meticulous planning. Multiple revisions were made to ensure that every detail—from the colour palette to the intricate designs—was aligned with the envisioned themes. It was all in close collaboration with designers, artisans, and cultural experts to bring the vision to life,” explains Sandeep Khurana.

“The main invitation was designed to resemble the grand doors of a temple, adding a sense of reverence and grandeur,” reveals EDC. “Each page of the invitation [card] unfolded to reveal the blessings of different gods, creating a layered and immersive experience.The invitation included curtain raisers, adding an element of surprise as each section was revealed. [We also added] Beautiful serigraphs of deities that can be kept as keepsakes.”

The final result was no less than a work of art. Elaborating on the intricacies involved, EDC shares, “The material  shortlisted was wooden lacquer for the box that featured a beautifully crafted idol of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi in his heart, symbolising love and the divine union. As the box opened to reveal Vaikunth [The holy abode of Vishnu], it played soothing devotional music and was illuminated with soft diyas, enhancing the spiritual experience. Each detail inside the box was meticulously hand-embroidered, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.” 

The choice of orange as the primary colour for the invitation held a special significance. “Anant’s favourite colour is orange, which symbolises warmth, enthusiasm, and auspiciousness,” reveals EDC. The invitation was a reflection of the couple’s journey, values, and aspirations, and a celebration of their love.

The Ambani family and EDC also ensured that the guests were greeted with thoughtful gifts: a silver travel box with idols of deities and a shawl in a quilted fabric pouch. “Crafted in silver, the box, adorned with Swarovski, is a beautiful and intricate piece. The box features multiple layers, each dedicated to a specific deity, offering blessings to the recipient.”

Being associated with the Ambani family for over two decades, EDC has designed the invitation cards for previous weddings in the family—Isha and Anand, Shloka and Akash—as well. “This has been a beautiful and cherished journey, reflecting the same dedication and love seen in the invitations for previous family weddings done by EDC. Each invitation holds a special place in the family’s heart, symbolising their unity and the continuation of their traditions,” Kapil and Sandeep Khurana conclude.

Significance of the idols and mantras

Vishnu and Lakshmi

Significance: Known for their eternal love, Vishnu and Lakshmi represent the ideals of a blissful and harmonious union.

Mantra: The Vishnu mantra on the invitation box invokes blessings for prosperity and happiness in the couple’s married life.

Ganesha

Role: As Vighnaharta, Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles, ensuring a smooth and auspicious beginning to the wedding celebrations.

Goddess Amba 

Divine Blessings: Ambe Maa symbolises strength and blessings, providing protection and grace to the couple and their families.

Radha and Krishna

Significance: Radha and Krishna embody the essence of true love and devotion, inspiring the couple to cherish and nurture their bond with the same unwavering affection.

These elements combined, create a deeply meaningful and spiritually enriched invitation, reflecting the couple’s values and aspirations for their life together.

Image Credits: EDC

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