How the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’ got bigger

The Big Fat Indian Wedding has evolved into an even grander spectacle, showcasing more than opulence and grandeur, as they long to highlight the beauty of destination weddings. With a special focus on personalisation, the celebrations of today are pushing boundaries, and blending luxury with tailored experiences to see its scale transform into multi-day festivities, celebrating unique themes, leveraging new-age technology, and including customised elements at every touch-point to make every wedding unforgettable. The trend toward hyper-personalisation has led to the birth of a range of creativity, where no two weddings are alike, and every celebration showcases the couple’s unique story and aura.

Did this change take place overnight, and what’s the direction that big fat Indian weddings will be taking? More importantly, how are things going to change for the people making sure these weddings live up to the hype? Brides Today speaks to two wedding planners to get the answers.

The drivers for growth 

The expansion of the big fat Indian wedding can be attributed to the developing goals of modern-day couples and families who seek to bring together traditions and modern influence. Weddings are no longer just family-oriented events but a lifestyle showcase among the masses. People are looking for grand, personalised experiences, and weddings are seen as a way to celebrate traditions and social status. Destination weddings, lavish pre-wedding events, and luxurious details are all driving this trend. Some of the tailwinds for the progress of the category are the rise in disposable income and higher aspirations, the need for exclusive celebrations, and the influence of global wedding trends. The focus is on creating an overall memorable experience reflecting the couple and their guests’ tailored needs.

Why the ‘Have money, will spend’ mantra works wonders 

Weddings are deeply emotional and significant milestones, where the ‘have money, will spend’ approach is often incorporated to fulfil long-held dreams. It’s evident that families view weddings as a once-in-a-lifetime event where compromise is never an option. The cultural significance of weddings in India, combined with the desire to create an extraordinary experience, often leads to a willingness to invest big-heartedly. The emotional importance of the occasion and the pressure to create a memorable event also lead to higher spending. Add to that, easy financing options make it easier to afford extravagant weddings without saving up for years. Families prioritise the memories that these grand celebrations bring, making them less concerned about savings for the future and more focused on the present moment.

The role of social media and technology

Social media has been playing a vital role in the wedding industry, presenting as a global showcase of ideas and inspiration. We’ve seen how platforms like Instagram spark the desire for elaborate and thoughtfully planned weddings. Social media has allowed couples to envision their dream weddings through the experiences of others, often raising the bar for what they want to achieve. The infectious wedding trends and ideas have further pushed the industry to constantly revolutionise, ensuring that each wedding stands out in the digital world. 

In line with the same, technology has turned into a game-changer in uplifting the overall wedding experience. From live-streaming the various events of weddings to curating immersive backdrops with the help of augmented reality, new-age technology has helped wedding planners to go beyond the traditional wedding experiences. Right from AI-driven guest interactions to smart planning tools to optimise logistics, technology has enabled them to deliver seamless execution of customised weddings.

The areas where weddings have gotten bigger

Weddings have expanded in both scale and sophistication. There is an increased focus on curating exceptional guest experiences, from personalised welcome kits to luxury accommodations and specially curated signature itineraries that reflect the couple’s personality and story. These luxury elements include gourmet catering—that’s witnessing a revolution, with global cuisines, gourmet setups, and personalised menu options becoming increasingly popular, designer outfits, celebrity performances, and luxurious décor have become more common at weddings. Weddings now feature complex, multi-themed decor that transforms venues significantly, often a reflection of global trends and the couple’s unique story. The scale of entertainment has grown drastically, with elaborate sangeet nights, and custom choreographed shows gaining prominence. There are now many more events surrounding the wedding itself, like pre-wedding parties, themed gatherings, and post-wedding celebrations.

Does bigger = better 

Bigger has certainly translated into better in many ways in weddings, yet its thoughtful execution makes the difference. While scale adds to the magnificence, it’s the attention to detail and the personal touches that make a wedding stand out. Bigger weddings give an added canvas for creativity and a range of experiences, but these elements must be pleasantly integrated to create a unified and meaningful celebration. Bigger is better when it enhances the overall experience for everyone at the wedding.

However, the pressure to make everything perfect can be emotionally and financially draining for the family and planners. The financial burden can also be significant, raising questions about sustainability and value. Ultimately, bigger weddings can be better if done thoughtfully and within reason. Bigger weddings can be more immersive, with lots of personalisation, entertainment, and extravagance, making the event memorable for everyone. The role of a wedding planner in a big fat Indian wedding

Wedding planners are now more than just coordinators—they're storytellers and experience creators. As weddings grow in scale, the planner's role has become more critical, requiring a deep understanding of trends, technology, and the ability to deliver personalised events seamlessly. They are now expected to handle a broader range of responsibilities, from managing high expectations to delivering execution seamlessly. As weddings grow in size, the need for thoughtful planning, imaginative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of both traditional and modern-day elements have become mandatory. Planners are more than mere coordinators but hone the role of architects of experiences, ensuring that every aspect is in tandem with the couple’s needs and the guests’ expectations. To meet them all integrally, demands a balance of creativity, logistical know-how, and emotional intelligence.

Inputs by Anjali Tolani—Assistant Vice President of Weddings at Tamarind Global and Nirav Thaleshwar—Founder and Director, Allegiant Events

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