By Alisha Shirodkar, VP Business Development of Tamarind Global
The New Year begins with the Indian wedding season in full gusto. Social media has been kept abuzz with the pictures and videos of friends, cousins, and even favorite celebrities tying the knot in beautiful pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies. This time, classical traditional themes have dominated the entire aura of wedding celebrations, with new trends coming in synchrony with the old ones. To the bride and grooms getting hitched in 2019, here is a quick guide to tide you through the dos-and-don’ts for your very special day!
What to wear?
This is the most anxiety inducing question which haunts every man and woman in a wedding party. For bride and grooms, this choice is one of the most critical aspects of the entire process. The memories (and photographs!) will last forever, so the attire choices cannot be left to whimsy.
It is important that the couple’s attire complements the wedding theme.
2019 is the year of minimalism and practicality, so brides do not shy away from choosing dresses with pockets, because your phone is a handy accessory. Grooms, opt for a simple yet elegant Shervani and accessorise with a pagdi, watch, and minimal jewellery. Be traditional, but be bold.
Food & Drink of Love
There are many memorable aspects to a wedding, but one of the topmost things guests will remember – and talk about – for a long time to come is the wedding grub. Food trends are now as fast changing as fashion trends and couples like to do things in a quirky, standout style.
So even if the consensus is to serve a traditional drink like lassi, it is done with a twist. It would be served as ice pops or on a counter where you could pick and mix traditional and innovative flavours.
Themed food counters, miniature bites, organic and vegan food, DIY counters, doughnut walls, gourmet cheese counters are just some of the predominant features of this season. At the same time food styling, concept brunches, meal on wheels, having a celebrity chef on board, molecular gastronomy, exotic international cuisines, with Indian regional cuisines and of course, some innovative elements at the bar are some of the hits in 2019.
Make your bars memorable with modern day twists and additions that will take your guests by surprise. Right from chocolate bombs to whiskey infused biscuits, barrel aged Old Fashions, popsicles, exotic Gin & Tonic Bars, DIY Mimosa bars etc. And as you indulge in your bar session, a detox bar will take care of the next day’s hangovers. Bar props with the usual flair-ology and mixology elements are always a hit.
Where to get married?
Destination weddings are the new norm. Whether it is Lake Como in Italy or Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, the destination wedding has become an irresistible trend.
Each couple has its own preference when it comes to choosing their wedding destination. Udaipur is a popular location, as it provides the feeling of royal splendour with its rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces and natural beauty. Those who are charmed by the European sophistication and architecture prefer cities like Budapest, Montreux, Chantilly or Vienna.
Recently, Middle-East has also emerged as a trending option with destinations like Doha, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, among others becoming easily accessible.
How to host the wedding party?
Indian wedding is incomplete without full extravaganza in place to pamper relatives and acknowledge their importance in our lives. The element of personalisation especially when it is incorporated in wedding favours such as monogrammed clothes and linen, engraved silverware and customized leather items are just a few examples. The rest of the wedding party is also showered with gifts and treats so that each person feels special. Wedding hampers have become popular this season with singular delights such as artisan olive oils, organic hot chocolates and exotic honey.
Entertainment – A myriad to choose from
Entertainment is an essential part of organising any wedding. People have moved on from single musical performances to trending entertainment elements and frill artists like pixel poi, hand drum, wind dancers, synchronized swimmers, aerial dancers, setting up small melas / flee markets, water sports, mermaids and more. Collaborations and fusion acts are popular – A Dj with an interesting percussionist or a saxophone or violin jamming with the music. Music performances are curated and new talent is being discovered via YouTube and Tv shows. The performances have all the glitz and glam of professional concerts with the dance routines coordinated with LED screens displaying attractive backgrounds, larger-than-life prop entries etc.
