The big fat Indian wedding

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime affair. If you can afford to splurge, why not?

A smile lights up the Delhi-based businessman’s face as he soaks in the spectacular décor — pink and gossamer silk tents illuminated by cut-glass chandeliers, gold candles anointing 100-odd tables, sheer satin drapes, throw cushions in amber silk and the air infused with rosewater sprinklers!

Meanwhile, Chadha’s 1,200-odd guests sip pink champagne circulated by liveried waiters on silver trays, munch on canapés and then help themselves to a 54-dish buffet comprising Thai, Italian, Malaysian and Indian food. The lavish feast is followed by a specially-choreographed Bollywood-style dance where everybody grooves to Indian movie songs!

The industry, it seems, is completely recession-proof! It has simultaneously spawned a welter of ancillary businesses like event management, honeymoon planning, catering, flower arrangement, on-site wedding portals, wedding fair organisation, henna making, choreography, wedsites . . .

Not long ago, an Indian wedding meant a modest ceremony supervised by harried parents helped along by close friends and relatives. No more. Today, family and close friends watch in awe as an army of event managers and sundry professionals come marching in to orchestrate the proceedings.

                            Elaborate dining arrangements complete with silk tent, 

                            crystal cutlery, expensive wines and gourmet food make 

                            it an unforgettable experience.

A long guest list, a colourful and extravagant venue, a lavish feast and professionally-managed ceremonies are prerequisites for most modern Indian weddings.

Experts say there are many growth drivers for the big, fat Indian wedding trend — economic prosperity spurred by disposable incomes, a consumer culture and a prolific rise in the number of individuals and companies to cater to that segment of well-to-do citizens who want to outsource everything for their nuptial festivities.

Interestingly, for those who can’t afford it all, banks act as saviours. Many Indian banks have specially earmarked “wedding loans” to help clients overcome financial constraints.

“Weddings are considered the highlight in a person’s life and every effort is taken to make the day special and memorable,” says sociologist Salma Siddiqui. “These events are community affairs, and nobody wants to be seen skimping. Lifestyles fuelled by better salaries, more travel and greater aspirations have also fuelled this trend.”

UK-based Indian tycoon Lakshmi Mittal — a regular on the Forbes’ richest billionaire’s list — showcased the quintessential Great Indian Wedding to the world. For his 32-year-old daughter Vanisha’s marriage to 36-year-old Amit Bhatia, over 1,000 guests from all over the world were invited with 20-page-thick silver-cased invitation cards. Events were staged over five days in some of France’s most famous settings.

                           Flowers flown in from Holland, Thailand and Bali to give 

                           that special touch to a wedding.