10 Ways to Downsize Your Big, Fat, Indian Wedding

Small, intimate and thoughtful weddings are the way to go for the millennial bride and groom. Contrary to popular opinion, smaller celebrations are the perfect way to host a classy, tasteful and oh-so-creative wedding. So, if you are looking to say ‘I do’ in a close-knit way here are some things to get you started:

1. The no-pressure guestlist

“Define your guest list and be firm when scratching some names off.  It is completely okay to have just your family on the wedding day and no one else. While making your list ask yourself these questions and the task will become easier: Who are the people who make you happy? Who are the people you feel pressurised to invite? Who are the people you are inviting purely because you were invited to their wedding?,” says event planner Ayushi Misra, Absolutely Yushi.

2. Send digital Invites

“Forget printing cards and making extravagant gift boxes to go along with them.  It’s more cost effective and definitely more creative to use various forms of digital invites and e-cards.  Some might find this less personal but honestly, it can be customized.  It also means that there are no additional expenses such as postage or courier or delivery charges.  It also means no trees are being cut down to print a card. Whilst some might argue to use recycled paper or seeded paper for invites - honestly, ask yourself - how long have you actually kept a wedding invitation?”, says Divya Chadha, Director, A Klass Apart, curator of bespoke weddings and events.

3. Go local with your destination wedding

“Most of us truly haven’t had the chance to fully explore just how beautiful our country is and all that it has to offer.  There will be a surge in home grown weddings within India.  I am in talks with couples who aren’t even aware that there are vineyards in India.  Nashik, Bangalore and Karnataka have beautiful vineyards which are ideal for intimate destination weddings.   There are gorgeous farm houses and traditional manor homes across India that are ideal for cocktail parties and weddings,” says Divya Chadha, Director, A Klass Apart, curator of bespoke weddings and events.

Or…have a ‘Mini-mony’

“Owing to the global pandemic, this year, many couples have chosen the intimate wedding route or what we are calling the ‘Mini-mony’ aka mini-ceremony. This means that the couple have an intimate wedding on their pre-planned and auspicious wedding date which is then followed up with larger celebrations on non-saaya dates, depending on the availability of venues and vendors, once the lockdown is over ideally towards the latter half of the year,” says Ankur Sarawagi, India Country Head, The Knot Worldwide

4. Cut down or merge your functions

“You can also merge events and have day into night functions. For instance your mehendi function can be followed by the sangeet on the same day. Then, the wedding can be followed by the reception on the next day. This way you can wrap up the celebrations in two days. Create one theme for all your functions so you can reuse the wedding décor and centrepieces,” says Ayushi Misra.

5. Ditch the buffet

“One can also plan shorter ceremonies with spaced seating arrangements for family and friends to be a part of the celebrations keeping safety in check. The usual buffet can be replaced with an intimate sit-down meal to cater to your smaller guest list. This way you can also plan unique performances by local artists while dinner is being served preventing the guests from gathering around a stage performance. For instance, a sit-down brunch/dinner party with customized table decor setting or OTB guest entertainment ideas like satellite bars and satellite dancing spaces will help create a tailored experience,” says Ankur Sarawagi.

6. Bespoke menu

“One can opt for more intimate boutique venues that are more aligned with the preferences of the couple. The costs of these unique venues are significantly lower and also allows the couple to opt for local caterers and sourcing farm to fork catering options instead of paying high meal rates within a hotel premise,” says Divya Chadha.

“Make it a point to work with seasonal and local produce for your menu and hire caterers that are willing to create such menus. Another way to downsize is to limit the alcohol beverages and serve a few signature cocktails,” says Ayushi.

7. Support local artists

“Instead of spending money on national and international suppliers and designers - one can really be sustainable by going local.  A local artist from the same city whether it be for mehendi or musicians or photographers – will surprise you with their talents. Even for décor, Indian handicrafts and textiles are easily available and are also priced lower,” says Divya.

8. Make your own wedding set

“Instead of opting for creating a ‘wedding set’ which is typical of the big fat Indian wedding; why not look at doing something more creative and bespoke. Use wine bottles, potted plants, candles, ribbons, and earthy twigs and cacti for décor. If you are looking at a beach wedding, think of using sand, shells, nets as a part of the décor ambiance. For a boho chic wedding – use doilies, lace, macramé, wind chimes and dream catchers to create an airy vibe. There’s no need to custom make décor elements when you can visit your local thrift stores and accessories and prop stores that can add the wow factor to your wedding,” says Divya.

9. Gift an experience instead of wedding favours

“The budgets for a big fat Indian wedding can be used towards curating a more bespoke experience for the couples and their families and guests.  Instead of splurging on unnecessary small gift favours for functions - spend on an experience e.g. custom perfume bar where guests can pick and choose their own scents and flavours to make their desired perfume.  Not only is this something different – each ‘gift’ is unique to the guest preference,” says Divya.

“You can also use wedding favours as décor elements for the table seating, it saves on space and hits two birds with one stone,” says Ayushi.

10. Live stream your wedding

“Live streaming of weddings for close friends and family who are living in different countries or guests who were unable to travel might become an utmost priority for 2020 weddings.”