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An expert guide to a post-Covid big fat Indian wedding

An expert guide to a post-Covid big fat Indian wedding
Indians make up 2.3 per cent of the UK population, but account for almost 25 per cent of the staggering 12-billion wedding industry.
Event Gurus Director Heena Shah suggests that it costs 40,000 to deliver an average Indian wedding, or anywhere upwards of 100,000 for a show-stopper.
Covid-19 has posed a number of risks to the events industry as a whole, but weddings have suffered the major brunt of lockdown. In response, Event Gurus have released a detailed six-page report on what's next for the UK Indian wedding industry.

Back to basics

"The Indian wedding industry was thought to be recession proof, but it's called a big fat Indian wedding aimlessly, Heena shared.
"I have seen the industry evolve over the past 20 years from simple and meaningful to grand designs, with increased numbers of events, creative photography with drones, Bollywood-style outfit changes, firework displays and designer flower arrangements. As the fairy tale unfolds, the true essence of what a wedding should be is often been lost.
In these challenging times, couples are asking themselves what the basic requirements are to get the wedding done?"

What next?

Between the challenges of social distancing and the extravagance of large congregations, the Indian wedding industry has a lot to reckon post-lockdown.
Heena Shah has seven top tips for prospective brides and grooms:
1) Personal Venues vs. Destination Weddings
With social distancing measures set to continue and government guidelines allowing smaller gatherings as lockdown measures are eased, innovative venue sourcing like back gardens and foreign settings are being considered more viable options than banqueting halls and hotels.
2) Food is still the most important part
With Covid-19 on our plates, food presents a number of challenges. Heena suggests that we can expect to see a decrease in buffet tables and waiting services and a rise in simple menus and luxury pre-packed thalis.
3) Time is on our side
With a predicted increase in innovative venue solutions, micro wedding alternatives alleviate the extortionate costs of hourly rates at large luxury venues.
4) Less is more with d cor
Intimate venue alternatives not only allow for restrictions on guest numbers but also less need for excessive decoration; from mandap pillars to flower aisles, staging, water features, LED screens and chocolate fountains.
5) Everyone is invited... online
In a culture that values hospitality and treating guests as God, reducing guestlists has arguably been one of the biggest banes of couples planning their big day. Technology can play an instrumental role in allowing people to share their special day with the family and friends, at a safe distance.
6) Capturing the moment
Videographers and photographers are set to be least affected by changes to the industry as their work can continue with social distancing measures in place.
7) Glammed up and wedding ready
From Manish Malhotra to Amit Aggarwal, Falguni Shane and Tarun Tahiliani, brides will be excited to learn that designer wedding gear is set to go digital. There will be a huge surge in the accessibility of latest trends and designs from the comfort of home.
Heena reflects: "There is a lot to think about and reflect on. It is a challenging time to make decisions not just for couples, but for families and suppliers too. We all have action plans and backup plans, but no one had this planned. Event Gurus are here to help plan this for you!"
by Vidhu Sharma

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