Weddings over the decades have evolved from happening in homes to the nearby park and then swanky banquets in the city. Some preferred the wedding venues on the outskirts, while other couples were willing to explore more and go for a destination wedding. Those planning a destination wedding want to make sure that it resonates with the couple’s aspirations and dreams and the guests enjoy the occasion to the fullest.
However, there is a lot more that goes into making a destination wedding an unforgettable one. Zeroing in on a wedding planner who has ample experience in destination wedding should be your first task to be ticked on the list. After all, they can professionally handle the entire flow of the wedding since they have conducted innumerable weddings.
And this will enable you and your guests to enjoy the wedding, without worrying about the multiple fiascos that can happen at an Indian wedding. When it comes to choosing the destination, Italy has been a favourite for quite some time, however couples are now opting for offbeat locations like Rajasthan, Goa, Andaman, and even Himalayan hamlets. And they are opting for elaborate celebrations as weddings in India are not just about the main event but also has fun rituals and pre wedding functions too like Mehendi, Sangeet, Cocktail, Haldi etc.
Every family has different customs and these events can pan across 2-3 days. That is why destination weddings have become a 2-3 days affair instead of the earlier popular fly in and fly out the same day event. Interspersed with local experience like folk performers in Rajasthan or Wine tasting in Goa, the event is a beautiful mix of culture and the experience of the destination.
It is the age of intimate celebrations and it makes sense to have curated guest list consisting of people who are close to the couple. Immediate family and friends making for a small wedding is the flavour of the season. However, everything needs to be customized according to the guests, instead of picking up one size fits all kind of packages.
An eye for detail, where the comfort of guests is priority will ensure that happy guests will make happier memories. A Welcome kit consisting of some necessary goodies, munchies are always a pleasure to be received. One must also include private tours or group excursions for local sightseeing to make the most of the destination.
For a couple who chooses a destination wedding, the highlights are the local flavours that the destination has to offer. They can opt for local folk artists, local food, and even local décor as a result. A wedding in Rajasthan will have traditional cuisine, henna artisans, and folk dancers and singers as the highlight.
However, a wedding in Goa would have a more relaxed atmosphere, complete with wine and cheese tastings and beach surroundings. These weddings frequently combine elements of both cultures, adding local taste and rituals to create a really unique wedding experience. However, one must keep sustainability in mind when organizing a wedding.
Most of the destinations are a beautiful part of nature and one must try to ensure that the décor must blend with it instead of importing flowers and decoration material, adding to carbon footprint. Local sourced food along with local cuisine with a conscious effort to minimise food wastage should be priority. No wonder couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings .
Some venues have solar powered spaces, thereby banking upon renewable energy. Integrating technology in the form of virtual guest books for co-ordination of travel plans is a smart way to avoid last minute panic. And for those not present, a LIVE streaming of the wedding ceremony is a great way to ensure that every loved one is present on your special day, whether they are near or far.
Authored by: Vaibhav Sadhwani, Co-founder, Behind The Scene– Destination Wedding Consultants WHEN & WHERE are Newly Engaged Naga Chaitanya & Sobhita Dhulipala Tying The Knot?.
