There's so much that goes into planning the perfect destination wedding. Finding the right location, people you want to surround yourself with, the atmosphere and tone of the celebration and more. After all, it's about entering a new phase of life together as a couple! And what better than raising a toast in a place that is of unique interest to both? "One's wedding day is an extremely important transition in an individual's life, and for most Gujaratis, it's always been an occasion to go big on splurging. However, wedding trends have changed post the pandemic and more and more couples are moving towards small, intimate functions with close family and friends at a unique destination," says wedding planner Kush Jariwala. We find out more about trends in destination weddings and what are the preferred destinations for Gujaratis
Gujaratis prefer outdoor wedding venues and scenic locales For Gujaratis, the idea of a big-fat wedding has taken a new meaning since the pandemic. More couples are choosing unique destination weddings that allow them to say their vows in a picturesque setting in the presence of their chosen loved ones while also taking time to de-stress as they explore a new location. "Gujarati couples are increasingly preferring destination weddings. This is mainly because they have a short guest list which includes close friends and family. This gives the couple a good chance to spend quality time with their loved ones, unlike a traditional wedding reception where the couple ends up spending their evenings greeting thousands of guests who are often acquaintances", says Saajan Shah, wedding planner. This is especially seen among couples who plan their weddings themselves. They opt for a smaller, more intimate affair with a focus on experiences. "Couples have started planning their big days in exotic, undiscovered and virgin locations in India and abroad. Destinations like Mussoorie, Jim Corbett National Park, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Hampi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and Goa, with their large open spaces and scenic outdoor venues, remain all-time favourites. In the coming season, we can also expect countries like Bali, Mauritius, Switzerland, and Srilanka to become popular wedding destinations among Gujaratis. Couples are also looking at fascinating places like Tulum, Mexico and African jungle resorts and islands for their once-in-a-lifetime moment," wedding photographer Shrey Bhagat. Pre-wedding shoots have also become the need of the hour. "With the easing of travel restrictions in different parts of the world, the luxury of a mini getaway before the big day to capture the love between the partners at an offshoot location, like the Maldives seems doable," adds Bhagat.
Things to consider when planning a destination wedding Planning a destination wedding requires taking into account several details. "The host needs to make sure the location finalised is such that the guests can easily travel to, there is flexibility for crowd management and the food and property are excellent. It is only when all these things have aligned that everyone will have a smooth and enjoyable experience," says photographer Megha Israni. These days, Gujarati couples are becoming more and more involved in the organisation and management of their wedding. "Couples want the wedding location to be a reflection of who they are. I’ve worked with couples who choose local destinations only to stay close to their roots and culture, some who pick locations based on activities and sports they enjoy together, as well as a few who base their wedding location on where they first met and fell in love," says Bhagat. Irrespective of the destination you pick, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of the country. For example, Drone photography is not permitted in a few countries. Wedding designer Aashna Saran suggests including the destination's food, culture, architecture and design details etc in the menu, decor and the overall wedding theme. "It's a great way to add more character to the wedding functions," says Saran.
QUICK TIPS FOR PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING1. First, chalk out your budget: Start by setting a tentative budget for the wedding. It will help you narrow down the venue, vendors, means of transportation, the number of guests and more. It will also play a major role in helping you pick a destination.
2. Keep the vendors in mind: Decide whether you want to hire local vendors who are residing in or near the destination picked or wish to fly the vendors you like from your city or any other place. This will affect the budget in a big way.
3. Assign duties to friends and family: Allocate the roles and responsibilities among the vendors as well as your family members and close friends. This will keep you slightly stress-free. Consider hiring a wedding planner to look into the details and make the wedding a pleasant experience for you and your loved ones.
YOUR DESIRED DESTINATION WEDDING SHOULD HAVE- Great air connectivity
- Short flying time
- Simplified visa process
- Local transport and logistics to reach the destination
- Easy availability of Indian food as well as international cuisines
- Pleasant weather
- Favourable exchange rate
OFF-BEAT DESTINATIONS FOR GUJARATI WEDDINGS India1. Kevadia, Gujarat
2. Ranthambore, Rajasthan
3. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
4. Hampi, Karnataka
5. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
6. Kovalam, Kerala
7. Kolkata, West Bengal
8. Divar Island, Goa
International1. Seychelles
2. Azerbaijan
3. Oman
4. Turkey
5. Bali
6. Vietnam
7. Portugal
8. Sri Lanka
TOP TRENDS FOR 20231. Subtle and minimal decor is in vogue. How about an outdoor mandap made of fresh flowers, natural trees and botanical leaves?
2. E-invites are the way to go. They are budget and environment-friendly.
3. Boho-themed functions and quirky events with relaxed dress codes are popular. Also, couples are opting for a stand-up comedy event instead of a sangeet.
4. Whether it's wedding outfits designed by young Indian designers or organic food hampers, boutique, home-grown brands are in demand.
5. The wedding menu is designed to give you a taste of the destination. More and more wedding menus are incorporating the local specialities and flavours of the destination.
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