STYLE
Big, bizarre weddings out; traditional themes survive
Sujata Tiwari

ALL those who thought Indian weddings were getting bigger, brighter and bizarre, here’s some sobering news: brides and grooms have applied the brakes and are returning to the times when traditional rituals, folk songs and a gaggle of giggling girls dominated the event.

It is only the oddball couple which still chooses to make a song and dance of weddings while airborne in a jumbo jet, in sports stadiums, or perhaps, underwater in a hired submarine. By and large, these gimmicks have become passe, even scorned.

"The desire to be rooted to culture symbolises the metro Indian’s attitude to marriages," observes Delhi-based wedding organiser Gurpreet Chawla. "It has a lot to do with the current craze of going retro, getting back to our roots and celebrating the old and the beautiful."

The only concession, however, that people are making for themselves is at continuing with what was seen as ‘theme weddings’ about a decade ago. The most popular are Rajasthani and Punjabi themes, with the entire decor of the mandap, attire of the hosts and cuisine for the guests influenced by the tradition of the region.

Some may even be inspired by films, such as a Devdas theme. But it is never over the top as in the case of zany cowboy and gangster themes, Hawaiian or Arabian nights, replete with caparisoned elephants, belly dancers flown in for the occasion, waiters wearing masks, unpalatable food, noxious liquor...

"It destroys the sanctity of weddings", says Umesh Kathuria, who regrets the Mexican concept he had for his sister’s wedding at Mumbai in 1997. "For my wedding, I will have a simple religious ceremony, good Indian food and plenty of music and dance."

According to Chawla, present-day priorities are catering, decor and entertainment — in that order. "About 70 per cent of the most wedding budgets go into these three areas," he remarks. "The remaining goes into gifts, travel and hospitality of the guests, printing cards and other incidentals."

Adds Rajinder Uppal, a banquet manager of a five-star hotel: "Those going in for theme weddings are largely restricting themselves to the day before the main function. On that day, the cuisine and decor are the prime considerations, both for the hosts and guests."

Putting all these elements together is a specialised community of wedding trend forecasters, planners, interior decorators, travel agents, dress designers, beauticians and event managers who take care of not only the nitty-gritty of every activity, but also the logistic and coordination problems.

"Weddings are about showbiz and the ceremony is just an excuse," explains Uppal. "We are living in an age when making an impression is all that matters. Who wants to be caught in a situation when for one goof-up, you are teased and mocked at for the rest of your life? You just can’t leave anything to chance."

There are also web portals such as www.shaadionline.com which offer a "bouquet of wedding services", including advice ranging from horoscope matching, beauty tips and how to deal with in-laws to what not to do on your honeymoon.

"Given the fascination Indians have for weddings, there is a huge potential for wedding planners," says Jairaj Gupta, who launched www.shaadionline.com four years ago. "As a professional service, we are offering a one-stop shop for a smoothly orchestrated, hassle-free and memorable wedding."

"A wedding planner is a tension-saver," concedes Kathuria. "You can get help for everything from your trousseau to selecting your chef to the lodging of guests.... These guys are specialists in the field. So you can trust them."

Then there are planners who specialise in specific areas, such as dressing. Says Tripti Chaudhury, one such specialist: "We help our clients choose designers. If they are looking for elegance, we suggest Ritu Kumar. For colours, it is Satya Paul. Or if it is plain daring, it is Sabyasachi Mukherji."

But then, going by current trends, bridal trousseaus are getting more sensuous with sheer, flowing fabrics and in tones varying from reds and oranges to emerald green and fuschia. Routine saree-blouse and lehnga-choli ensembles are being reworked with a filmi touch. (MF)