Why Are Indian Weddings Getting Smaller? The New Trend Revealed!

Weddings are perhaps one of the biggest celebrations in one's life. It's a testimonial to love, laughter, and celebrations of connections between two families. Though in recent years, India has witnessed a notable shift in wedding trends. From big fat Indian weddings to "micro marriages" or intimate weddings the wedding celebrations are changing. There's a significant rise of "micro weddings" that can be seen in the Indian wedding landscape.

Though most of us are still attracted to the concept of "extravaganza" in wedding scenarios, Gen Zs have a different perspective on this matter. Dream destinations, lavish decorations, extensive guest lists, and luxury weddings once curated a niche path in our lives which we still find difficult to dust off but nowadays, the couples are favouring the "unconventional" small-scale celebrations, typically involving 20 to 50 close family members and friends.

Photo: Alia Bhatt's Instagram handle

The Rise of Micro Marriages:

Post-pandemic, couples now value meaningful moments with close friends and family rather than hosting hundreds of guests since they believe in the concept of "Quality over Quantity." Not only the commoners, but celebrities are also opting for micro weddings. Here are a few reasons, why are more Gen Z couples choosing low-key weddings !!

Saves a lot of money:

In today's generation, the young couples are more financially sound. With the rise in living costs and expenses, micro-weddings allow couples to save aside funds for future objectives like home ownership or vacations instead of spending a fortune on a single event. Micro marriages consist of limited guests. This automatically reduces costs like larger venues, elaborate catering, manpower, and even accommodation. Honestly, a European holiday seems better than feeding strangers.

Emphasize on Personalization:

Gen Z values intimate moments with close family and friends, where the focus is on the bond between the couple, rather than the grand spectacle. For example, a smaller wedding allows for more personalized touches—whether it’s a favourite playlist, a unique dress code, or a special venue that holds personal significance.

Ajay Modgil, wedding planner, feels size still matters but he gives his own ‘personalized' twist. He added:

Intimate weddings are little weddings with a big heart. You may have a shorter guest list but you can splurge on customised decor.

Photo: Milind Soman's Instagram handle

Influence of Social Media:

In the era of Social media, the concept of 'quiet luxury'—understated elegance without overt displays of wealth and 24*7 visibility is leading couples to delve into subtle, intimate celebrations over grandiose events.

Milind Soman, actor, fitness enthusiast commented:

We just had some close friends and family for the rituals. The intimate ceremony made it meaningful.

Environmental and Social Responsibility:

Micro marriages, with their smaller scale, naturally lead to reduced waste and resource consumption. This aligns with the values of environmentally conscious couples who wish to celebrate responsibly. The rise of sustainable wedding vendors, who offer eco-conscious services and products, is making it easier for couples to host low-key celebrations that don’t compromise on style or substance.

Personal Attention To Guests At Micro Weddings:

Large weddings with a large guest list typically include hurried handshakes and greets to express gratitude to the guests for coming. On the other hand, micro weddings allow you to communicate with guests and express your preferences. Instead of only taking photos with the guests to record their presence, a small wedding lets the couple talk to visitors and enjoy their special day in a laid-back way.

Tips for Arranging Micro Wedding:

Choosing The Right Venue

To cut down the cost instead of choosing a premium location, select a place which has a special value in your life.

Actors Prateik Babbar and Priya Banerjee recently tied the knot in a home that had great sentimental value for both of them, the home of Babbar's late mother and award-winning actress Smita Patil. In an interview with Vogue India, Priya Banerjee shared:

We pivoted amongst different locations but nothing struck a chord. One night I had a dream about Prateik’s mom, and I knew it was our sign to get married at home as it has always held a magical sway over him.

Photo: Deepika Padukone's Instagram handle

Curating the Guest List

This can be a challenging task for you. If you have a large extended family or a wide circle of friends, you may have to make difficult decisions about who to include. Since the number of guests is limited, it becomes difficult to choose the invitees, as you don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. Choose wisely with whom you want to share your special days and make your memories unforgettable.

For decades, celebrities like Kajol and Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and TwinkleKhannar, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh opted for a close-knit wedding affair that prioritized family bonds over public display.

Neeraj Chopra, a prominent Indian athlete, also chose a low-key wedding that reflected his personality and values.

Invitations and Stationery

Design invitations and stationery that reflect the theme and style of your wedding. You can even consider personalized touches like handwritten notes or custom illustrations.

Timeline and Schedule

Fewer guests mean less chaos and more flexibility. Create a detailed timeline and schedule for your wedding day. Ensure that there’s enough time for everything, from getting ready to the ceremony and reception. Keep things relaxed and enjoyable rather than rushed.

As much as you want to celebrate your wedding intimately with fewer guests, your parents might not happily jump on this bandwagon. They might have their expectations and wish to have a massive ceremony for you. So, this is the first step that you need to consider. But every couple has a dream about their special day. I believe whether grand or intimate, weddings are always a union- of two souls, moreover, two families so what truly matters is happiness and celebrations. The wedding should be curated in such a way that no matter 50 guests or 100, everyone can enjoy, especially the bride and the groom should celebrate their love and union in a way that truly reflects their personalities and values.

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