In the world of weddings, you’re typically either a “Big Fat Indian Wedding” enthusiast or a supporter of intimate celebrations. Traditionally, our families lean towards inviting everyone they’ve ever known, but the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a shift towards smaller gatherings. Remarkably, this trend has persisted. Vedika Mohan, Creative Director of The Wedding Design Company – known for organising weddings like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s, as well as Akash Ambani and Shloka’s – offers her insights on the intimate wedding trend for currentMood Mag.
currentMood Mag: As a wedding planner, you’ve witnessed firsthand the rise of intimate weddings. What do you believe is driving this trend?
Vedika Mohan: As a millennial wedding planner catering to both Gen Z and other generations, I’ve witnessed intimate weddings increasingly gaining popularity for several reasons. Firstly, people prioritise experiences over extravagance, opting for smaller, more meaningful gatherings to connect deeply with their loved ones. Additionally, in today’s social media-centric culture, couples prioritise creating Instagram-worthy moments rather than impressing large crowds. It’s not just about capturing the perfect picture; it’s about conveying the story behind it. Moreover, there’s a practical aspect to intimate weddings – they tend to be more budget-friendly and allow for greater personalisation. Ultimately, the focus is on quality over quantity, crafting a day that authentically reflects the couple’s personalities and values.
currentMood Mag: What locations would you recommend (both in India and abroad) for intimate settings? Are there any specific hotels you would recommend?
Vedika Mohan: India – Ranthambore, Jaisalmer (where I recently celebrated my wedding), Goa, Kerala, and even Kashmir. Internationally – Tuscany in Italy is always a timeless choice, while Puglia in the southern part of Italy offers another captivating setting. Additionally, we recently organised a wedding in Marrakech, which proved to be absolutely stunning.
currentMood Mag: Which intimate wedding has been your favourite to plan so far?
Vedika Mohan: My own!! Hands down. And yes, a big bias there, but what better and more amazing an experience? Always the planner, always the bridesmaid/maid of honor – finally the bride. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of planning, designing, organizing, and being a part of so many of my friends’ weddings. I think the pure joy, happiness, and most of all the ecstatic excitement we all experienced from celebrating mine together was unparalleled. It was a ‘ghar ki shaadi,’ and that’s exactly what we both wanted. Our crew – family and friends who are like family – had the time of our lives together. It was truly wholesome!
currentMood Mag: Does an intimate wedding equal a less hectic wedding?
Vedika Mohan: There’s still a wedding that needs planning. Decisions on numerous aspects await. The difference lies in the scale, affecting logistics, decor space, and F&B arrangements. Managing the wedding as a whole varies. Couples can prioritise spending time with everyone and relishing the moment, avoiding the overwhelm of a larger event. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to recognise that even intimate weddings demand meticulous planning for seamless execution.
Text: Gauri Talukdar