As someone deeply entrenched in the world of wedding design for over a decade, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in how couples approach their special day. I have watched weddings evolve from grand, over-the-top celebrations to unique, personal experiences. I have watched the audience change from parents who called the shots to couples choosing to get married uniquely and pay for their celebrations. And above all, I have seen the wedding industry embrace sustainability like never before. If you are planning your wedding, here are five trends that you must consider to add a green touch to your special day:
There was a time when planning a grand destination wedding was on every couple's dream list. Over the last few years, owing to the pandemic, more and more people have realised the charm of hosting an intimate affair closer home. Not only does that help you stick to a budget, but it also gives you the room to provide a unique spin to the celebrations. For instance, swap the heavy charges you'd be paying for a themed cocktail night abroad for an intimate wine-tasting session or an event where your guests can create ceramics with the help of local potters.
Gone are the days of peonies and crystals. Indian crafts are having their long overdue moment in the limelight. With India's regional diversity in art and craft heritage, there's no better way to make your wedding decor stand out than to embrace them. Not only does it add a whole lot of character to the space, but it also helps employ local artisans. From terracotta toys to kolam art to wall coverings featuring kalamkari and Madhubani paintings or Thikri art, there's a lot to choose from in Indian art heritage when designing the decor for your wedding.
More and more couples are moving from traditional expansive banquets and resorts to open spaces with a distinct charm. From forest weddings to ceremonies in gardens, the shift has been towards choosing natural locales with elements that can serve as a great backdrop. Moreover, they don't need much to be spruced up, significantly reducing the waste generated. When choosing a venue, besides the logistical questions of how many people it can fit, factor in if it has elements that can also be part of the decor.
Sustainability isn't just about reducing waste; it's also about sourcing locally and minimising carbon footprints. Couples are increasingly embracing the concept of homegrown. From farm-to-table dining experiences to using locally sourced ingredients, weddings are getting a dose of authenticity. Growing flowers for decoration and sourcing materials from the immediate surroundings are the new cool ways to keep weddings environmentally friendly, especially if it is an intimate affair.
While orchids are beautiful, the humble but glorious genda or marigold is always in style. If you want floral arrangements, choose what's available locally and is in season. With a long blooming season and wide availability, the genda is the best way to add floral magic to your Indian wedding. Even for Rajkumar Rao and Patralekhaa's wedding, we based the decor around the genda. Mixing and matching with reusable or biodegradable decor is another way to ensure you're not leaning towards excess.
Devika Narain is an event stylist and a wedding designer