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If you dream of a grand destination wedding, look no further than Rajasthan. The state's picturesque landscapes, steeped in history, provide the ideal setting for a lavish celebration. The luxurious hotels and resorts nestled within the havelis and forts exude opulence, adding a royal touch to your special day. If a wedding in Rajasthan is on your mind, here are some valuable tips and advice to ensure an enchanting and memorable experience for you and your guests.
There is so much to choose from when exploring the state of Rajasthan for your destination wedding. Which place do you pick? Among the top wedding destinations is Jaipur, with its historic palaces featuring the luxurious Rambagh Palace and Alila Fort Bishangarh, says Himish Agarwal, CEO and Creative Director of Konark Events, a luxury wedding design and decor company based in Jaipur. An award-winning company with over fifteen years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, they have been crafting weddings in India since 2007 specialising in luxury design and decor. “Udaipur offers a romantic ambience with beautiful lakes and iconic properties like The Leela Palace Udaipur and Taj Lake Palace. Jodhpur boasts impressive forts and the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Bikaner offers unique stays at Bikaner Fort. Additionally, the Six Senses Fort Barwara, a restored 14th-century fort, combines history with modern luxury, making these destinations and properties some of the best in Rajasthan for an unforgettable experience.”
Udaipur and Jaipur are particularly favoured, finds Devanshi Patel, founder of Shreem Events, luxury wedding and event planners specialising in destination weddings and artist/entertainment curation whose past clients include Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic. While other places are gaining popularity, these two cities remain top choices due to their accessibility and the availability of local vendors, she says. Additionally, they are culturally rich and offer a diverse ecosystem, including lakes, mountains, the Aravallis, palaces, and star hotels. These factors make Udaipur and Jaipur standout destinations for weddings in Rajasthan.
When choosing a venue for a wedding, several key factors must be considered to ensure a seamless and memorable event. Firstly, the number of rooms available at the venue should align with the number of guests you plan to host. “It's crucial to ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone,” says Agarwal. “Secondly, consider the proximity and logistical ease of access to the venue. Check if there are direct flights to the nearest airport and how convenient it is for guests travelling from various cities.” He also believes that the exclusivity of the venue is vital, especially for intimate weddings. For a wedding with 100 to 200 guests, opting for a property with 400 or 300 rooms may not provide the desired exclusivity. A buyout option, where you can secure all or most of the venue's rooms, ensures a private and personalised experience. “Lastly, the availability of vendors in the destination city is an important consideration. Ensuring that you can access high-quality wedding vendors locally will contribute to the smooth execution of your wedding plans.”
Choosing the right venue is a deeply personal decision, feels Darshan Shroff, Partner at Momente Weddings, a luxury wedding planning company based in Mumbai. “It's all about what the couple and their family have envisioned and dreamt of for their special day. We listen to their ideas and dreams and offer recommendations that match their vision. This way, we ensure that the venue feels just right and truly reflects their unique love story and celebration.”
Choosing the right venue among the many great options in Rajasthan involves considering several key factors, says Patel. These include the venue's capacity, the number of rooms needed, and accessibility, as guests will travel from different locations. Additionally, the style and taste of the couple are crucial—whether they prefer the ambience of Udaipur or Jaipur, or the unique charm of a desert venue like Jaisalmer. The venue should reflect the couple’s choices be it royal, rustic, or contemporary. Ensure the venue provides all necessary amenities and services for a seamless event.
Heritage havelis are beautiful because they have a lot of character and tell many stories, he says. They offer a unique and historical charm that can't be replicated. On the other hand, five-star hotels provide luxury and modern amenities, creating a different but equally appealing atmosphere. “The choice between a heritage haveli and a five-star hotel depends on the couple's vision for their wedding. Factors like the number of guests and the desired ambiance play a crucial role in deciding which venue is a better fit. We consider all these elements to ensure the chosen location perfectly matches the couple's dream wedding,” says Shroff.
The best time to plan a wedding in Rajasthan is during the wedding season, which spans the period from November to February. These months are ideal due to the pleasant weather, the absence of extreme heat or rains typical of this desert region, thus making ceremonies more enjoyable, says Patel. “During this season, having a baraat or any daytime events will be more enjoyable outdoors. The cool, comfortable climate allows guests to fully appreciate the breathtaking venues and participate in celebrations without discomfort.”
When planning a guest list for a destination wedding in Rajasthan, one should consider the various cities that offer different capacities and experiences. “Udaipur and Jaipur can accommodate a larger number of guests due to their extensive facilities,“ says Patel. “Jaisalmer, while more limited in capacity, can still host larger weddings by clubbing multiple hotels. Pushkar is also an option worth considering. By combining venues and leveraging the unique charm of each location, a memorable wedding experience can be created for the guests.“
