Bookended by dunes, and splendid bolts of colors, cuisines, and crafts, Rajasthan is emerging as the special destination for couples to formalise their unions in. Beatles singer Paul McCartney wrote his famous song “Riding into Jaipur” – that formed the background score of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movies. Cut to present – From Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas, Katrina Kaif- Vicky Kaushal to Kiara Advani-Siddharth Malhotra and now Parineeti Chopra- Raghav Chadha, the desert state is bringing in an evergreen toast to royal, memorable celebrations.
TASTE OF REGALIA
Says Kinjal Adodra, Creative Director and Founder, Design HQ, a leading destination wedding planner, “Rajasthan brings in stunning venues within its heritage properties – take your pick Mughal-style gardens with gurgling fountains to lush lawns, poolside areas, with an unbeatable view of the dunes beyond. The splendid architecture, rich culture, delectable cuisine, and the easy availability of a wide range of vendors – from folk entertainers to decorators, has transformed the state into an exceptionally attractive market for hosting weddings.”
From caparisoned elephants greeting the guests, the garlanding and tikka ceremony at the arrival point, a rush in the speedboat to a palace hotel in the midst of a lake…the build up to the big day is thrilling, in a royal way. Says Nirav Thaleshwar,, Founder, Allegiant Events, who has organised leading celeb cricketer weddings in Rajasthan, “The hospitality in Rajasthan is truly unparalleled. They excel in making guests feel regal and absolutely valued. Add to that the sheer scale and quality of the properties in Rajasthan – that give it that edge. Palaces, forts, deserts, lake views, stunning landscapes are unlike anything you will find elsewhere. Quick accessibility, with direct flights from major metro cities make way for a relaxed experience here. Fabulous options in food is yet another compelling factor. Most hotels here offer a diverse array of cuisines, with Indian cuisine taking centre stage – recognizing that food holds paramount importance in any wedding celebration.”
Earlier people were zooming off to Bali, Phuket, Sri Lanka, Maldives….for destination weddings. The evergreen locations of the desert state have claimed preference now, more so with the growing number of celebrity weddings holding court here. The run to the wedding brings in a flurry of events in the mehendi and sangeet night under the twinkling stars, with a polo cup organised for the highbrow. The palaces and forts breathe opulence, a sense of exotica, especially if you have a large number of guests flying in from all parts of the world.
Says wedding planner Neha Seth Arora, co-founder Saffron String, “ The allure of Rajasthan, the rich history of royal weddings has left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. Many of us have grown up captivated by the grandeur of Maharajas and Maharanis celebrating their unions in opulent palaces. Thus, for countless Indians, the dream of a royal palace wedding runs deep. It is not merely a trend resurgence but a reflection of couples and families inspired by a legacy of regal celebrations. These palaces, both in India and abroad, offer a destination in harmony with their dreams. Some prominent Indian palace venues include Anù Pardal Palace, Madhavan Palace, Rambagh Palace, Suryagarh Palace, and Baroda Palace.”
HIGH WATTAGE
Nothing sells like Bollywood and the recent spate of celebrity, filmi weddings have put Rajasthan firmly in the centre of the preferred marriage locations map. Founder of Shreem Events, Devanshi Patel says, “The draw is especially strong among NRI couples, who are drawn to the regal charm of Rajasthan. This interest has also been heightened by significant celebrity weddings that have taken place there. Many couples aspire to exchange vows in the majestic settings of palaces once inhabited by royalty or ancient forts. The grandeur and timeless charm of these venues captivate their imaginations. In India, people look up to trendy celebrity weddings for inspiration. Post the pandemic, the trend for intimate weddings has intensified. Additionally, due to the tax implications associated with international spend, more couples are choosing to celebrate within India. ”
Explains Kinjal, “After organizing several weddings in a particular location, you develop a profound grasp of collaborating with local teams and cultivating dependable vendor partnerships. Once these foundational aspects are established, operating as a planner or designer in that region becomes notably more efficient and manageable. Rajasthan has a well-grounded wedding industry. As for young couples, in addition to being influenced by celeb weddings, they are consciously preferring the charm of forts and palaces to the beaches and islands in South East Asia. They are making a conscious choice to invest their resources in their own country. I believe that patriotism has taken on a new face and a fresh perspective. Instead of merely adhering to traditional customs and practices, younger couples prioritize contributing to their nation. In this context, their focus is on boosting the economy, supporting local artisans, providing employment opportunities to locals, savoring Indian cuisine over international options, and opting for sustainable decor crafted by local artisans. Food plays a significant role in this shift, and Rajasthan brings in a multiplicity of options. Sustainability is a key consideration. Young couples are mindful of their carbon footprint, understanding that while a wedding may not be entirely environmentally friendly, it can certainly be eco-conscious. While island properties offer beautiful beaches, they often lack the cultural richness and architectural heritage found in India. Additionally, hosting events after sunset on are subject to challenges: if you have a sundowner wedding ceremony, capturing the sunset may be uncertain. In general, there is a growing appreciation for our own country’s art and architecture. We no longer feel the need to look elsewhere because India offers a wealth of untouched forts and cultural experiences.”
Shilpi Madan for ITC Namaste