The big fat tech-charged Indian weddings
Think weddings and visuals of decadent decor, OTT ceremonies and loaded opulence come to mind. While real life tends to imitate reel when it comes to trends, desi couples are leaving Bollywood behind and roping in futuristic tech. But e-vites, funky photo filters and drones are all passé. Tech savvy couples are all for out-of-the-box ideas such as waiters serving food and beverages on Segways or hoverboards, conveyor belts with a variety of salads, motion-sensing games, foot massage machines for guests, and the like.
“From wedding apps, GIF photo booths, robots dancing with DJs to 3D mapping for the stage backdrops, no stone has been left unturned to make the experience more memorable and unique,” says Delhi-based wedding planner Kaveri Vij.
As if the extravagance that Indian weddings are famous for wasn’t already enough, where does this need for futuristic elements stem from? “Couples not only want visually appealing elements at the wedding but also features their guests can experience. So there are interactive dance floors that cost from ₹50,000-60,000, unique photo booths starting from ₹10,000 and going up to ₹30,000. Then there are LED walls and selfie stations too,” says Aanchal Bagaria, a Mumbai-based wedding planner.
Meena Makhloga, media marketing manager of a banquet in Delhi that offers carousel and hoverboard facilities, says, “The basic idea is to provide a unique experience to the customers, give them a memorable affair.” The banquet also trains its staff to use hoverboards before they ride the same to serve food.
Himanshi K Seth, 27, who recently attended a wedding with foot massage machines for guests during the pheras, says, “I found the idea super cool. The wedding festivities last over a week and there’s just crazy dancing and running around. And during pheras, other guests do not really have anything to do, so it was a great way to relax and unwind.”
Not just this, brides and grooms also demand to make a grand entry, literally riding on technology. “There are demands from brides and grooms to plan their entries on Segways, or to have champagne served on Segways. There are third-party associates who provide live previews of the wedding, for guests who can’t attend the events, on specialised apps,” says Akshay Chopra, Kaveri’s business partner.
Digital platforms thus ensure that everyone concerned has a slice of the bride and groom’s special day.