SOUMODEEP BHATTACHARYA

Smaller audiences

Destination weddings have garnered huge popularity in the last five years and have become common amongst Indians, too. Goa offers a varied landscape – from beaches to quaint islands and heritage sites to luxurious five-star hotels. Guests have a whole lot of options to choose from. Today, the major trend we see is a smaller audience or limited number of guests. Over-the-top, gigantic weddings with over 500 people is a thing of the past.

A casual vibe

Last year, we saw the trend of people preferring a casual vibe – lots of greenery and dramatic florals instead of linen drapes. Picnic-style seating or community table set-up instead of formal round tables, handmade (think origami) centerpieces that reflect the personality of the bride and groom, are doing the rounds. Every couple is looking for a theme that has a distinct character and that matches their own personalities. They want their wedding to be an extension of their own personal interests.

Food at weddings

At Indian weddings, choice of food and offerings is not merely an extension of their hospitality, it is also a symbol of social status and hence, it is as important as the wedding ceremony itself. Menu planning for a wedding can take weeks before the family decides, hence, at Le Méridien Goa, Calangute, we make sure that our team meets guests personally or speaks to them over the phone to understand their preferences and favourites so that the menu can be customised keeping their choices in mind.