Kunal Rai

Vice President

Weddings and Events, Tamarind Global

CURATING EXPERIENCES

Each wedding is now all about incorporating new and unique experiences for the guests – from virgin destinations, to unique eclectic entertainment, interactive elements, novel food and bartending concepts, décor that stands out and more to appeal to all senses. The general experience needs to now be involving, personalised and out of the box.

CUSTOMISING IS THE WORD

From a custom app that keeps all communication personal, to a customised gifting with the names of guests, elements in bartending like monogrammed ice cubes or custom menus, customised and curated entertainment concepts and much more – you can do a lot whether it is an overseas destination or domestic even with a large guest list.

SWAYING TO SANGEET

Tech-based setups, innovative bride and groom entries, eclectic and experiential foreign artists, completely customised and specially conceptualised shows curated to include stunning visuals, dance and vocal acts, give guests a special experience.

GUARANTEED ENTERTAINMENT

Hollywood inspired themes are still seen for décor such as Moulin Rouge, Alice in Wonderland and so on.

VARMALA CONCEPTS

Recently, we did a varmala which took place on an ice lotus stage. Another few ideas we were evaluating for a client included a surreal garland exchange on a water body with water projections of customised content around the bride and groom.

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Within India, a wedding can work out to `40,000 per head and also go to over `1.5 Lakhs per head, all-inclusive depending on where you do it.

CHALLENGES

A lack of new destinations with good infrastructure and connectivity. Hotels agreeing to a buy out at a reasonable pricing.

Fusing outside catering with existing hotel kitchens.

For most hotels and destinations, outdoor decibel sound restrictions limit the timings of functions.

SMALLER LUXURY HOTELS OR BIGGER DESTINATION RESORTS

I usually prefer a smaller hotel buyout.

WHAT’S TRENDING?

New trends all revolve around instant gratification. Getting short videos and instagramable content during the function to share memories then and there with guests and on social media has become something to look forward to.

A WEDDING THAT STOOD OUT

A family from London had seen a Mela (fair) concept in London's heritage Old Billinsgate on the Thames overlooking the The Shard.

The eclectic Mela brought elements in décor, food and entertainment from each state, which was transported from India.

Within India, a wedding can work out to `40,000 per head and also go over to `1.5 Lakhs per head