PROJECT REPORT

ON

STUDY ON INDIAN WEDDING INDUSTRY

(MARKETING AND SALES)

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Preface

“Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.” David Packard of

Hewlett Packed. The Indian market is getting to be consumer-led. This is the reason
behind the unprecedented boom in advertising. Below the line marketing activities, fast
distribution system and more sophisticated consumer research. Marketing is now not only
limited to products but it has entered a new face of providing solutions and services.

The dilemma that all marketers are facing is getting the maximum done in the minimum
possible time. The consumer could be a purchaser of end products, or a financial investor,
or even an industrial purchaser. Everywhere, there is a new thrust on marketing and
advertising.

The hyper activity in the market place is seeing a boom in support services, with a
number of independent agencies mushrooming to provide them. Co-related to the market
book, services are well on there to becoming a major industry.
The creative leap is increasingly being governed by market realities and consumer
research. And Clint interface is no longer limited to the Clint service people, but
including all specialists in agencies.

Marketing and marketing agencies have entered a new phase where it offers solutions to
its customers in making important decision in there life, Leaving them with a great
impression and satisfaction for future.

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 INDEX

TITLE PG NO.

1. Candidate’s declaration 2
2. Acknowledgement 3
3. Preface 4
4. Table of content 5-7
5. Executive summary 8
6. Introduction 9
7. Indian culture & Indian weddings 10-12
 North Indian wedding 13-14
 South Indian wedding 15-17
 East Indian wedding 18-19
 West Indian wedding 20-21
8. Religious weddings
 Hindu weddings 22-23
 Muslim weddings 24-26
 Sikh weddings 27-29
 Christian weddings 30-33

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9. World view about Indian wedding industry 34-39
10. History to Future :A journey of spending 40-45
11. In house planners 46-49
12. Wedding planning
 Wedding and hospitality management 50
 Designer invitations 50
 Wedding inclusions 51-53
 Shopping 53
 Venues and accommodation 53
 Themes and decorations 54
 Menu planning 54
 Designer and accessories 54
 Entertainment 55

 Rentals 55
 Destination wedding 56
 Ancillary support 57

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13. Wedding related services 58
 Wedding preparations 59-60
 Marriage venues 61
 Wedding cards 62
 Wedding gifts 62
 Groom 63
 Bride 64-65

14. Wedding ceremonies 66-67

 Pre wedding ceremonies 68-72
 Main day ceremonies 73-74
 Post wedding ceremonies 75-78

15. Wedding industry 79-82

16. Case study 83-89
17. Conclusion 90
18. Bibliography 91

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Executive summary

This project is an extension on clubbing of two concepts i.e. marketing with the wedding
industry. Indian wedding are one occasion in which a person tries to spend double of his
pocket. we all are aware that marriages are bound to happen every year. So my project
would deal in how we can make a blend of marketing with marriages to earn profits and
help other find basic answers to there question when it comes organizing marriages. This
topic also attracted me because there is a great shift from people spending huge amount
as compared to previous era. Marriages now in India are more of status symbol and
showbiz.

We are all aware that marriages here in India are celebrated like festivals and mainly the
occasion last for almost a week. Whether it’s middle class or the rich cream of the society
they love to spend the maximum of there penny on marriages. Keeping this idea in mind
the organization like shaadi.com provides pre marriage arrangements like selecting of
groom/bride. A hotel industry takes the initiative to handle arrangements during the
marriage. Finally, the tourism industry which handles the post phase of marriages like
honeymoon and offering different packages. So basically these industries cover the
journey from pre phase to the post phase of the marriages to provide customer
satisfaction.

Marriages involves huge gathering so it proves to be a good tool of advertising as well.

Now customer would look for one stop to provide the solution for different steps to be
followed during marriages.

Data collection was based on the study of an wedding planning industry giving an
overview what all the plan out and what was there end profit except customer satisfaction

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INTRODUCTION

India is a land of diverse culture and religion. Every region of the country has its
own unique way of celebrating their marriage. Be it east, west, north and south all the
four regions have its own wedding customs and rituals. Marriages in India are not just
coming together of two individuals and exchange of vows and rings, but it marks the
bonding of two souls, two families, their culture and their communities. Indian wedding
is not an affair of few hours but it is a matter of several eventful days. All the family
members and friends get together for the celebration.
India being the land of treasure trove of cultures and traditions lures many young
couples to celebrate their weddings in true blue Indian style. Indian weddings have
always been known for their grandeur and magnificence. The celebrations are opulent in
every sense of the word and lasts for several days. Indian customs evokes a great deal of
interest among the foreigners. And many cherish the desire to perform their weddings in
this fashion making it a memorable occasion in every sense of the word.
Indian marriages are highly interesting as they owe all of their customs and
rituals to their long lost pagan forefathers. Indian Marriages have been acclaimed all over
the world for its diversity and colorfulness. It has been seen that many people come from
abroad and adopt the Indian marriage rituals to get married. It will be unwise to say that
Indian marriages are essentially Hindu in flavor. In fact it is as much Hindu as it is at par
with any other religion. In a secular country like India a huge chunk of population is
Muslim and the next major mass is comprised of Christians.
It is said that marriages are made in heaven but celebrated in country like India.
Indian Weddings with all their grandeur and magnificence have cast its spell on so many
foreigners that there are many who consider getting married in India.

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INDIAN CULTURE - INDIAN WEDDINGS

Indian wedding can be broadly divided on the basis of

Region and religion. Since we all know India is land of wide diversity and culture so
different wedding styles are bound to happen but here we restrict our self to only region
and religion.
Lets first classify on the basis of region:

 NORTH
 SOUTH
 EAST
 WEST

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Indian Weddings

Hindu Marriage Act

Marriages in different religions

Marriages in Metro

Special Marriage Act

Marriages in Villages

Sikh Weddings

Arya Samaj Weddings

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Christian weddings

Types of Hindu Marriages

Marriage Laws in India

Muslim Marriage Act

Hindu Weddings

Muslim Weddings

Punjabi Weddings

Gujarati Weddings

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North Indian Wedding Traditions

North Indian weddings also follow a lot of rituals and customs. North Indian
wedding traditions include many rites and rituals performed on the D-day.
In traditional North Indian weddings, the main ceremony takes place at the brides'
home. There are many pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies as well. The most
important of the former is the Mangni or Sagai or engagement ceremony. On the
auspicious day of the wedding, the bride's father treats the groom to yogurt and honey
and graciously welcomes him into the household. One of the most important of North
Indian wedding traditions is the exchanging of garlands, commonly referred to as the
Jaimala ceremony and is symbolic of accepting one another.

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The ceremonial fire or Havan is lit and Agni is invoked to witness the occasion. Fire is
regarded as a purifying element in Hindu rites and rituals. The couple then offers sacrifice
or Rajaham to the fire. This is typical to North Indian wedding traditions. The ritual that
follows next is the Gath Bandhan, symbolic of eternal ties. Then it is the turn of what is
regarded as the most important all North Indian wedding traditions - the Saat Phere or
Mangal Phere. The bride and groom circle the fire often holding hands and take vows to
be beside each other throughout their lives. Both sets of parents and other elders of the
family then bless the newly wedded couple.
North Indian wedding traditions also include putting on the Mangal Sutra as well
and application of vermillion on the bride's head by the groom. These rituals have a
deeper symbolic relevance and a certain quaint charm and appeal. It is no wonder then
that they enamor even foreigners.

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South Indian Wedding Traditions

The Hindu wedding ceremony has a number of rituals and customs, each symbolic
of beautiful and noble sentiments. South Indian wedding traditions and ceremonies are no
exception. As one enters the place or venue of ceremony of a South Indian wedding, one
notice things such as full-grown plantain trees tied to both the gateposts, festoons
overhead of mango leaves, and screw-pine petals that never fade, notes of the
Nadaswaram, the South Indian Shehnai, Kolam or Rangoli designs at the doorsteps and
the like.
On the evening prior to the wedding day, the bridegroom is brought in a procession
from a temple in a flower-adorned ride. The bride's parents escort him to the marriage
Mandapam. Nadaswaram band leads the way along the streets. After reaching the
marriage hall, there is a formal ceremony of espousal. Ganapati, the God of Initiation is
invoked, to keep away all hindrances. There are several presiding gods - the Nandi
Devatas. To please them, a leaf-laden branch of the Pipal tree is set up, and 5 married
ladies perform a ritual of washing it with milk.

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 This Puja or worship is followed by a presentation of a dhoti, and a saree to the
espousing couple. This is performed to propitiate the 9 astral planets that rule over human
destiny. The marriage ceremonies start with the Vratham performed separately by the
bride and the groom. For the bride, it means the tying of the holy thread on her wrist that
is meant to keep away all evil spirits. From there on, the groom prepares himself for a
new chapter in his life as a householder or Grihasta. The days of his bachelorhood are
now over and the acceptance of this is all what the Vratham is about.
At the marriage hall, the bride's father and the bridegroom's father facing each
other, formalize the final betrothal ceremony, as the Vedic priest chants the appropriate
hymns in which the names of the bride, the bridegroom, as well as the names of their 3
generations of ancestors, are cited in presence of all the friends, relatives, and guests. The
bride and the groom are lifted to the shoulders of their respective uncles, and in that
position they exchange flower garlands with each other thrice for a perfect union. Here
the exchange of garlands symbolizes their union. It is also symbolic of acceptance of
each other by exchanging the very fragrance of the other.
The bride is made to sit on her father's lap and is given away as a gift by him to
the bridegroom. On the girl's head, a ring made with Kusa, is placed, and over it is placed
the Mangal Sutra on the opening of the yoke, and water is poured through the aperture.
The bride is then given an auspicious washing, and an elite new Koorai Saree is draped
around her, which is done by the sister of the bridegroom. Three knots are tied, the first
one by the bridegroom, the other two knots by his sister to make the bride a parts of the
boy's family. The groom holds the hand of the bride. Holding the bride's hand, the
bridegroom walks seven steps with her. This is the most important part of the marriage
ceremony, and only when they walk seven steps together is the marriage complete. The
belief is that when one walks seven steps with another, one becomes the other's friend. A
vital part of the wedding is the honor paid by the couple to Agni, the fire God. They circle
around the fire, and feed it with ghee, and twigs of nine types of trees, as sacrificial
firewood. The vapors that arise, are supposed to possess therapeutic, healing and
purification properties for the couple. Agni, the most powerful element in the cosmos is
deemed as a witness to the marriage.

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 The bridegroom helps her tread on a grindstone kept on the right side of the fire,
holding the bride's left foot toe. The elders and the invitees shower Akshadai, or rice-
grains coated with turmeric and saffron, on the couple, as approval. Taking with her, fire
from the Laaja Homam, the bride leaves her home, and enters the new home of her in-
laws. The Vedic hymns sound like mother's words of advice to her daughter.
The evening of the marriage day is a time to relax and rejoice. The newly married
wife calls her husband for play, alluring him through a song. Much to the cheerfulness of
one and all gathered there follows list of playful items. During these items, the ladies sing
songs poking fun at the bride, the groom and the in-laws. These proceedings bring out
many qualities of the bride and the groom, such as sporting spirit, kindness, strength, co-
operative nature and the like.
A solution of lime and turmeric powder, is prepared on a plate, and circled
around, and thrown away to keep the evil eye at bay. This is done a number of times
during the entire wedding ceremony, and also at the end.

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East Indian Wedding Traditions

Hindu weddings are ceremonial feasts laden with symbolic rites and rituals.
Despite India's diversities in language, culture, food and lifestyle, one can observe
common threads in many Hindu weddings across the nation. The East Indian wedding
traditions mainly include the marriage traditions of West Bengal, Orissa, Assam and other
northeastern states of India.
Bengali wedding ceremonies consist of simple but meaningful rituals. There are
plenty of interesting Bengali wedding traditions and customs, which enable close friends
and relatives to come together and share joyous moments while celebrating the union of
two souls.
When the marriage procession of the groom arrives at the entrance of the bride's
residence, all of them are given a hearty welcome with fresh flowers. The Baran Dala is
touched to the groom's forehead by an elderly female relative of the bride, and then to the
ground. This gesture stands for a portion of blessing. Then, the groom is offered sweets
and sherbet. As the groom gets into the bride's house or wedding venue, rosewater is
sprinkled on him. The Shubho Drishti ritual is performed when the bride and groom first
look at each other.

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 The Mala Badal ceremony is the exchange of flower garlands between the bride
and groom along with the chants of mantras. As a part of Saat Paak ritual, the bride has to
sit on a low wooden stool called Pidi that is lifted by her brothers. Then, the girl is taken
around the groom seven times in circles, which symbolizes their union. During the
Sampradhan ritual, the bride's responsibility is given to the groom by her paternal or
maternal uncle. After this, the Saptapadi ritual takes place.
The Basar Ghar ceremony is a custom in which the newly weds are given a warm
welcome in the bride's house and are served a delectable dinner. During the Bashi Biye
ritual, the next morning after the wedding, the groom applies vermilion on his wife's
forehead. Then the newly married couple visits the Mandap, and worship the Sun God.
During the Bidaai Ceremony the newly weds leave for their home, after being
blessed by all the elders. The Bou Baran ritual is performed to give an affectionate
welcome to the newly weds in the groom's house. The wife of the groom's elder brother
carries a plate containing Alta and milk and places it under the bride's feet. The bride then
has to enter the house escorted by her sister-in-law. The imprints of her feet on the floor
of the house are preserved for a while. She also receives blessings by all the members of
the house. In the Bou Bhat ceremony, the bride serves the members of the house and eats
her first meal in her husband's house. A reception party hosted by the groom's family
mostly takes place in the evening.

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West Indian Wedding Traditions

An Indian wedding involves a lot of fun, frolic, celebrations, rituals and holy
ceremonies. Indian wedding traditions are gaining popularity across the length and
breadth of the world. In fact, many foreigners seek to get married in India by indulging in
Indian wedding traditions. Owing to India's rich cultural diversity, wedding traditions
differ slightly according to the region. The West Indian wedding traditions mainly include
the traditions of Maharashtrian, Gujarati and Marwari weddings.
The Maharashtrian wedding ceremony exhibits wonderful magnificence. Usually,
marriages among the Maharashtrians take place in the morning. An auspicious time or
Muhurat is chosen, which is known as the Goraj Muhurat. During the ceremony at the
time of Shubh Muhurat, the girl's maternal uncle escorts her to the Mandap. The girl and
boy are not allowed to see each other for some time. Then the shlokas are chanted and
this is followed by the removal of Antarpaat. People shower Akshata (unbroken rice) on
the couple. The garlands are then exchanged between the bride and groom and the couple
takes Saat Pheras or Mangal Pheras in front of the holy fire.

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 After the marriage ceremony, Laxmi Narayan puja is conducted, in which the
bride and groom are worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. The girl's hand
is formally given to the groom in the ceremony known as Jhal Phirawne or Kanya Daan.
There has been a custom among the Maharashtrians to change the name of the girl after
marriage. This ceremony, if held is usually performed the groom's house. The reception
party is hosted on the night of marriage, for which a special feast is prepared.
Gujarati wedding ceremonies begin with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and
seeking his blessings. Like any other traditional Indian wedding, Mehndi and Sangeet
ceremonies follow it. Jaimala or flower garlands are exchanged between the bride and the
groom twice. First time, the groom is on a higher platform than the bride, while, the
second time, they are at an equal level. In the Madhuparka ceremony, the groom's feet are
washed and he is given honey and milk to drink. While the ceremony is on, the bride's
sisters attempt to steal the groom's shoes, known as 'Juta Churai'. The groom who seeks
to have his shoes back handsomely rewards them for this later.
One of the most important wedding rituals is Kanya Daan in which the bride's
father washes the groom's feet and gives his daughter's hand to him hoping that he will
take good care of her. The bride is considered to be a form of Goddess Laxmi and the
bridegroom is considered to be Lord Narayan. Hasta Milap ceremony involves the tying
of the groom's shawl to the bride's sari. The tying of knot and the joined hands of the
couple are emblematic of the meeting of the two hearts and souls. The family and
relatives sprinkle rose petals and rice grains on them.
Pheras come next and are rounds that the couple takes around the sacred fire, as
the priest chants mantras. Saptapadi are the seven steps that the married couple walks
together and takes seven vows. Then, the couple seeks the blessings of their parents and
other elders. This marks the conclusion of the wedding ceremony and is followed by a
reception party. In the Vidaai ceremony, the bride bids farewell to her parents, friends and
relatives and both of them part moving towards their home, with a new life awaiting
them.

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 After region let’s now discuss religion. India has wide diversity when it comes to
religion so let’s have a look at the 4 religion i.e.

 HINDU
 MUSLIM
 SIKH
 CHRISTIANS.

Hindu Marriage

Hindu marriages signify customs, rituals and elaborate celebrations. Traditional

Hindu wedding ceremonies mostly last for four to five days. And the function is divided
into three parts pre wedding ceremony, main day ceremony and post wedding ceremony.
Each day has its own significance and meaning. The pre wedding celebrations mainly
includes engagement, sangeet, Mehndi, haldi and tilak. Each of the custom has an
importance. The main day function is the wedding day and the post day rituals include
Vidaai and reception. These are some of the important rituals and customs that sum up
the Indian marriage ceremony. A wedding is an important religious ceremony in the
Hindu religion and one of the most important of the sixteen Hindu sanskars or
sacraments. It is not only establishing the bond between two people, but also the bond
between two families.

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 Hindu weddings usually take place at bride's place or at a common place decided
by the bride and groom's family. The marriage ceremonies are supposed to take place at
an open space under a decorated canopy usually called Mandap. The main day of the
wedding involves different traditional rituals. And each of the rituals has its own meaning
and role. One of the most important ritual of Hindu wedding is the seven step or sapta
padi taken together by the bride and the groom while the seven vows or promise led by a
priest or Brahmin. They take the vows before god symbolized by fire and light. These
seven promises taken together by the bride and groom build's the foundation of their
relationship and marriage. It speaks of the loyalty, love, and commitment they will share
in their married life.
Today the wedding ceremony is celebrated in an elaborate and lavish manner. With
commercialization of everything wedding too has become a commercial affair. But still
today also the actual essence and reason behind marriage function remains intact. The
bride and the groom are dressed in traditional Indian wear. Where the bride wears ethnic
Indian sari and jewelry and the groom wears traditional Sherwani and pagri or turban on
his head. The wedding place or Mandap is beautifully decorated where family members,
relatives and friends gathers to enjoy dinning and lunch for four to five days of the
wedding celebration. People from different strata of the society celebrate according to
their status but the real significance behind the marriage remains same in every society.
And that is coming together of two souls for eternity. This is what Hindu wedding is all
about. About tradition, culture and enjoyment.

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Muslim Marriages
Muslim culture has always held a character of
uniqueness and traditionalism. Weddings in Muslim
culture are held under a special Muslim Personal Law.
The marriage in Muslims is contract based and the law
strictly demands that none of the two people should be
forced into a marriage. The wedding or Nikah, as it is
called in the culture, thus takes place in presence of a Maulvi who reads verses from the
Quran and asks for the proposal (from the side of groom) and acceptance (from the
bride's side). This ceremony called Ijab-e-Qubul also involves the acceptance from the
bride regarding the amount of dowry, which has been pre-decided. All this is done in
front of two witnesses.
A typical Muslim wedding is celebrated with great grandeur over a period of five
days and can be held at either the bride's or the groom's place or at some other place.
There are a number of ceremonies held, which gives the families extensive time to
entertain their guests.
We, at exotic Indian wedding, have a complete understanding not only of the
customs and rituals of Indian weddings but also of the complexity and variety in which
they are performed. Our wedding planners are capable of creatively managing the
different aspects of any wedding in India, right from the varied wedding venues to the
arrangement of different cuisines to suit the style of the wedding. If required, we can also
find out the finest details regarding the costumes and jewellery.

PRE WEDDING RITUALS

Legan Chir: This ceremony takes place as soon as the wedding is fixed. In this
ceremony, the groom's father sends some cash present to the bride's father.

Mangni or Engagement: This ceremony involves exchange of rings. According to

Muslim customs, the couple is not supposed to go out together after this ceremony until
the time of marriage.

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Day 1 and day 2 ceremonies: On these days first the bride's relatives go the groom's
place and then the groom's relatives go to the bride's place. Both the parties carry Mehndi
or henna paste in a plate. The children light candles before entering the houses. Then, the
dinner is served to the guest and songs are sung teasing the couple.

Manjha Ceremony: This ceremony takes place on the third day and during this, haldi or
turmeric paste is applied on the bride's body which is given by the groom's family. The
bride here wears yellow clothes. After this ceremony, a married friend of the bride
spreads the haldi all over her body before she takes a bath and accompanies her
everywhere. This ceremony involves a lot of celebration and singing

Mehndi Ceremony: This ritual takes place at the bride's home on the eve of the wedding
day or some days before it. Here, Mehndi is applied on the hands and the feet of the
bride. It also involves a lot of singing and dancing. After this ceremony the girl is not
supposed to step out of the house before marriage.

Arrival of the Groom: The groom arrives on the venue with a procession of friends and
relatives either on a horseback or in a car. Playing of music and beating of drums
accompany the arrival. On his arrival, the groom exchanges a sharbet (a sweet drink) and
money with the bride's brother. The bride's sisters welcome the barat by humorously
hitting them with sticks wrapped with flowers.

WEDDING CEREMONY

Nikah: the traditional Muslim wedding takes place with the bride and the groom sitting
in separate rooms or in the same room separated by a curtain though it is not in case of all
the weddings. The elders decide the meher, which is a compulsory amount of money
given by the groom's family to the bride's.

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 Then the Qazi reads verses from Quran and asks the bride for her agreement to
accept the meher and the groom as her husband. Once she gives her consent, the Qazi
reads this Nikah-nama or the marriage contract to the groom. After consent is received
from the groom, the Nikah-nama has to be signed by the couple, the Walis or the
witnesses and the Qazi.
After this, the groom goes to the women's section and offers gifts to the bride's
sisters and receives blessings from the elder women. Then, the feast is served. When the
meal is over, the bride and the groom are made to sit together with a long scarf covering
their heads and the priest makes them read prayers. They are then asked to see each
other's reflections in a mirror and Holy Quran is kept between them. Dried dates, which
are religiously significant and sweet dish, are then served to the guests.
Then, the groom is supposed to spend the night separate from the bride, in the
bride's younger brother's room. On the next morning, the bride's parents give him money,
gifts and clothes.

POST WEDDING CEREMONY

Rukshat: This ceremony marks the departure of the bride from her house. The parents
give her hand to the groom asking him to take care of their daughter.

Valimah: This is the reception ceremony, which takes place at the groom's place, which
involves a grand feast and meeting of all the relatives and guests of both the families.

Chauthi: on the fourth day after the wedding, the bride is supposed to visit her parents'
home.

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Sikh Marriages

Sikh weddings take place during the day and it is joyous and festive event, which is
family orientated however not so ceremonious or elaborate. Conventional Sikh wedding
is known as Anand Karaj which means 'Blissful Union". Gets Holidays is an expert and
experienced in transforming your wedding dreams into reality. We will arrange your
wedding and try to fulfill your entire wish that you have dreamt all the time. We will
arrange as per your choice at much lesser a price that you will have to incur in the west.

Pre-Wedding Rituals:

Some interesting and colorful pre-wedding rituals are given below:

Kurmai or Engagement: An engagement ceremony is not mandatory but sometimes

performed a week before the wedding in the Gurdwara or at the home of the boy. Kurmai
involves Ardas (the common Sikh prayer), Kirtan (hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib)
and Langer (community meal) if performed in the Gurdwara. If performed at home, the
bride's family visits the house of the groom and present Kara, kirpan or sweets besides
auspicious items like coconut, dry dates, sugar and money. The bride’s family is gifted
with a traditional suit and sweets for the girl.

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Maiya: It is a common ceremony in Sikh Wedding. It requires incarceration of the bride
and groom for a few days before the marriage, where they are not allowed to change
clothes and go out of their homes.

Gana: A propitious thread, which is red in colour, is tied to the right wrist of the groom
and the left wrist of the bride. More prosperous items such as cowrie shells, an iron key
chain, pearls and a small silken bunch containing sugar are suspended from the gana
worn by the bride.

Vatna and Mehndi: Two days prior to the wedding, vatna, which is essentially a fragrant
powder consisting of barley flour, turmeric and mustard oil is applied to the bodies of the
bride and groom in their homes. This is to be followed by a sacramental bath. On the day
before wedding, called Mehndi ki raat, henna is applied on the hands and feet of the
bride.

Gharoli: At the groom's house in the morning of the wedding is marked by the gharoli
ceremony. During this ceremony, the groom's sister-in law go together with other female
relatives go to a nearby well or Gurudwara to fill an earthen pitcher with water which is
later used to bathe the bridegroom.

Khare Charna: Here, the groom is asked to sit on a stool for his bath and four girls hold
a cloth above his head.

Chooda Ceremony: For this ritual Bride's maternal uncle takes her for the Ceremony.
She is made to wear a set of red and white ivory bangles dipped in buttermilk (if not
ivory then plastic can be the other option. Kaleeren or golden metal danglers are tied to
the bride's wrist by her close female relatives. The bride then dresses up for the main
ceremony.

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Ghodhi Chadhna and Milni Ceremony: At the groom’s house, his sisters tie a sehera or
traditional floral veil to the boy’s forehead. Relatives prettify the groom's neck with
garlands of currency notes. The bridegroom mounts a decorated mare while his sisters-in-
law put collyrium in his eyes. On reaching the bride's house the Milni ceremony is held
with the seniors of both families embracing each other. Shabads are sung and the ardaas
performed as the procession enters the Gurudwara. Then Breakfast is served to the guests.

Wedding Rituals:

A noticeable feature of the Sikh wedding is that is takes place in the Gurdwara.
Besides, only four Pheras take place in a Sikh wedding.

Lawan Phere: When this ceremony starts with the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Kirtan where
the bride and the groom sit together to attend this. The bhaiji of the Gurudwara narrates
the first lavan or hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, which are then sung and the bride
and groom encircle the Guru Granth Sahib. The bridegroom walks in front of the bride
with a sword in his hand. When one round is over, both take their place, bow and wait for
the next lavan to start. During the fourth and the last lavan, the wedding is complete and
the newly wedded couple is then showered with flowers. The hidaayats or their duties and
responsibilities towards each other as man and wife and also towards their elders are
recited to them. Relatives and friends garland the newly wedded couple and the marriage
ceremony concludes with a grand feast.

Post-Wedding Rituals:

Description of a Post-Wedding Rituals:

Doli: the bride puts on new clothes, which are given by the groom’s family. Then as she
goes from her parent's house she throws back grains of rice which symbolizes her wishes
of opulence for the family she leaves behind.

Christian Marriages

27
 Wedding marks the union of love, kindness, affability and graciousness between two
individuals. It is a ligature not only between two bodies but also between two souls.
Rituals and customs are the main attire of all weddings. It is a divinity followed
religiously across the globe.
Christian weddings too follow certain rituals and customs of the land of their birth
into the main ceremonies rest is all the same. Christian weddings could be with or
without a ‘mass’. But preferably people opt for weddings in presence of holy mass for
some extra blessings to their marriage.
The process may be anything but there are some Pre-Wedding, Wedding Day and Post-
Wedding rituals to follow.

Pre-Wedding Rituals:

Engagement: Following the Christian tradition, the groom and his family stopover at the
bride's house. In presence of the priest and with his blessings the bride and the groom
exchange the engagement rings. This ceremony signifies the beginning of a period during
which the boy and girl get to know each other. If they decide to marry, it can happen in
six months time.

Attending a Preparatory Course: The bride and groom attend a Marriage Preparatory
Course. They can choose the course between one-day to three-days. To partake in this

28
course the prospective bride and the groom are needed to fill a form affirming their
personal details. Then they take an oath on the Holy Bible that they have not withheld
any information. Besides, they should also produce their birth certificates. The priest
announces the decision of the boy and the girl to marry after three successive Sundays in
the church. In case one of the parties has concealed or distorted any information, anyone
can make it public during this period. Soon after the course the bride and the groom are
free to marry.

Bridal Shower: This is an informal party, which is hosted by the bride for bridesmaids,
and close relatives. This is the bride’s last party as a maiden. It is more of a girl's night
out, where the bride's friends bring her gifts to be used in her new home. Games are
played and the affair is generally a fun filled affair. The bride also gives away gifts to the
bridesmaid and serves a pink cake with a thimble hidden inside. It is said that the girl,
who gets the piece of cake with the thimble, will be the next to get married.

The Bachelor Party: The Bachelor Party is actually a stag party hosted by the groom on
the eve of the wedding. Like Bridal Shower, Bachelor party too is the last party as a
bachelor. It is habitual to raise a toast before the drinking begins in solemn.

Arrival at the Church: The bridegroom reaches the church first and waits for the bride
to arrive. As the bride arrives at the church premises, the best man, from bridegroom’s
party welcomes her with a kiss and a wedding bouquet. The priest then escorts the couple
into the Church. The choir welcomes the bride and the groom with a special song. In
front of the altar two decorated chairs are placed for the bridal couple.

The Wedding Mass: With the wedding procession in tow the couple walks down the
aisle. Then the ceremony begins. The Priest welcomes them into the Church and proffers

29
them his good wishes. The wedding ceremony begins with song and selected readings
from the Bible. The couple and their relative have to walk to the plinth and read some
holy messages from the Bible. Later, the priest delivers the sermon, where he explains the
sanctity of marriage.

Wedding Rituals:

The Nuptials: During the nuptial the couple is asked few questions in the presence of
two witnesses. Answers are expected in full honesty. The priest normally asks whether
they are marrying in their own free will or not. The couple has to answer honestly and
maintain the sanctity of the church.

The Solemn Promise: This is the time when the couple takes vows with the guidance of
the Priest. The couple is asked to join their right hand, which symbolizes union. The
individual repeat the following after the priest, “I, _____, take you, ______, to be my
wedded wife. With deepest joy I receive you into my life that together we may be one. As
is Christ to His body, the church, so I will be to you a loving and faithful husband.”

Exchange of Rings: Holy Water given on the joined hands for blessing by the priest and
also to the rings so that the couple that wears them will live happily ever after and should
have faith in each other, do the Lord's will and always live together in peace, goodwill
and love. Then the couple put them on each other's fingers with these words - 'With this
ring I wed thee, in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen". At
this point, the priest pronounces them man and wife and asks the groom to kiss the bride.
The groom lifts the veil to do the honor.

Prayer Service: The mass proceeds with the prayers of the faithful, petitions for
blessings on the couple and finally an offertory pageant. The couple brings gifts like a

30
house made of thermocol, candles, and flowers, fruits, Bible and rosaries that are
symbolic of a happy married life. The priest baptizes them. He then gives them sacred
bread and wine which stand for the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The assembly jointly
recites Our Father, a Biblical prayer and then congregation receives Holy empathy.

Nuptial Blessing and the Recessional: The empathy follows and the mass ends with the
signing of the register, which provide as a valid legal document of marriage. The copy of
this document is sent to the Registrar of Marriages. The couple pose for photo session at
the altar with the bridal company and then walks down the aisle arm in arm to the 'The
Wedding March'. A choir convoys nuptial masses, with a special solo at communion.

Post-Wedding Ceremony:

In a Christian wedding, the post wedding ceremony is the reception held to celebrate
the wedding. Relatives, friends, and colleagues are invited to a grand gathering. They
newly wedded couple cut wedding cake and feed each a bite of the first slice. In honor of
the newly-weds the Toastmaster proposes a toast. The bride and groom get time for their
‘first dance'. The bride and her father then groom or the bride’s mother, the bride and the
best man or the groom and the maid of honor, the bride and the groom’s father or the
groom and his mother follow their dance. After dinner is over, the couple leaves the
reception. At this occasion the bride must throw her bouquet behind her. The girl who
gets it will be the first to marry, according to the belief.

World overview about

Indian wedding industry

31
India, the country which undoubtedly surpasses others in every respect in terms of its
culture, traditions, history, moral values, aesthetic sense or others, has become a regular
haunt for foreigners. There are many things that have influenced them to give it at least
one visit. However, the one that is rising immensely in popularity among them is
wedding. Weddings in India are celebrated on a very expansive scale. In fact India has
become one of the biggest and most searched after wedding destinations in the world.
People from far off corners of the world are coming down to India to solemnize their
marriage ceremonies in truly Indian style inspired by its rich culture and traditions. They
indeed get to celebrate and experience one of the most lavish and romantic weddings in
India

In the current atmosphere of crisis, it is almost impossible to mention a sector that has not
been somehow affected by the ongoing financial turbulence triggered by the US subprime
mortgage crisis, which has dramatically affected world economies.
However, there is one sector that is most likely to be among the few that will remain
relatively unaffected by the crisis: the wedding industry. Backed by recent statistics,
leading experts in the industry, which incorporates a number of sectors from furniture to
event planning, say that demand has not dropped substantially because marriages are still
a source of hope for couples in such an atmosphere, although many are cutting wedding
expenditures to some extent,.

According to data from Interior Ministry's General Directorate of Population and

Citizenship Affairs, the number of couples getting married increases every year in
Turkey. Interestingly enough, while there has been a considerable recession in many
sectors due to the ongoing financial crisis, figures show that the number of marrying

32
couples increased by 3 percent in the last months of 2008, when compared with 2007's
figures for the same period. Statistics reveal that while 6,385 couples were married in
Turkey's most densely populated city, İstanbul, in November 2007, this number increased
to 6,577 couples in the same month of 2008, when the crisis started to worsen. A total of
98,495 wedding ceremonies were performed in İstanbul in 2008. It was also the case in
the southeastern province of Gaziantep, where marriage expenses are approximately TL
15,000 to TL 50,000 per wedding. While 10,980 couples were married in the first 11
months of 2007, 11,700 were married by the end of November 2008. In fact, when taking
into account the figures regarding the younger segment of Turkey's population, it is not so
surprising that the number of marriages increases annually. According to figures
produced by the Turkish Statistics Institute (TurkStat) at the beginning of 2009, half of
Turkey's population is aged below 28, placing many in the realm of 23 and 26, the
average ages for marriage for women and men in Turkey, respectively.
.
Weddings in India are becoming more and more elaborate since the spending power of
the people is increasing with each passing day. The wedding season begins in October
which is the time for booming business for wedding co-ordinators. Weddings today have
become a lavish affair. Even a wedding band can range anywhere between Rs. 2000- Rs.
10000.

Today, weddings are no longer a household affair. They are well planned, organized and
well publicized events. Wedding co-ordination agencies, specialized stores for wedding
wear, wedding magazines, beauty parlours (exclusively for brides) are fast mushrooming
in our country. A survey conducted by a Delhi based market research agency shows that
the wedding industry is growing at over 25 percent every year. In some places stars like

33
Shahrukh Khan, Karisma Kapoor were invited but it is not feasible for everyone to do so.
Organizing a star studded event like this is a multi crore business in itself.

Trousseau and gift packing which earlier was confined to the family is now becoming
another profession by itself. A professional trousseau packer can charge anywhere
between Rs. 50,000 to 1 lakh for packing again depending on the items and the material
used. Designer invitation cards, shagun envelopes, pouches, saree bags, fruit boxes, trays
for gifts etc are some of the items required and used. Designer cards alone can cost upto a
thousand rupees (per card).

Surprisingly, the new spenders who are responsible for the current boom are neither from
royal families nor do they belong to traditionally rich business communities. They are all
the first generation rich who are using weddings as a showcase to flaunt their wealth.
They have the purchasing power. Some of them are industrialists, politicians, real estate
owners and retail chain owners.

Wedding co-ordination is a business of ideas. The driving force here is constant

innovation. The more one exploits their creativity, the better it is. The search for the
unusual has led to weddings being planned on a particular theme. It could be on Mehfil-e-
Imaam which would take you back to the nawabi style of weddings of Lucknow or a
Chinese theme with paintings.

The general manager of Patika, a company that executes marketing campaigns and
exhibitions, including Wedding Fair 2009, held at the Lütfi Kırdar Conference Center in
Harbiye at the beginning of February, said that although couples are trying to find ways
to reduce the budget they allocate for weddings, she thinks the number of people getting
married is not likely to decrease in 2009. Stating that although it is a bit too early to make

34
a projection for 2009, she says the number of marriages is likely to continue to increase
in Turkey, where nearly 650,000 marriage ceremonies are performed every year, in spite
of the crisis. "Wedding Fair 2009 can be a reference for us. This year, the fair hosted
nearly 200 companies and 33,000 visitors. Besides the figures, it is important for us that it
wasn't a crowd of idle onlookers; they were real customers," she says.

Noting that the feedback received from the exposition's participants revealed that the
companies present emerged from the fair with a multitude of early reservations for the
coming months, she continued by saying that the same companies have had a hard time in
meeting post-fair demands. "Although 2009 is expected to be a year of crisis, Wedding
Fair 2009 was better than all previous years for us. I have even talked to participating
companies which made contact with 7,000 visitors in two days," she remarked. Marriage,
she estimated, including the expenses of setting up house, costs TL 20,000 on average in
Turkey, and added that the wedding industry is a sector that brings together a number of
separate sectors by creating demand for event planning, furniture, jewelry and wedding
dresses.

Based on her years of experience in the field, she has concluded that marriage and birth
rates tend to increase during periods of crisis. "I don't know the exact reason for what
triggers couples to marry during these times, yet I think they want to share the financial
burden on their shoulders with each other. Another factor is the discount made by
companies to revive business. We see that many companies cut prices and launch
numerous campaigns to attract customers," she says.
‘Unpretentious weddings preferred’

Although they agree with Cılga that Wedding Fair 2009 drew great interest,
representatives at wedding planning companies seem to be responding to couples'
preferences for cheaper weddings. Muhsin Süyen, from Esma, a company famous for its
luxurious wedding productions, says that people with marriage plans have started to look

35
to spend less money and so prefer more unpretentious weddings due to the impact of the
crisis. "They want only a DJ for the wedding reception, for instance, rather than an
orchestra," he says. Noting that, when compared with last year, they see a 30 to 40
percent decrease in reservations, he says their customers still expect a discount in prices.

It might be a 'seasonal' industry, thriving only during the auspicious months of the year
but with an estimated worth of Rs 1,25,000 crore (Rs 1,250 billion) the Indian wedding
industry is getting bigger and fatter.

With the industry growing at an average rate of 25 per cent per annum, the lavishness
doled out by Indians on weddings is just getting larger this season as exhibitors and even
designers from Pakistan entering the market to target the customers who have begun
shopping for the post October marriage season.

"The weddings just grown larger only. The latest trend is now to fly out the 'barat'
comprising 250-350 people to Kaula Lampur or Singapore to have the wedding there,"
says Tarun Sarda, CEO, Vintage Group, Vivaha Interactive, the organisers of Vivaha
exhibitions.

Citing seven such weddings which have taken place in foreign locations such as Sunway
Lagoon and the Palace of the Golden Horses in Malayasia recently, he adds, "Everyone is
trying to outdo each other. With the property and stock boom, India has seen new
generation of millionaires coming up and the lavishness that they indulge in weddings are
just mind-blowing."

Gone are the days when great weddings were the ones to be held at some five star hotel
with baratis trooping in fanning Rs 10 bundles, points out wedding organisers and
industry experts.

36
"With increased money at their disposal and more awareness, people now don't just want
a five star wedding. The Mittals and Sahara's along with the Chatwal weddings have
changed the way, one would view a grand wedding," says Saurabh Sen Gupta, head,
event management, Kimaya, which organises individual events like ladies sangeet with
Bollywood singers performing and bachelor parties along with theme parties for the
marriages.

"The pandlas are more like film sets now. Theme parties are what really excites everyone.
With fashion designers like JJ Valya and Ritu Kumar focusing on marraige trousseau
more, one cannot even imagine how much can one spend on even individual ceremonies.
Moreover, with even some Bollywood set designers stepping in to design marriage
pandals, the grand Indian wedding is just getting bigger," he adds.

Industry experts now point out that a good wedding now takes place for about a crore and
a half, even though the average wedding expenditure for a middle class family comes to
about Rs 15 lakhs (Rs 1.5 million) without the jewellery.

Recently, the The Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, the citys top Sikh body, had
told the capitals nearly one million Sikhs to boycott weddings that are not teetotaler,
vegetarian and over by noon to cut down the cost involved in the usual lavish sikh
weddings.

History to Future :A journey of spending

The Taj Mahal, emperor Shahjahan’s monument to his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, is
perhaps the greatest masterpiece ever created in the name of love. The iconic white
marble structure with its perfectly symmetrical design and stunningly sculpted walls took

37
thousands of masons over twenty years to build. Upon completion in 1653, several years
after the emperor’s death, it had cost Rs.32m ($1m) and provided work for a generation
of craftsmen. All over India today, love continues to drive spending, fuel growth and
create jobs, often surpassing Shahjahan’s spree in a single week. But it has little to do
with death, mourning and Murghal architecture, far from it; it is India’s loud, noisy and
increasingly extravagant wedding industry, and it’s growing at 20% per annum.
Once upon a time the north Indian wedding was a big family party held in the family
home. Joyous, jovial and generous, these parties were big neighbourhood events. They
provided a healthy balance of hospitality, glamour and economy. Brothers and uncles
pulled together to fund and organise the festivities, hiring a tent and maybe some
musicians and a few kitchen hands, whilst sisters, aunts and mothers oversaw food,
costumes and makeup. Then from the early 90s, the economy boomed, the middle classes
emerged and became wealthier and the wedding became a chance to show off new found
wealth and status. As middle class Indians scrambled to “keep up with the Patels” the
wedding industry grew from a few chaps with a marquee to a multi-million dollar
industry.

Today professional wedding planners ensure that events run with just the one expected
hitch, organising everything from venues, catering, invitations and transport to priests,
horses and marching bands. Their service don’t come cheap and neither do increasingly
popular theme weddings (Egyptian and Japanese are popular). Consequently, spending
has gone through the roof: the typical Indian middle class household earns anything from
$4,500 to $20,000 p/a but the average wedding is said to cost around $20,000, whilst the

38
super rich blow millions on their nuptials. At one Delhi wedding the groom arrived in a
top-of-the-range German sports car flown over from Europe specially for the occasion.
Lavishness is infectious. High flying couples in Bangalore, India’s booming ICT hub in
the southern state of Karnataka, are abandoning the south's spartan traditional marriages
and turning instead to the theatrics of their northern cousins. A typical traditional
Bangalore wedding costs around $10,000. A Delhi couple could easily spend this much
on flowers alone.

Although all this flashing of middle class cash may seem in bad taste in a country in
which the average daily income wouldn’t even buy a couple of invitation cards, there is
another side to the story. Behind the wedding industry’s rocketing growth figures, its the
bridal shops and its ranks of well-groomed and well-paid professionals are its foot
soldiers and big-spenders are good news for them too.
“This is like a full time job. I'm going a little crazy”, a friend had joked as she grappled
with the logistics of her sister's upcoming wedding at their sprawling family home. To be
honest, I thought she was being a drama queen, but when I arrived for the first of three
days of solid eating, drinking and wonderful Indian hospitality, she soon had my
admiration and sympathy. The house was decked out in fairy lights, streamers, garlands
and flowers. Huge reams of yellow and purple cloth splayed out from the roof forming a
canopy for the garden and central courtyard. The wedding was big, fun and generous, but
in a relaxed and welcoming manner, no sports cars, sushi or ice sculptures here. But what
struck me most was the sheer number of people working at the wedding.
We were greeted by two turbaned men playing a short fanfare as we walked up the drive.
The music continued inside where three elderly musicians in the main courtyard playing
traditional songs, whilst a group of qawwali singers filled the garden with their
rhythmical hypnotic serenades. A team of waiters carried drinks, another canapes fresh
from the grill in the corner manned by several uniformed chefs. Half a dozen men toiled
behind the temporary bars, pouring, mixing, serving, repeating; elderly ladies painted
mehndi on hands, turbaned men rolled chewing tobacco in pan leaves, drivers milled
around by the gate waiting to whisk guests back to hotels and behind the scenes a small
army of kitchen staff peeled, diced, fried, stirred and kneaded enough food for five

39
hundred people. Soon even more would arrive to wash up many thousands of plates,
dishes and glasses. And this was just day one of three: the informal lunch. The groom
hadn't even arrived with his party. The wedding must have created work and provided
food (the staff ate the same food after the guests) for well over a hundred people.

Some of the growth in India's wedding industry stems from expensive imported goods
like luxury foods, designer clothes and even performers. But, this is for the super rich
Bollywood set only. For India's 300m or so strong middle class, spending more on
wedding celebrations simply means of the same: more people, more food, more music
and more razzmatazz, all of which can be catered for by an army of local labourers.

Whilst Shahjahan's love for his wife kept thousands busy for two decades, the middle
class Indian wedding can make the more modest, but equally solid, claim to provide
dozens with work for a few days, and all in the name of love. In an economy in which the
vast majority do not have formal jobs and regular wages, but rather work as and when
they are needed, this extra wedding work comes as a blessing.

“Look around, young Indians know that marriage is usually a one time opportunity and
hence, want to have a great wedding if not a lavish one. Its more like to each its own. The
notice put up up the Gurdwara committee will not have much impact on wedding
expenditure,” says Kiran Sharma, Director, ITE Group which organised the just
concluded Bride and Groom 2007, exhibition in the capital.

40
It is not just an industry which caters to the tentwallas or the flower shops or the catering
firms but even high-end car lending companies to who’s who of the Indian film industry
and even the new age photograph firms who easily charge upto Rs 2-3 laks for a wedding
album.

“People have money and now want to tell others that they have it. The increasing trend is
to have a bollywood star. So, its not surprising that many leading Bollywood stars are
more than eager to dance to the occassion but at a good price,” says Vijay Arora,
Director, Touchwood Entertainment which specialises in organising entertainment for
such marraiges and adding that the firm has seen a growth rate of 350 per cent in the last
two to three years.

He adds, “An average evening with a reality show star along with a dance troupe would
cost Rs 3 lakh and above while if you want to bring in big names of Indian cinema, then
the rates can touch the sky.”

Orgainsers point out that Indian weddings are the most expensive and lavish in the world.
“India is happening and Indians are willing to pay for the expertise to send a style
statement through an event like a wedding. A wedding for an Indian is probably the
biggest and most serious event in his or her lifetime,” says Bini Kohli, of Pace Weddings,
a wedding organising firm in the capital.

Wedding have now become specialised with even some foreign universities offering
diploma in bridal consultancy among others.
“The industry is now slowly getting organised with the roles played by wedding planners,
exhibition firms providing everything from make up to jwellery under one roof and with
other big players now stepping into,” says Urvashi Sharma, a wedding planner based in
Gurgaon.

“Soon there would be more Mittals and Chatwal style marriages which continued for 10
days among lavish settings happening in India. The best is yet to come,” she adds.

41
A BIG fat Indian wedding. That’s what most of us have, full of noise, loads of food and
gifts, gold and silk-draped aunts, rituals and ceremonies, priests, havans andhomas,
screaming kids, music, and nosy relatives who maliciously eye even the straw offered
with the mandatory cool drink.

The bottomline of the wedding — a question of izzat andmaana-maryadé.

But organising a decent wedding here is tougher than the blessed state of matrimony the
couple is stepping into. Starting with the selection of the wedding card, trousseau, venue,
bookings, transport, confirmation, menu, gifts, guest list, orchestra, arranging for the
relatives’ stay… the “to do” list is staggering.

The oft-quoted Kannada proverb, “Mané katti nodu, maduvé maadi nodu“, throws the
glove of challenge in your face and hints at the impending torture — try building a house
or organising a wedding…

Professional touch
No wonder such rigours of organising and planning weddings have engendered a new
breed of wedding planners and organisers in the city. Dream weddings, theme weddings
— they do them all. With tie-ups and contracts with wholesalers and service providers,
these wedding planners give that professional “management touch” to your wedding and
save you the hassle of running around and worrying. Instead, all you do is, even as you
spend time with guests and relatives, worry about the money…

J Lo in The Wedding Planner and Vijay Raaza as Dubey in Monsoon Wedding may have
brought romance of wedding planners alive on-screen. And the hype around the Mittal
and Sahara family weddings where crores were spent only added mirch to the masala of
weddings.

Have money, will spend is the motto here. Ahem… and we’re told it’s a good way to
launder that black money. An unforgettable wedding as far as exotica goes in Bangalore,

42
insist those in the know, was the one in a Sindhi business family a few years ago. The
wedding eve was a riot in a five-star hotel where the bride was dressed as a queen seated
on a golden throne, with hersakhis fanning her even as the male guests — complete with
jasmine garlands twisted around their forearms — ogled the belly dancers. The bride’s
mother, clad in a sari of sheer gold, hired young college girls to welcome guests Mughal
style, applying attar on their hands.

Bangalore is only now and slowly warming up to the idea of big-time spending and
lavish glamour weddings at the Palace Grounds and in five-star hotels. South Indians,
who have hitherto preferred traditional and austere weddings, are also going in for a
makeover. So you have North Indian customs like mehendi ceremony and sangeet in
South Indian wedding, giving wedding organisers much more to do.

In-house planners

Ironically, every Indian family has always had in-house wedding planners — aunts and
uncles and grandmas who’ve married off enough people to know what it takes to make a
wedding go off without a hitch. So most families would still sniff at the idea of hiring
some “outsider” to get involved in something so personal. But in an age of nuclear

43
families which find little time to do the endless running around, wedding planners are the
professionals who come to their rescue.

Says Srikant Kanoi of Nupur Dreamz that’s been organising weddings in Bangalore for
the last five years: “I’ve done weddings for people from all walks of life. But right now
it’s young IT couples who come to us to organise weddings. Most of them are from
nuclear families that find it difficult organising everything. A number of people who have
newly settled in the city also hire wedding planners.”

Bangaloreans on an average are willing to spend up to Rs. 5 lakh on a wedding bash

while in places like Delhi, people are likely to splurge Rs. 3 lakh on floral décor alone!
The services Srikant offers range from organising the priest and the havan kund, to
chartering transport and decorating the nuptial bed! “We take care of everything from A
to Z,” he says. The company has franchises in Coimbatore and Chennai too.

Fashion guru Prasad Bidappa is all the rage when it comes to putting together exotic
weddings. Prasad, who does around 15 weddings a year, mostly of NRIs and large local
weddings that need a lot of co-ordination, is right now working on a wedding that will
happen in Dubai. “NRIs mostly want super-traditional weddings. Most of them flock to
Bangalore — the most happening wedding destination. They value the Indian culture
more than we do sometimes. The locals usually want something westernised, maybe a
nightclub event for the engagement.” Fashioning designer clothing for the bride and
groom starts six months in advance. One wedding he did had a Vedic theme — so Vedic
chants and classical music dominated the ceremonies. The groom was escorted by Kalari
dancers holding an umbrella over his head. Among the rich and famous Prasad has
planned for is a wedding of the royal family of Nepal.

Women too
A number of women have stepped into the business. Neetha Yashwanth who runs Chhavi
Wedding Consultants, started off organising a cousin’s wedding. “After I get an enquiry, I
have a first meeting with the client, find out their requirements and introduce the service

44
providers like florists, and caterers to clients who then meet them,” she explains.
Bangalore being a cosmopolitan city, Neetha says she is geared to handle any kind of
wedding — North Indian, South Indian, Christian. “I do a lot of the running around.
Right now I’m helping a client find a good tailor for her wedding gown.” Colour theme
weddings are very much in, she says.

The number of guests, the kind of decoration asked for, the menu, and the frills decide the
cost of the wedding.

Most planners can organise weddings to suit the client’s pocket — from Rs. 50,000 to Rs.
5 lakh. Organisations like Shaadiwala, a new venture, have a range of services including
designer-packaged sweets, booking flight and railway tickets for guests, arranging their
accommodation and the like. “We even organise sight-seeing in and around the city for
them, special family portraits, gifts for guests and relatives and so on,” says Akash Gupta,
a DJ-turned-event manager-turned-wedding planner.

Theme weddings

Bangalore doesn’t go in for too many of the hatke or exotic weddings, says Srikanth.
Egyptian, Japanese, and vine-and-root (!) are some of the popular theme weddings he’s
done. Designer garlands made of rose petals, tissue and cloth that match with the
bride’sghagra, having rose petals showered on the couple, a firecracker finale — any of
these could be part of dream weddings.

45
Avani Shah’s Dreamz Come Tru does everything from the invitation to booking the
honeymoon package for the newlyweds. “Even where we don’t know the customs of the
community, we have no problems; because we interact with them closely and become a
part of the family.”

Days or months

Avani can plan a wedding in three days flat or take eight months labouring over details.
Works happens faster when she brings a few invitation cards catering to help the client
make the choice rather than have the family trudge to a store and take time to select from
a mind-boggling collection.
Clearly, it’s a profitable business, despite the considerable discounts offered by wedding
planners.

As for the clients, it all boils down to a status-enhancing social statement to have a well-
organised wedding where the guest leaves with a smile.

We are all aware that marriages here in India are celebrated like festivals and mainly the
occasion last for almost a week. Whether it’s middle class or the rich cream of the society
they love to spend the maximum of there penny on marriages. Keeping this idea in mind
the organization like shaadi.com provides pre marriage arrangements like selecting of
groom/bride. A hotel industry takes the initiative to handle arrangements during the
marriage. Finally, the tourism industry which handles the post phase of marriages like
honeymoon and offering different packages. So basically these industries cover the

46
journey from pre phase to the post phase of the marriages to provide customer
satisfaction.

Marriages involves huge gathering so it proves to be a good tool of advertising as well.

Now customer would look for one stop to provide the solution for different steps to be
followed during marriages.

WEDDING PLANNING

WEDDING & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Meeting with The Bride, Groom and their family members, understanding their Style,
Taste, Budget & Requirements. Also Occasion, No. of Functions, Dates of Functions,
How many Guests will attend each function, Where they want to organise these

47
functions, Budget available, Priorities of all the Family Members and accordingly
Planning, Vendor Selection, Negotiations, Co-ordination, Supervision, Control and
Management of the Services.

DESIGNER INVITATIONS & ACCOMPANIMENTS

Selection, Designing, Printing, Posting of Pre-Invitation-letters. Wedding Programme
Cards. Menu Cards. Information Booklet. Rituals & Ceremonies Booklet. Calligraphers.
Personalised Distribution of the Cards. Thanks giving Cards.
Assorted Mithai, Fruit Basket, Dry Fruits, Sugar Coated Nuts, Assorted Chocolates,
Dates, Gift Hampers etc. and brief of wedding rituals ceremonies, Saptpadi, CD of the
Couple etc. ideas as accompaniments along with invitations.
Also Designer Accompaniment accessories such as Sweet Boxes, Carry Bags, Luggage
Tags, Key Envelopes, Gift Tags, Shagun Envelopes, Display Trays, Ring Platters,
Baskets, Boxes, Envelopes, Potlies, Jewellery Pouches, Ginni/Cash Box, Thal Covers,
Saree/Suit Wraps-Covers, Gift Bags, Gift Hampers, Pagris, Return Gifts, Photo Frames,
Miniature Paintings & Replicas.

Wedding mainly includes all these:

Venue Selection Travel Arrangements

Invites and programmes Gusset list assists with systems
-Mailing / Courier -Friends
-RSVP -Customers

48
-Compilation -Vendors
-VIPs
-Others
Fireworks Floral Arrangements
Plants Balloons
Linen Chair Covers
Table Cloths Naperons
Sashes Suspensions
Drapes Costumes
Prop/sets/special fabrication Landscape - special effects
Security Lighting
-(CCTV) monitoring room -General Ambience
-Stamping -Special Effect Lighting
-Plain Clothes Security
Food and Food Service Refrigerated trucks to transport the food
-Crockery from kitchen to venue
-Cutlery
-Service ware
-Glassware
Gastronome boxes to maintain the food at Mocktails and Cocktails Services
particular temperature
Signage Pictures
Backdrops Hand Furniture / Fixture / Equipment
-Chairs
-Tables
-Dance Floor
-Ashtrays
-Garbage bins
-Water Dispensers
Tents Music/band
Utilities - uninterrupted supply of Compere / Master of Ceremonies
-Gas
-Water

49
-Electricity
Housekeeping / Janitorial / Ground Mobile Toilets
keeping
Photographers Return Photographs
Parking / Valet Services Car Hire / Transportation
Complete shoot Communication Equipment
-Photographs -Pagers (Host Identified)
-Video -Walkie Talkies
-Two way communication
Hostess / Facilitators Garbage Disposal
Emergency Services Entertainers - India / Overseas
-Medical -Stars
-Ambulance -Artistes
-First Aid -Orchestra
Permission and Compliances Safe Deposit Vault for Valuables
Event Occasion Dress - Host Grooming
-Hair Dresser
-Beautician
Pandit / Priest Services for the people with special needs
-Wheel Chairs
Projection Screen Mehendiwali
Paanwala Return Gifts / Thank you Cards
Helpdesk / Lost and Found Press Coverage

Preparation
Ceremonies

SHOPPING & TROUSSEAU

A variety of Packaging Ideas and Styles for Trousseau to Gifts & Shopping.

50
Also Providing Assistance in Shopping of Bridal Trousseau such as : Cars, Designer
Furniture, Electronic Gadgets, Antique & Sculptors, Illuminations & Chandeliers,
Carpets, Bed Sheets & Furnishings, Interior Decoration etc.

VENUES & ACCOMMODATION

Selection of appropriate Venues i.e. Hotel, Resort, Banquet, Farm House, Private
Banglows, for Prewedding, Wedding & Post Wedding Functions like : Roka,
Engagement, Goad, Tikka, Ring Ceremony, Mehendi, Sangeet, Cocktail, Bachelor Party,
Wedding, Reception etc.

Also Venues for Organising Weddings such as :

Destination Weddings i.e. Weddings in Mountains/Himalaya, Beaches.

Royal Weddings such as Marriages at Fort & Palaces.

Adventure Weddings such as Weddings in Air, Under Water & at Mountains etc.
Hotel Rooms/Accommodation for the Guests staying in for different functions.
Traditional Welcome of the Guests. Special Check in Counters, Gifts, Souvenirs,
Information Booklet and Billing Information in their rooms. Co-ordination, Control and
Management of Services and Arrangements at the Venue.

STYLIST SETS, THEMES, CONCEPTS & DECORATIONS

Vendor Selection, Planning and Providing Budgets for The Stylist Sets, Themes,
Concepts and Decorations such as Floral, Tent & Electrical. Also Styling Apparels,
Jewellery, Footwear, Accessories, Food and Music according to Theme of the Party.
Supervision and Flawless Execution of the same.
Florist : Also Theme Designing and Execution of fresh seasonal Flower Decoration
(Indian/Imported) along with Fabric, Light & Accessories. Candle/Diya Lighting and
Balloon Releasing etc according to theme of the Party.
Also Designing of Accessories like, Table Center Pieces, Fresh Flower Jewellery,
Bangles, Tattoo Set, Decorated Lamps, Diya's, Floating Diya's & Baloons.
Stage, Light and Sound : for different functions as per the mood of The Party.

51
MENU PLANNING, F & B AND BAR TENDERING SERVICES
Identifying Chefs/Caterers as per needs and Theme of The Party. Menu Planning with
The Chef. Accordingly, its display, Buffet and Sitting Arrangements, Personalised Service
and The Bar Tendering/Juggling Services.

DESIGNERS & ACCESSORIES : Co-ordinating with

Designers : for Designing of Apparels, Jewellery, Footwear, Watches, Strolls, Purses &
Hand Bags, Sun Glasses & Lenses, Leather Accessories as per latest trends.
Mehendiwali : Professional Mehendiwali with Arabic, Gujrati, Rajasthani Designs.
Churiwali, Bindi, Tattoo, Parande wali, Astrologers, Puppeteers for Mehendi & Sangeet.
Beautician & Stylist : for Beauty & Slimming Treatment of The Bride/Groom and their
Family. Personal Care & Fitness, Skin Care & Laser Treatment, Aromatic & Herbal
Product, Cosmetic & Perfumes, Body Art & Body Sculpting, Bridal Makeup, Hair Care
& Styling, Personality Development & Grooming. Wedding Counselling. Physical
CHOREOGRAPHY, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT :
For each function i.e. Professional Male & Female D.J., Live Music, Army Band,
Shehnai, Regional Singers, Dancers & Performers. International & National
Entertainment. Celebrity/Artiste Management. Model Management. Fashion Shows
According to Theme of the Party.List of the Songs which must repeatedly and not to be
played at all.
Choreographers : for Sangeet, Mehendi and Bachelors Party.

PHOTOGRAPHER STILL & VIDEO

Selecting, Still & Video Professionals having knowledge of Light and Whether,
Portfolios. Creating Studio setup, Smooth ending, Special effects, Specialized Music,
Mixing Childhood Photographs, along with interview of The Family Members on DVD
& Golden Ringed Album.
Providing list of The Guests to be Photographed. Supervision and Co-ordination, Web
Casting and Web Paging of Wedding to the International Audience. Presentation of
Highlighted DVD, Posters, Instant Framed Photograph, Family Calenders, Playing Cards,

52
to all The Guests as Souvenirs.
Also Creating Art Gallery, Children Corner, Signature Photograph facility for the Guests.

RENTALS
Organizing and Co-ordinating with anciliary support :
Security Agencies : for Security and Valet Parking, Darban.
Hospitality Services : Hostesses & Ushers for receiving of The Guests. Traditional
welcome. Welcome Drink. Hot/Cold Towels. Separate Check in Counters.
Tours and Travels : Local Transport during their stay. Guides for Local Sightseeing and
Shopping. Car Rentals. Luxury Coaches, Charted Planes, Helicopters, Wedding Car
(Limousine). Blissful Honeymoon Destinations (India/Abroad). Wedding day transport.
Visa.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Helpdesk to receive the guests. Luggage Tags. Welcome Kit containing literature & Tin
Coke/Juice, Mineral Water Bottle, Assorted Fruits/Cookies/Chocolates for journey.
Newspapers/Magazines. Event Information Brochure. Guide for sight seeing and on the
way journey.
Lunch or Hi-tea on the way.
Welcome Drinks on arrival. Hot/Cold Towels on arrivals. Separate Check in Counters.
Welcome letters giving details of functions and meal venues. Billing Instructions. Key
Tags. Rituals and Ceremony brochure.
Organising during their stay : Traditional Indian Music and Cultural Entertainment.
Puppet Show. Magician. Animators. Tennis Court. Badminton. Croquet. Table Tennis.
Valleyball. Badminton. Pool. Souna. Gym.
Special corporate games like : Treasure Hunt, Breaking the chatty blind fold. Beer
Drinking Competition. Tug of war. Football/Cricket at night. Musical Chairs
a. Telecommunications : Mobile Phones. Walkie Talkie sets.
b. Publicity : Co-ordination and Management of all publicity related activities.
c. Secretarial Services. OH Projector. LCD Projector. Cordless Mikes. Audio-Visual
Arrangement. Live Telecast. Hostesses. Tiffin Services/Pack Foods.

53
Anciliary Support
 Priest. Pooja Kit. Mehandi Kit,
 Doctor on Call. Postal Services.
 Fire Works. Pyrotechnics. Laser Works.
 Children Rides, Games & Stalls.
 Mobile Toilets. Mobile Urinals. Wash Rooms. Green Rooms. Mist Fans.
 Band. Ghori. Palki. Buggy. Elephant. Camel. Horses. Chatters. Torch Bearers.
 Power Supply/ Sound Proof Gen Set.
 Pest Control Arrangements
 Fire Fighting Arrangements
 Gift Registry
 Wedding Insurance
 Wedding Certificate
 Extra Help : Cooks, Servants, Drivers.
 Mithai
 Groceries

54
List of Wedding Related Services

— Recommendation, facilitation, negotiation and finalization with vendors

— Venue Selection
— Linen
— Floral - ordering and application
— Designing by a Floral designer
— Accessories - napkin rings, candles, table enhancements, table arrangements
— Concept based F&B services
— F&B consultation – food and layouting
— Transportation
— Artiste management
— Event Show Run
— Invitation
— Photographer/ Videographer
— Fireworks
— Guest movement Logistics
— Airport Management
— Residential Venue Management

55
— Departures
— Co-ordination with all vendors
— Ambience & Intelligent lighting
— World-class bartending

Preparations

Wedding Preparations

Wedding Venue

Wedding Transport

Wedding Themes

Wedding Songs

Wedding Quotes

Wedding Invitation Quotes

56
Wedding Photography

Wedding Music

Wedding Mithai Sweets

Shopping guide

Indian Wedding Traditions

Wedding Mandap

Wedding Jokes

Wedding Jewelry

Wedding Invitation Card

Wedding Entertainment

Wedding Dress

Wedding Cakes

Wedding Budget

57
 Flower Decoration

Choosing the Caterer

Marriage Venues

Marriages in Banquets

Marriages in Parks

Marriages in Churches

Marriages in Farm Houses

Marriages in Temples

Marriages in Clubs

Marriages in Hotels

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 Marriages on Cruises

Indian Wedding Invitation Cards

Hindu Wedding Invitations

Sikh Wedding Invitations

Jain Wedding Invitation

Muslim Wedding Invitations

Parsi Wedding Invitations

Indian Wedding Gifts

59
 Jewelry

Decorative Items

Flower Vase

Electronic Items

Silver Wedding Gifts

Indian Groom

Groom Accessories

Groom Ethnic Wear

Groom Hair Care

Groom Shervani

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 Groom Skin Care

Groom Wedding Sehra

Groom Wedding Turban

Groom shoes
Indian Bride

Bridal Accessories

Bridal Ethnic Wear

Pre wedding bridal package

Bridal Skin Care

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Bridal bangles

Bridal Make-Up

Bridal Hair Care

Bridal Jewelry

Bridal Saris

Bridal shoes

Bridal Handbags and Purses

Bridal Mehendi

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WEDDING CEREMONIES

 Pre wedding ceremonies

Engagement Ceremony

Mehendi Ceremony

63
 Sangeet Ceremony

Sagan Ceremony

 Main day ceremonies

Mandap Ceremony

Var Mala Ceremony

 Post wedding ceremonies

64
 Vidaai

Reception

Pre wedding

Rituals and customs are part and parcels of Weddings in India and there is a complete
involvement of the family of the bride and the groom. . Many of the rituals of an Indian
Wedding are covered as Pre-Wedding Ceremonies. These Pre-Wedding
Ceremonies usually stretch for quite a few days before the marriage and add to the charm
of the wedding celebrations.

Rituals
Quite a few Pre-Wedding Ceremonies are held on the days preceding the marriage. One
of the most important Pre-Wedding Ceremonies is the engagement ceremony. It is usually
held at the groom's place or at a common venue where the bride and the groom exchange
rings. Later, the families of the bride and the groom exchange gifts among themselves. It
is at this time that the date of the wedding is usually fixed. Another pre-wedding

65
ceremony is the Mehendi ceremony which is held at the bride's place. Mehendi is applied
on the palms, wrists, arms, legs and feet of the bride. It is said that darker the color of the
Mehendi, the better the relation is between the mother-in law and the bride.
The Sangeet ceremony is an important part of Pre-Wedding Ceremonies. It usually held
on the eve of the wedding day. On this day all the friends, relatives and family of the
groom gather at a place and sing wedding songs for him. A lot of fun and frolic is
intertwined with this ceremony. The ladies often tease the groom about his bride.

Special features
The engagement ceremony is nowadays accompanied with a dinner party where all the
relatives and friends of both the sides find an occasion to interact with each other. Many
times wedding songs are also sung during the Mehendi ceremony of the bride. Now-a-
days, the groom's side often incites professional DJs to play during their Sangeet
ceremony. A dance floor is set up at the venue and the marriage party

The Engagement Ceremony is one of the pre marriage ceremonies in the Indian society.
It is an important event as it marks the beginning of the wedding ceremonies.
An Engagement Ceremony is usually held months before the wedding ceremony. It is
known by different names in different regions of the country like misri, aashirwad,
mangni or ring ceremony.

Rituals
The family members, relatives and friends of both the would-be bride and the groom
meet on the day of theEngagement Ceremony. The bride and the groom are laden with
gifts, jewellery and clothes from each other's family. They also receive gifts from the
other guests. Often the bride's family bears the expenses of the ceremony. The groom's
side also receives gifts from the bride's side for the prominent family members, like the
mother father, brother and sister of the groom

66
The main part of the Engagement Ceremony is when the would-be bride and the groom
exchange the rings. These rings are specially chosen and are made of precious metal like
gold. After exchanging the rings, the would-be bride and groom take blessings from the
elders of both the families and eat sweets. In many communities the would-be bride and
groom also exchange garlands after the exchange of rings. After the rings are exchanged
all the relatives and friends gather for the dinner party. In many a cases the date of
marriage is also fixed by a 'pandit' on the day of the Engagement Ceremony.

Special features
Nowadays people also have arrangements of music and dance at the Engagement
Ceremony. Bands and DJs are called upon to play music and all the people present dance
away the evening to tunes being played. People cut cakes to celebrate the event.

The Mehendi Ceremony is a fun filled Hindu wedding ritual that is mostly celebrated at
the bride's place. Today the pre-wedding ceremonies in India are not just a small affair
where only family members and friends get together, but it is celebrated on a large scale.
There are different religions in the country with different traditions and ritual that have
their own way of celebrating the Mehendi Ceremony. In the ceremony, the female friends
and relatives apply turmeric paste on the bride's hands, feet and face. A beautiful design is
drawn on the hands of the bride that is usually done by an expert.

Rituals
There is a deep significance in the ritual of Mehendi Ceremony. It signifies the love
during marriage and it is highly fortunate if the bride is able to retain the colour of
Mehendi for a long time, which signifies love from her husband. The ceremony is
accompanied with a lot of dancing and cheerfulness and females take the major part in

67
the Mehendi Ceremony. It is a pre-wedding ceremony that is held a couple of days before
the main wedding ceremony where vibrant music, colourful dresses, pulsating
instrumentals and enthusiastic dancing light up the function.
Henna is the most preferred Mehendi and other forms of henna like Al-henna, Al-
Khanna, Mendee, Jamaica Mignonette and Egyptian Privet also play a great role in
the Mehendi Ceremony.

Sangeet Ceremony is one of the most fun filled traditional events. The ceremony is
performed at the bride's house few days before the wedding. In Sangeet
Ceremony families from both sides meet each other and sing, dance along. This
ceremony makes the family members from both the sides comfortable. Traditionally the
event used to take place in only north Indian weddings. But now-a-days, the trend
of Sangeet Ceremony is taking place in south Indian and Bengali marriages also.

Rituals
The Sangeet Ceremony takes place after the Mehendi ceremony. The ladies from the
bride's side sing various melodious songs in this ceremony. Actually this custom belongs
to North India. All the Punjabi and Uttar Pradeshi wedding carry out this custom. The
ritual is a part of official engagement and it takes place before the main wedding day.
In North India this custom is very important as the families of both bride and the groom
come together at this event. The occasion is full of fun and enthusiasm which makes the
families comfortable with each other. Through this ritual, families have fun and get to
know each other. During this ceremony ladies ding various songs on the beat of
"Dholak". The songs also have some meaningful lyrics which describes the family
members and their natures. The songs also tell the importance of marriage in life.

Special features

68
For many years the songs traditional songs were sung. But in modern day Sangeet
Ceremony, themes are involved. Family members dress up according to the theme and
also sing the songs accordingly. Even though the tradition was restricted to the North
India for long time, recently South Indian weddings are also adapting the trend. The
custom has become so popular that a wedding is incomplete without Sangeet
Ceremony. Whatever may be reason to carry out the custom, but it surely spreads joy and
happiness amongst the families.

Sagan ceremony
Punjabi weddings are famed for their grandeur and opulence. Punjabis pull all stops when
it comes to celebration and their wedding frequently resembles a carnival. Sagan is the
first ceremony in a Punjabi Wedding preceding a long list of rituals. Sagan Ceremony is
usually performed in the groom's house or in a banquet hall if the number of guests is
more. The Sagan Ceremony is usually held ten or twelve days before the day of the
marriage. The girl's family visit the groom's carrying 'tikka' material and wrapped gifts.
Sagan is basically a ceremony where the relatives from both the sides get to know each
other.

Rituals
During the ceremony, the pundit performs a sacred fire ceremony 'havan'. Thereafter the
entire bride's relatives and friends bless the groom and offer him sweets and gifts. Sagan
Ceremony is followed by the ritual of Chunni Sadan.
Nowadays both Sagan Ceremony and Chunni sadan are combined for the sake of
convenience. Chunni Chadana is the occasion when the boy's parents and relatives visit
the girl's house. The boy's sister or sister in law presents a red 'Chunni' or a red sari to the
bride. After the bride is dressed up in the sari, she is lead into the ceremonial venue. The
groom's mother then gives her gifts and adorns her with jewelry. The mother in law feeds
the bride with porridge of boiled rice and milk. A tiny dot of Mehendi is applied on her
palm for good luck. The bride and groom then exchange rings and are given gifts in cash
and kind by the relatives and friends of the groom.

69
Special features
Certain families follow a trend where a priest ties a sacred thread onto the groom's wrist.
The practice of combining Sagan Ceremony and Chunni Sadan though widely followed is
often frowned upon by the older generation.

Main day ceremonies

Mandap
A Hindu wedding is a mainly four to five day event that keeps the whole family engaged.
Each of the days has its own significance due to the various rituals that are performed
during the day. The pre wedding ceremonies like the mehndi, sangeet and the engagement
is followed by the main day celebrations which consist of the Var Mal and the Mandap
ceremony. All the ceremonies are mainly held at the house of the bride at an open place
which is beautifully decorated. The ceremonies take place in this mandap.

Rituals

70
After the completion of the Var Mala ceremony the bride and the groom are taken to the
mandap. It is normally made up of red and silver colour which symbolizes prosperity and
its four pillars symbolize the parents of the bride and the groom. The four pillars
symbolize thankfulness for the important role that parents have played in bringing up the
children and guiding them in every situation of difficulty and in the times of need. The
wedding takes place in front of the holy fire which acts as a witness to the wedding.
Some of the rituals that are performed during the Mandap ceremony constitute of the
Kanyadan and the Saat Phere. Kanyadan is the ritual by which the bride is wedded to the
groom by her parents. The Saat Phere is the ritual when the bride and the groom take
seven circulations around the holy fire that symbolizes that they will be together for the
next seven lives or Janams.

Special features
The mandap is beautifully decorated by the family of the bride which is the main center
of attraction in the wholeMandap ceremony. Mandap is the venue where the Hindu
wedding should take place according to the rituals.

Var maala
The Hindu wedding is full of enthusiasm and adventure. The main wedding ceremonies
constitute of several rituals and age old customs; one of them being the Var Mala
ceremony. The rituals of the main day are performed by the bride, the groom and their
close relatives. The priest or the Brahmin chants mantras in Sanskrit during the entire
course of events. On the main day of the wedding, there are several items required like
rice, coconut, fresh flowers and many types of different grains. One of the main rituals
performed during the main day of the wedding is the Var Mala ceremony which is also
known as the Jai Mala. This is a ritual that shows that the bride accepts the groom as her
husband.

Rituals

71
The ritual of Var Mala ceremony or the Jai Mala is the part of the main day wedding
ceremony in which the bride welcomes the groom by putting a garland around his neck.
This ceremony is full of fun and enthusiasm as the groom is lifted up by his close friends
when the bride tries to put the garland around his neck. Even the bride's mother after
performing a small welcome puja tries to pinch the nose of the groom. All associated
ceremonies related to the Var Mala ceremony signify that the groom has come to ask for
the hand of the bride by rubbing the nose on the door. While she tries to pinch the
groom's nose his close friends try protecting his nose with their handkerchiefs.

Special features
With such a rich diversity in the country, all the people of different regions have their
own way of celebrating thisVar Mala ceremony according to their own customs and
rituals. After this ritual the bride and the groom are taken to the mandap which is the
main venue where the wedding ceremony will take place.

Post wedding ceremonies

Vidaai
The Vidaai ritual marks the end of the wedding ceremony. It is very heart felt moment for
the bride's family members, close relatives and friends. According to the ritual, bride
should leave her father's home and go to the husband's home. It is a new beginning for a
bride as she bids farewell to her parents and moves on to build a new life with her
husband and his family. The bride's father gives her hand to her husband and blesses her
for the successful life ahead. The ritual of Vidaai is marked as the most sorrowful and
emotional moment of the wedding festivities. During this emotional moment, the saalis or
sister-in-laws are gifted kalichari, which is a gold or silver (or cash) for returning the

72
groom's shoes which were deliberately hidden by the sisters-in-law during wedding.
Thus, in Vidaai, light banter and teasing (negotiation between groom and his new sisters-
in-law) combine with emotions and tears.

Rituals
Vidaai comprises of the rituals which are very essential and performed as an integral part
of marriage. As she steps out of the doors, she throws back five handfuls of rice over her
head as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. This ritual signifies that she is paying back
whatever her parents have given her all these years. As she leaves in the car, bride's
brothers and cousins push the car. This ritual signifies that bride's brothers help her to
start a new life with her husband. After the car stars, money is thrown on the road to
remove or discard the evil spirits.

Special features
Bride leaves her friends, relatives and her family behind with tears in their eyes. In
northern India this custom is called Vidaai or 'doli', while in southern India it is known as
Kshemadandulu.

Reception
A post wedding reception ceremony is one of the most important post-wedding rituals in
India. However, the details of the reception ceremony vary from religion to religion and
place to place. Hence each of these groups is guided by their own traditions and norms.
Usually, the reception ceremony is celebrated just a day after wedding. This is a post-
wedding function, in which, all the elder members, friends and relatives from both the
families gather and celebrate with the newly wedded couple. It is a first public
appearance of the couple after wedding where they get the blessing and gifts from the
community and relatives.

Rituals

73
Reception is like an extension of the marriage festival. In most of the cases, a lavish
cuisine and excellent dishes are served to the guests and relatives. Music and dance add
glitter in the function. Reception is a kind of party, or a jovial acquaintance of bride to the
groom's community. This ceremony does not comprise any heavy customs like in other
wedding ceremonies.

Special features
Now-a-days, the reception ceremony is seen as the elaborated entertainment element.
Music and dance performers are being hired from all over the world, to entertain the
guests. Some reception ceremonies have cultural programs to add a dash of color to the
ceremony.

Honeymoon

After a much celebrated wedding ceremony comes the honeymoon. Honeymoon is a time
where one can relax, after the hectic wedding ceremony. Honeymoon, to a certain extent
also draws the couple towards each other. However, choosing the right honeymoon
destination is essential. India has some beautiful places that serve as the perfect
honeymoon destinations. While on a Honeymoon in India, you can spend your time in the
hill stations or the beautiful beaches. You could even choose to enjoy an adventurous
honeymoon in India.

74
There are several destinations you could choose from, for a Honeymoon in India. India
has a rich architectural heritage and has several magnificent architectural marvels. You
could visit places like Rajasthan and Khajurao, and relive the beauty of the many temples
and monuments that these places house.

For a Honeymoon in India, you could explore the Andamans, Goa, or Lakshwadeep and
enjoy some precious moments with your partner on the beach. In fact hill stations like
Ooty, Manali, Dalhousie, Shimla and Uttaranchal also serve as ideal Honeymoon
destinations for a Honeymoon in India. However, if you want to spend your honeymoon
amidst snowcapped mountains then you could choose to visit Kashmir.
All these places are quite popular and visited by several couples from all around the
world. The honeymoon destinations in India are beautiful and offer picturesque settings
for an ideal honeymoon.

Special features
While on your Honeymoon in India, we will take care of all that you might need, during
your stay. From arranging for accommodation to sight seeing trips, everything will be
taken care of. The facilities provided by us ensure that you have a memorable
Honeymoon in India.

Honeymoon in India

Honeymoon in Andamans

Honeymoon in Dalhousie

Honeymoon in Goa

Honeymoon in Kashmir

75
 Honeymoon in Kerala

Honeymoon in Kodaikanal

Honeymoon in Khajuraho

Honeymoon in Lakshadweep

Honeymoon in Manali

Honeymoon in Ooty

Honeymoon in Rajasthan

Honeymoon in Shimla

Honeymoon in Uttaranchal

Wedding Industry

Marriages, Parties & Events have always been an important part of the Indian way of life.
Symbolizing the auspicious merging of two Destinies, in a way it is Grand celebration of
life itself. In our culture, a Wedding has always been an occasion for some mega
celebrations.

But the last few years has have seen it growing exponentially in its sheer scope and
extent. The reasons are not far to seek. Fulled by a formidable spending power and

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exposure to International lifestyle trends, Indians are getting more and more imaginative
when it comes to organising a Wedding, Party or Event.

No more it is a household affair, managed by the Elders, from Wedding Planners to

Wedding Stylists, it has traveled a full circle. As an industry, it is one of the fastest
growing and is worth a staggering Rs.50,000 Crores and still growing.

WHY A PLANNER OR CO-ORDINATOR?

As people spend lots of money on Weddings, Parties and Events but they involve their
selves in each and every affair in such a way that at the end of the day they feel that they
have not seen the wedding of their only Son/Daughter or they have not been able to enjoy
the functions. That is why, a Wedding Planner-Co-ordinator is required to make you and
your family & friends comfortable.

We at Indian Wedding Planners are here to take care of every thing right from Invitation
Cards to Honeymoon Destinations, Theme based Weddings, Musical Extravaganzas and
formal Parties and we Organise it all. We make you comfortable to enjoy each and every
function along with your family, friends and relatives.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

A team of experienced Professionals from different fields visit the place when most of
the family members/executives of the company are there to know their priorities.
They would ask these sets of question to prepare a good plan
What is the Occasion? i.e. a Wedding, Theme Party, Event & Shows, Fair & Festivals,
Seminars or Conferences, Annual Ball of Corporates, Exhibitions, Cultural Programmes,
Theme Parties, Film & Video Shootings, Business Enjoyments, Corporate Lunches,
Fashion Shows, Conventions or Product Launches.

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· How many functions are there and when? i.e. Engagement, Rocka, Godh, Tikka, Ring
Ceremony, Mehandi, Sangeet, Cocktail, Bachelors Party, Wedding, Reception etc and
their tentative dates for the same. Is there any Theme or Dress Code of each Function.

 How many Guests will be their in each and every function? Proposed Guests
List.
 Where you want to Organise these functions? as lots of people are opting for
Destination Weddings or Parties. Do you want to explore Theme Destination
Weddings, which are exclusive different and have unique experience i.e. Royal,
Beach, Adventure & Himalayan Weddings.
 What is the Budget? i.e. Total Budget of the Wedding, Party or Events also
preferences if any of itemised budget.
 Requirements of each and every member of the family. i.e. Priorities if any of
all the family members.

After that they would plan it out and spread whole of the budget, looking in to the family
requirements on :

1. Designer Invitations & Accompaniments.

2. Shopping & Trousseau.

3. Venues & Accommodation.

4. Sets, Themes, Concepts & Decorations.

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5. Menu Planning, F & B and Bar Tendering Services.

6. Designers & Accessories.

7. Choreography, Music & Entertainment.

8. Photography : Still & Video.

9. Rentals.

10. Wedding and Hospitality Management & Other allied services.

After getting approval from your end about Plans and Budget. We do Vender Selection,
Negotiations, Co-ordination, Supervision, Control & Management of services on your
behalf.

What do they charge?

Fee would be on percentage basis, it can also be in lump sum as well. But all this depends
upon scope of our involvement in the Project. In any case subject to a minimum of Rs.
20,000/- per function. It includes Planning, Co-ordination & Smooth Execution by our
expert Professionals. But at the same time they save you more than this.

As you Organise Weddings or Parties once in a while where as they do lots of functions
every year as its there job or profession. They have corporate rates from Venders/Service

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Providers. As the payments are made by your good self directly to the service providers
so these special rates are passed on to your good self. This way you enjoy the functions as
well as you save a lots of money too.

Case study based on a wedding industry DREAM WORKZ

INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPANY

Dream workz came into existence in 2000-2001. It was a dream for all of us to make a
company which stood out in its niche category as a super-specialized service
provider. E-Factor is a company known for it’s larger than life, splendid set ups
and formats and a completely personalized service to the client. We provide
end to end solutions for any kind of event – whether it is a corporate or a
personal event.

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Our panel of skilled and semi-skilled craftsmen and the band of highly qualified
designers add the extra edge to our platter of deliverables. Our corporate office is in New
Delhi, Gurgaon and London and our footprint extends to Middle east, South east and UK,
giving us the global perspective and dimension in our work and thought process.

Dream workz has a fully capable and self sufficient Bridal Event Planner that is dedicated
to creating dream weddings. We offer holistic solutions, which could be a customized,
bespoke service or a packaged format. Our weddings reflect your lifestyle and personality
and we work closely with you to create unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.

We assist with all the planning, facilitating, negotiating, and handling of various aspects
of wedding planning and ensure that you receive the best services for the best price. The
end to end solutions come to you with the E-Factor stamp of guarantee backed by our
strong in-house production set up and long established vendor relations in the industry.

Our scope starts with the pre-event planning through the execution and up to the post-
event winding up.

We also source, produce, execute, coordinate and manage the best experts in various
fields of floral, set design, décor, interiors, lighting, audio/video, etc and we put them all
together on a platform to create a fantastic, ultra magical experience for the client and
their guests. It is an experience where nothing is repeated, there is complete
customization and all of it is done with complete consideration to discreetness and
confidentiality. Our clients get to enjoy all the capabilities, experience and rich bank of
resources of E-Factor on a non-customized format. It is a readymade format to ensure
that you are able to stay within your budget without compromising on quality.This
concept shall have a range of designs and styles on a platter from which the customer can

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pick and choose a suitable and cost effective solution. Every wedding season a new
flavour of designs shall be launched, in step with the latest trends.

In this format a client will find complete wedding solution along with ease of use, quality
commitment and timely delivery of all aspects of arranging an Indian wedding (namely,
since it is most complicated).

WEDDING PLAN OUT

Siddhartha Mallaya
Son of Vijay Mallaya

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 Indian Business Tycoon

Weds

Andrea Loscher
Daughter of Peter Loscher
President, Siemens group.

PRE- WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS:

1. Fashion Designer
2. Jewellery
3. Invitation card
4. Return Gift
5. Food
6. Risk Management
7. Laundry
8. House keeping
9. sub contractor

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List of Sub Contractor:

Fashion

 Make up artist
 Hair stylist

Construction

 Decorators
 Flourist (Nermini Fluer)
 Labour

Entertainment

 Music
 Dj
 Performers

List of events

Date Function Venue

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 2nd April Cocktail Party Villa Domergue: Cannes.

3rd April Mehendi cruise from Cannes to Monte

Carlo

4th April Havan & Ganesh Monte Carlo hotel

Sthapna

4th April Sangeet Sandhya Monte Carlo hotel

5th April Traditional wedding Lerins Island

6th April Reception Monaco Palace, Monaco

RISK MANAGEMENT

International SOS

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Early 1980s, founder- Pascal Rey-Herme, a French doctor Indonesia.
Together with his childhood friend Arnaud Vaissié, set up a company dedicated to
providing international standards of medical care and emergency medical assistance in
the Asia Pacific region.Thus AEA International was founded in 1985.
Starting with just 15 staff, AEA International grew rapidly from its base in Singapore and
Indonesia into a pan-Asian corporation, creating operating companies in Hong Kong,
Australia, Japan and mainland China. By 1995, the company was present in every
country of the Asia Pacific region. Subsequently through internal growth and acquisition
it became the worldwide leader for medical assistance services.

In 1998 AEA International was renamed International SOS

and integrated medical and security assistance.

We deploy all our resources - people, facilities, systems and communications - through a
fully integrated support infrastructure.
We have facilities in more than 70 countries, including 25 alarm centers and 28
International SOS clinics. We can, therefore, provide assistance and services to clients
and members wherever they are located.

Agency : International SOS

Members Employed For the event : 500 people

How They Operate:

 Risk Covered
 Fire System : Fire Alarm, Fire Suppression
 Marine: Life Jackets, Life Guards, Life Boats, Floaters, Ropes
 Theft : Perimeter Protection
 Medical aid : Team of Doctors, Nurses, Ambulances, Mobile
 Security : Parking Security, Gatekeepers

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 BUDGETTING

QUAOTATION 100,00,00,000
TOTAL EXP 93,13,61,300
PROFIT 6,86,38,600

CONCLUSION

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Here in India wedding are more celebrated like festivals. Indian parents earn throughout
there life to cherish the memories of the marriage of there son or daughter.
So according to me using this emotion an industry which can take the burden off from the
shoulders of bride and groom and arrange the best marriage considering there budget as
well can prove to be of great profit.
My project completely showed all the work that occur starting from the planning part till
the execution part. If someone who say “LEMME PLAN OUT EVERYTHING FOR
YOU SIR/MADAM” can prove to be a of great help psychologically and financially
because a person who is already spending in lakhs wont mind spending few extra bucks
and enjoy in the family function rather working and running everywhere.
These functions occur once in a lifetime and then are left only the memories so why not
being part of these memories in present and celebrating without tension rather cherishing
them in future from photographs.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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 WWW.GOOGLE.COM

 WWW.INDIANWEDDINGSITE.COM

 WWW.INDIANWEDDINGPLANNERS.COM

 www.makemytrip.com

 www.shaadi.com

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