Deborah Chan
India has laws against child marriage, however, the practice is still prevalent. The country first introduced legislation against child marriage in 1929, when the legal age for marriage was set at 12. In 1978, this was increased to 18 years old. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian government allowed weddings to take place with a maximum of 50 guests in enclosed spaces and 100 guests in open spaces, with social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Child Marriage | Illegal, but still practiced |
| COVID-19 Restrictions | Vary by state and date, but generally allowed with social distancing and limited guests |
| Fake Weddings | A rising trend |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding guest limits in India during COVID-19
Wedding guest limits in India during the COVID-19 pandemic varied across states and over time as case numbers fluctuated.
In May 2021, the Uttar Pradesh government restricted weddings and related functions to a maximum of 25 people in both open and enclosed spaces. Invitees were required to comply with COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and using sanitizers, and social distancing was to be strictly followed.
In Delhi, the number of guests allowed at weddings fluctuated over time. In April 2021, the limit was set at 50 people in enclosed spaces and 100 in open spaces. As cases surged in Delhi, the government reverted to stricter restrictions, limiting weddings to 50 attendees in November 2020.
In Maharashtra, restrictions were eased in November 2021, with the state allowing 200 people for weddings in open places and 100 attendees or 50% capacity in closed-hall venues. The relaxation of restrictions came after a 20-month lull in large weddings, with many families postponing celebrations and traders expressing hope for a busy wedding season.
The varying restrictions impacted the wedding industry, with some choosing to hold grand celebrations outside city limits to accommodate more guests. Hospitality consultants and traders advocated for the relaxation or removal of guest limitations to boost the industry and the state exchequer.
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Social distancing and safety measures at weddings
During the coronavirus pandemic, weddings in India were subject to social distancing and safety measures. The number of guests allowed at weddings was restricted, with a maximum of 25 people permitted in the state of Uttar Pradesh in May 2021. Previously, in April 2021, a maximum of 50 people were allowed in enclosed places, and 100 in open spaces.
To ensure social distancing, couples were advised to opt for larger venues, with a capacity of less than 50% of the normal standing capacity. Venues were instructed to implement diligent floor mapping to maintain a distance of 6 feet between guests. This was also achieved through specific seating arrangements, such as round or long tables set in a 'U' shape.
Guests were expected to wear face masks, with bridal boutiques offering masks to match the wedding attire. Thermal screening at the venue entrance was another precautionary measure, along with regular cleaning and disinfection of furniture and rugs.
Catering services also had to adapt to social distancing norms. Buffets were modified to prevent crowding, with widely spread tables and pre-plated food. Guests were requested to queue in small groups, maintaining a safe distance from each other. Server staff wore protective gear, including headgear, gloves, and masks.
Additionally, hosts were advised to record the location and transportation details of their guests to facilitate contact tracing if necessary. Displaying safety guidelines at the venue served as a reminder for guests and staff to adhere to the protocols. Daily temperature checks for staff and vendors were also recommended.
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Virtual weddings
India's wedding industry, estimated at $130 billion, has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The large, multi-day celebrations with thousands of attendees are no longer possible due to safety concerns and government restrictions. In May 2021, the Uttar Pradesh government restricted weddings and related functions to a maximum of 25 people, with social distancing and COVID-appropriate protocols in place. Previously, in April 2021, the limit was 50 people in enclosed spaces and 100 in open areas.
As a result of these restrictions, Indian weddings are undergoing a transformation, with couples either postponing their weddings or opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations. The new normal for weddings in India now includes outdoor venues, social distancing, contactless services, and an emphasis on hygiene.
One innovative alternative that has emerged is virtual weddings. Swedish furniture company Ikea, for example, offers virtual weddings where couples use their laptop webcams to join a ceremony attended by virtual cutouts of their friends. While this trend has yet to gain widespread popularity in India, it presents an option for couples to safely celebrate their special day during the pandemic.
Additionally, virtual weddings offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional weddings. Couples can save on venue costs and carbon emissions associated with travel by opting for a virtual celebration. While it may not replace the grandeur of Indian weddings, it provides a safe and intimate option for couples during these unprecedented times.
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Postponed, cancelled, or rushed weddings
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on weddings in India, with many couples forced to cancel, postpone, or downsize their celebrations. In March 2020, a nationwide lockdown was imposed, causing disruption to the wedding plans of many, including 26-year-old Delhi resident Harshad Khurana, who had to abandon his dream of a grand once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Some couples, like Priya Malik, chose to push back their weddings to later in the year in the hopes that the situation would improve. Malik, who was particular about choosing an 'auspicious date', eventually postponed her wedding from April to November or December. Others, like Shraddha Patel, faced a dilemma between holding a downsized wedding or waiting until the end of the year to have their dream celebration.
The wedding industry in India, valued at $50 billion, has suffered greatly due to the pandemic. Wedding hall owners, caterers, and other service providers have incurred significant financial losses. Sanjay Choubey, who runs a wedding hall in Raipur, faced a cumulative loss of Rs 25 lakh due to cancellations. Similarly, Raipur-based caterer Vimal Yadu lost orders for around 22 weddings, resulting in a loss of Rs 15 lakh.
Despite the challenges, some couples opted for smaller, intimate weddings with strict precautions in place. This "new normal" for celebrating weddings during the pandemic included outdoor venues, spaced-out seating arrangements, and limited guest lists to ensure social distancing and compliance with government directives. In May 2021, the Uttar Pradesh government restricted weddings and related functions to a maximum of 25 people in both open and enclosed spaces, with similar measures implemented across other states.
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Cost implications of COVID-19 weddings
India's wedding industry, like many other sectors, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus. The cost implications of hosting weddings during the pandemic have been significant for many families.
In May 2021, the Uttar Pradesh government issued directives limiting the number of attendees at weddings and related functions to a maximum of 25 people, both in open and enclosed spaces. This followed an earlier order in April that allowed a maximum of 50 people in enclosed places and 100 in open spaces, with strict adherence to COVID-19 precautions. These restrictions had a direct impact on the cost of hosting weddings, as couples and their families had to adjust their plans and incur additional expenses to comply with the guidelines.
One of the main cost implications of COVID-19 weddings in India was the reduced guest list. With a limited number of guests allowed, couples had to make difficult choices about who to invite, often resulting in smaller, more intimate weddings. This downsizing may have led to some cost savings, as fewer guests meant reduced expenses for catering, venue size, and decorations. However, the overall cost per guest may have increased due to the need for COVID-19 safety measures, such as providing masks, sanitizers, and ensuring social distancing.
Additionally, the pandemic may have impacted the availability and pricing of wedding venues and vendors. With restrictions in place, popular wedding venues might have had limited availability, driving up the cost of securing a desired location. Vendors, such as caterers, photographers, and wedding planners, may have also adjusted their pricing to account for the additional safety measures and reduced number of guests. Couples might have had to be flexible with their preferred dates and locations or incur higher costs for their desired choices.
The COVID-19 pandemic also affected the cost of wedding attire and transportation. With travel restrictions and limited import options, the availability and pricing of wedding outfits, especially those with traditional or specialized fabrics and designs, could have been impacted. Similarly, the cost of transportation, including booking wedding cars or arranging guest transportation, might have fluctuated due to fuel price changes and varying availability of rental options.
Overall, the cost implications of COVID-19 weddings in India varied depending on numerous factors. While some couples might have saved costs by having smaller guest lists and simplified celebrations, others might have incurred additional expenses to comply with safety measures and secure their desired venues and vendors. The pandemic's impact on the wedding industry underscored the financial challenges and difficult choices faced by couples and their families during this unprecedented time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in India, but there are restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the lockdown, weddings were allowed with a maximum of 50 guests. In October 2020, this restriction was relaxed in Delhi, allowing a maximum of 200 people in closed spaces, and no specified cap on guests in open spaces.
Social distancing must be maintained at weddings in India, and guests must wear face masks, provide proof of thermal scanning, and use hand sanitiser or hand-washing facilities.
Virtual weddings are more affordable than large Indian weddings, which typically have a budget of 10 to 25 lakhs. During the pandemic, some couples have opted for virtual ceremonies to avoid postponing their weddings indefinitely.
Low-cost weddings have become more common during the pandemic. These smaller weddings can save families a lot of money and have generally been appreciated, although there have been cases where COVID-19 guidelines have been overlooked.
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