The Extravagant Extent Of Indian Weddings

Indian weddings are known for being lavish, extravagant, and big. They are festive occasions, often lasting several days with multiple pre-wedding events and rituals steeped in rich tradition. A typical Indian wedding has at least four events and requires 15 to 20 vendors. The guest list is usually quite large, with an average of 400 to 500 guests. The weddings are also characterised by extensive decorations, vibrant colours, music, dance, outfits, and rituals that depend on the community, region, and religion of the couple.

Extravagant costs

Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the costs can be staggering. The average cost of an Indian wedding in the United States ranges from $65,000 to $285,000, with some weddings even exceeding $1 million. With multiple events, lavish decorations, and a large number of guests, Indian weddings can be extremely expensive.

One of the main factors contributing to the high cost of Indian weddings is the number of guests. Indian weddings are known for their large guest lists, with an average of 500 guests for an Indian wedding in the US, compared to 140 for an average American wedding. This means that costs for food, drinks, and venue rental can quickly add up.

The multiple events that make up an Indian wedding also contribute to the high costs. A typical Indian wedding includes several events such as the sangeet, mehndi ceremony, baraat, and reception, each with its own set of expenses. The sangeet, or the pre-wedding celebration, can cost anywhere from $59,000 to $65,000, while the mehndi ceremony can cost around $39,500. The baraat, or the groom's procession, can involve renting a horse or an elephant, adding another significant expense.

Decorations and entertainment are also major cost drivers for Indian weddings. Mandaps, or wedding altars, can cost thousands of dollars, and floral decorations can easily reach five figures. Hiring a DJ or a band for the multiple events can also add up, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 for a three-day event.

Indian weddings often involve significant expenses for the wedding party's attire. The bride and groom, as well as their parents, typically have multiple outfit changes, with costs reaching $10,000 or more. Indian weddings are also known for their extravagant jewellery, which can be a significant expense, especially for the bride.

The choice of venue and catering can also drive up the cost of Indian weddings. Many Indian weddings take place in luxury hotels, with costs per guest ranging from $80 to $250 per event. Catering costs can be especially high, as Indian weddings often involve multiple events with different types of cuisine, including both Indian and Western options.

Indian weddings are a booming industry, with families sparing no expense to create extravagant, multi-day celebrations. While the costs can be staggering, Indian weddings are a reflection of the importance placed on traditional family values and the desire to create a unique and memorable event.

Large guest lists

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, and the guest list often reflects this. While the number of invitees can vary, large guest lists are not uncommon, with some weddings boasting hundreds or even thousands of guests.

The size of the guest list can be influenced by various factors, such as cultural traditions, family expectations, and the couple's social status. In Indian culture, weddings are often seen as a celebration for the entire community, and it is common to invite extended family members, friends, and even acquaintances.

For instance, Pinky Rangi's wedding in 1978 had nearly a thousand guests in attendance, reflecting the desire to share the joy of the occasion with a large number of people. Similarly, the wedding of India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani's son, had a guest list of almost 1,200 people, including celebrities, business tycoons, and heads of state.

Additionally, the social status of the couple and their families can play a role in the size of the guest list. Wealthy couples may have the resources to accommodate a larger number of guests and may see the wedding as an opportunity to showcase their success and hospitality.

However, it is important to note that the trend towards more intimate weddings has also gained popularity in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Couples are increasingly opting for smaller guest lists to create a more personalised and meaningful experience, focusing on enhancing the guest experience rather than just the number of attendees.

Multiple pre-wedding events

Indian weddings, especially Hindu weddings, are steeped in rich tradition and rituals. There are multiple pre-wedding events that are considered integral to the wedding ceremony. Here are some of the most common pre-wedding events in Indian weddings:

Tilak/Sagan Ceremony

The Tilak ceremony is considered the first step in forging a bond between the two families. It is usually held at the groom's residence, where the male members of the bride's family visit and apply kumkum or vermilion on his forehead. This ceremony also includes music and dance and the exchange of gifts between the families.

Haldi Ceremony

The Haldi ceremony is considered one of the most fun events during an Indian wedding. In this ritual, a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, milk, and rose water is applied to the bride and groom's body, usually in the morning of their wedding day. The colour yellow is considered auspicious and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The ceremony is meant to beautify the couple and alleviate their pre-wedding jitters.

Mehendi Ceremony

The Mehendi ceremony is a joyous celebration where henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, and sometimes to the groom as well. This event is usually held in the evening, accompanied by music, dancing, and the singing of traditional songs. Female guests also often get henna applied to their hands. The Mehendi ceremony is considered an important part of the wedding preparations and is usually held a few days before the wedding.

Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet ceremony is a fun-filled, music-centric event where families of the bride and groom come together to sing and dance. It is traditionally a women-centric event and is often held separately from the Mehendi ceremony. The Sangeet is an opportunity for the two families to get to know each other and celebrate before the big day.

Engagement Ceremony

The engagement ceremony is an intimate event with close relatives and friends from both sides. During this ceremony, the fathers of the bride and groom make a formal wedding announcement, and the couple exchanges rings to solidify their engagement. This event usually takes place a few months before the wedding.

Traditional rituals

Indian weddings are steeped in rich traditions and rituals that vary across the country's different regions and communities. Here are some of the traditional rituals that are observed during Indian weddings:

Pre-Wedding Rituals

The pre-wedding rituals are directed towards finding the perfect match for the prospective bride or groom through a family friend, a professional matchmaker, or matrimonial sites. Once the couple is approved by their families, an engagement ceremony is held, known by various names in different regions, such as Roka in Punjab, Tilak among Marwaris, and Sakhar Puda in Maharashtra. During the engagement, the couple exchanges rings or gifts, and the wedding date is decided.

A few days before the wedding, the families hold a Puja ceremony, praying to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles from the couple's life path. The Mehendi ceremony is another pre-wedding ritual where henna is applied to the bride's and sometimes the groom's hands and feet in intricate patterns. The Sangeet ceremony is a fun-filled event where both families get together to perform song and dance routines and interact with each other. The Haldi ceremony is also common, where turmeric paste is applied to the couple to ward off evil and bring good luck.

Wedding Day Rituals

The wedding day begins with the groom's procession, known as the Baraat, where he is led to the wedding altar by his family and friends in a festive celebration with singing and dancing. The bride and her family greet the groom, and the couple exchanges floral garlands, known as Milni Malas, symbolizing their acceptance of each other.

The wedding ceremony takes place under a canopy called the Mandap, representing the four parents of the couple. The bride is led to the Mandap by her brothers or uncles, and she is given away by her father in a ritual called Kanyadaan. The wedding fire is lit in the center of the Mandap, and offerings are made to the sacred fire. The couple exchanges vows and walks around the fire, taking seven steps together, each step representing a specific blessing or vow. The groom may also apply a red powder to the bride's forehead, known as Sindoor, symbolizing her new status as a married woman.

Post-Wedding Rituals

The post-wedding rituals include the Vidaai ceremony, where the bride's family gives her an emotional send-off, and she throws rice and coins over her shoulders to show appreciation and wish prosperity upon her parents. At the groom's house, the couple is welcomed with a traditional Aarti, and the bride performs rituals to bring abundance and good luck to her new family. A reception is held, either by the bride's or groom's family, where guests bless the newlyweds.

The impact on India's economy

Indian weddings are a big deal, and not just for the happy couple. The industry is worth a staggering $130 billion, making it the second-largest industry in the country after food and grocery. With around 10 million weddings taking place annually, it's no surprise that this sector has a significant impact on India's economy.

The average expenditure on an Indian wedding is around $15,000, but this can vary greatly, with some families spending millions. The industry has a ripple effect on various other sectors, acting as a catalyst for growth and contributing to the nation's economic development. This includes hospitality, tourism, retail, technology, and logistics.

Let's break down the impact on these sectors:

• Hospitality: Wedding venues, such as hotels, resorts, and banquet halls, benefit significantly from the demand for grand celebrations. Families often splurge on luxurious accommodations for the wedding party and guests, boosting revenue for the hospitality industry.
• Tourism: The trend of destination weddings has taken off, with couples choosing exotic locations within India and abroad. This boosts domestic and international tourism, with flights, hotels, and local businesses all benefiting.
• Retail: The demand for wedding attire, jewellery, decorations, and gifts fuels the retail sector. Families often purchase gold and jewellery, contributing billions to the industry.
• Technology: Wedding planning apps, virtual venue tours, electronic invitations, and even virtual wedding experiences have emerged, integrating technology into the traditional wedding space.
• Logistics: The logistics industry thrives during wedding season, with increased demand for transportation services, event setup, and timely deliveries. Destination weddings further expand the scope for logistics providers.

The Indian wedding industry also plays a crucial role in employment generation, providing livelihood opportunities for millions. This includes photographers, videographers, caterers, decorators, makeup artists, musicians, and artisans.

The impact of Indian weddings on the country's GDP is undeniable. Wedding-related spending accounts for a significant percentage of consumer spending, and the industry is expected to continue growing at a rate of 20-25% annually.

The government has also recognised the potential of the wedding industry, launching campaigns such as 'Make in India' and 'Wed in India' to promote India as a global wedding destination. These initiatives aim to retain wealth within the country, boost economic growth, and create even more employment opportunities.

Indian weddings are not just cultural phenomena; they are big business, contributing substantially to the nation's economy and driving growth across multiple sectors.

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