In the kaleidoscopic world of Indian weddings, the phrase ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’ has long evoked images of unbridled extravagance. But are they taking a back seat with intimate nuptials on the rise?

For decades, matrimonial celebrations have been synonymous with a cultural ethos that brings together thousands of guests, lavish venues, and endless feasts under a canopy of glittering lights. The roots of such grandiose celebrations are deeply entrenched in tradition, where no detail is left unattended, no expense spared, as the wedding becomes a larger-than-life occasion that extends beyond the newlyweds to encompass entire communities. “Since I started my journey in wedding filmmaking, I’ve observed not a decline but rather an amplification in the scale and grandeur of weddings. There seems to be a renewed desire to celebrate life and love on a grand scale — almost as if to compensate for the quieter moments we’ve all been through,” says Vishal Punjabi, Founder & Director – The Wedding Filmer.

However, as societal values shift and global influences permeate, a subtle yet significant shift is sweeping across this landscape, redefining the very essence of what it means to celebrate love in India. The focus is now on creating unique, memorable experiences for a select few rather than hosting hundreds. Sabah Shaikh of Ātisuto Events highlights that, pre-pandemic, intimate weddings were often a personal choice, but the restrictions on gatherings led people to realise the importance of intimacy and personalisation in their celebrations. “I think people realised what really matters in the bigger picture – having the people you love around you, which led to the growing demand for intimate weddings. We’ve always been a bespoke brand, and these smaller, detailed, and refined weddings allow us to truly reflect our clients’ personalities within the décor,” she shares.

This paradigm shift has ushered in the era of close-knit weddings – an approach that emphasises meaningful experiences, emotional connections, and sustainable practices over ostentatious showmanship. Vishal agrees, noting that while the concept of grand weddings remains ‘deeply embedded in our cultural psyche’, there’s been a renewed desire for intimacy. “What’s fascinating is that the definition of ‘grand’ is evolving. It’s no longer just about numbers but about the depth of experience. Whether it’s a thousand guests or a hundred, the essence remains the same – to create memories that last a lifetime.”

The narrative surrounding intentional weddings is one of authenticity. “Smaller weddings allow for more personal, heartfelt storytelling in our films, where the unscripted, raw emotions shine through,” adds Punjabi. Intentional weddings allow meticulous attention to detail, where every aspect — the décor, cuisine, or entertainment — can be tailored to resonate with the couple’s narrative. Palkan Badlani, Founder – Palkan Badlani Weddings & Events, believes that the intimate nature of these weddings is a luxury in itself. She says, “When gatherings are smaller, you have the time to spend on more personalised and luxurious experiences. Whether elaborate gifts, customised décor, or immersive itineraries, it allows for more creativity and indulgence in those closest to the couple.”

Shaikh adds, “Luxury isn’t just about how big the set is, but about the quality of what we use – whether it’s fabrics, flowers, or even the hotels we partner with. Intimate gatherings allow us to add layers of refinement and detail that elevate the event into the realm of luxury.”

While the rise of intimate weddings brings numerous opportunities, it also presents unique challenges. “Smaller weddings demand a higher level of attention to detail and creativity,” says Vishal. “The smaller guest list doesn’t make the event any less complex – it often requires more effort to ensure that every moment is captured perfectly.” Sabah says, “I do think with small weddings because it is a lot of attention to detail and because we want to cater to each guest, we want to make sure each guest has an immersive experience. We end up spending a lot of time planning and designing… this also helps make sure that we are doing something unique every season, something that hasn’t been done before.” Badlani adds, “Creating a warm, interactive atmosphere with fewer guests can be tricky. We’ve had to innovate by incorporating activities like treasure hunts or city tours, ensuring that guests are engaged throughout the celebration.”

As the Indian wedding industry continues to evolve, the coexistence of grand and close-knit weddings paints a picture of a society in transition. The “Big Fat Indian Wedding” will likely never disappear; its charm is too deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the nation. However, the rise of intimate weddings signals a shift towards a more personalised, thoughtful approach to celebration — one that values quality over quantity – allowing for deeper connections, heartfelt conversations, and a sense of warmth that can often be lost in the grandeur of larger gatherings.