Just as technology, innovation, and globalization spread across continents, love and celebration of love through weddings have also seen massive growth. With over 13 million NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) spread across the globe, Indian weddings are turning into an expression of cultural fusion. Indians are across the world and hence Indian weddings are happening everywhere. As wedding planners who exclusively plan cross-cultural weddings, with a majority of them being NRI weddings, we took a step back to observe some of the modern takes that have been adapted to traditional Indian weddings.
Blending of Cultures
Finding themselves in an intersection of two worlds, NRI brides tend to find the perfect balance as they blend their traditional roots with the cultural atmosphere, they now live in. This cultural infusion influences everything from attire to ceremonies and food. Often, elements of both cultures are included in the wedding. For example, the concept of RSVP or seating charts is more of a Western practice that is widely followed by NRI brides in their traditional Indian weddings.
Destination Weddings
Destination weddings have been a growing trend in India and the world, especially in the last couple of years. A study by Wedding Wire found that 25% of NRI couples choose a destination wedding to celebrate their nuptials. Goa, Udaipur, and Jaipur have been top choices for NRI brides to tie the knot, while their families and extended families from various countries get an introduction to Indian hospitality. In the South of India, Coorg, Kerala, Ooty, and tier one cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai are often hosts of destination weddings.
Wedding Planners to Bride the Distance and Cultures
For most NRI brides who have lived out of India for a long time, planning a traditional Indian wedding is surely a herculean task. A wedding planner takes the headache of the planning and coordination, and more importantly, manages the cultural nuances of the wedding. From helping choose venues to vendors and planning elements of décor, all discussions are done virtually, ensuring a seamless experience for the NRI brides.
Embracing Technology with Virtual Ceremonies
While the pandemic sure taught us how we could live a life virtually, it also gave birth to the concept of virtual ceremonies. For NRI brides who wish to include their loved ones in the wedding festivities but can’t do so due to the distance, technology saves the day. From performing sangeet dances on a screen to seeking blessings virtually, technology plays a key role in NRI weddings. Some couples who stay in different cities even choose to perform some of their initial ceremonies online, with a priest chanting mantras on another screen!
A Fusion of Fashion
While Indian weddings are known for their grandeur in all formats, wedding attires top the list. NRI brides are seen making the best of both worlds as they combine traditional Indian designs with contemporary trends helping them showcase their dual identities. From sarees that have trains to replacing lehengas with white gowns, NRI brides have broken the traditional norms of bridal wear to create a new dimension to wedding fashion. This fusion of fashion is not just seen in the brides, but also the entire wedding party who are dressed to celebrate multiple cultures.
A Global Wedding Feast
Have you ever eaten Indian Sushi or Tandoori Tacos? Well, this is what you might find at a NRI wedding. Curating a menu that reflects their heritage while also touching upon flavors that they love, NRI wedding feasts include a combination of flavors. To cater to the palate of their audience who are often NRIs themselves, an international spread is often included in the menu. Some couples also choose to plan one meal to be fully traditional and keep the other meal specific to their adopted culture making it a true immersion of specific cultures for their guests.
Eco-Friendly Weddings
NRI brides are global citizens and are conscious of the waste generated in a wedding. Planning green weddings is a growing trend, especially for NRI brides, who opt for eco-friendly measures in all elements of the wedding. From digital invites, natural décor, and no plastic to zero waste policies, they focus on the finer details that make a large impact.
Personalised Ceremonies
While traditional Indian weddings have a lot of ceremonies specific to ancestral heritage, NRI brides choose to add a modern take on these rituals to suit their personalities. Customizing the saptapadi (seven steps) with their own vows and letting go of gender-specific rituals are some commonly seen changes in weddings. If the couple are from two different cultures, then the wedding is seen to have multiple rituals that showcase both cultures.
In a world that is always connected, the new-age NRI bride has multiple options to ensure that her wedding showcases the best of both of her worlds. She stands as a testament to the heritage and culture of India on a global scale. These modern changes are not just about merging cultures, but also creating new and diverse experiences that reflect the personalities of the couple. As wedding planners, we find utmost pleasure in planning for NRI brides as they are always open to new ideas to make their wedding unique. With years of experience, we have learned to redefine the traditional Indian marriage for an NRI bride in our own way. Reach out to us to know how we can make your wedding unique!
At The Tales of Tradition, we weave your dream wedding into reality, offering comprehensive wedding services. Our expertise in grand event planning ensures every detail mirrors your unique story. Entrust us with your special day for an unforgettable blend of tradition, beauty, and seamless execution. Let us turn your wedding aspirations into a beautifully orchestrated reality.
