COVID-19 Pandemic, Indian Wedding Industry, And Hope To Bounce Back
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected all the sectors of Indian business. From tourism to the film industry and aviation to the wedding industry. A nation like India which is known for big fat weddings that lasts for days, is now at the back front due to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially after the deadly second wave.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to ‘intimate weddings’ where families can invite-only 40-50 people, depending on local authorities’ guidelines. However, considering the nature of this deadly ongoing pandemic, intimate weddings can emerge as a trend, as far as upcoming weddings are concerned.
Speaking on whether 'Intimate Weddings’ will continue to dominate the big fat Indian weddings, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Aarti Manocha, Founder Milestones to Memories Pvt Ltd, a wedding management company said, "As of now the intimate weddings have increased in numbers as compared to the big fat numbers. However, slowly the number of big weddings is trickling in. Everyone is hopeful that in the coming wedding season they will be able to invite more guests to their weddings and prepare for the same. We recommend to all the families working with us, that let’s work towards a Plan A and B and even C was given the pandemic times. These plans simply vary basis the guest list that they will possibly be able to invite eventually closer to the wedding."
The deadly second wave of COVID-19 had devastating effects on every Indian. People lost their lives to viruses, and some lost their business. However, the moment hope knocks on the door, the speculation of a possible third wave concerning them now.
The third wave is likely to hit India and is expected to peak in October. Answering the question, is the wedding industry ready for the possible third wave? Manocha said, "Well, I wouldn’t say the industry is ready as such as no one can predict what the third wave (if it happens!) will be like. But, certainly, we all have become resilient post the second wave and preparing ourselves for the third one. Post the second wave itself, we have derived our sustenance strategy, as well as modified our work process for our clients and employees which is more suitable and importantly flexible given the uncertainty of the third wave. I am sure, most of my peers and industry colleagues are preparing their strategy too based on their needs."
Talking about the destination weddings in the present time, she said, "Destination weddings within India have gained traction already since a while, within Rajasthan, Goa and hill stations and so many more places. International borders are opening up slowly for fully vaccinated people, so that has opened up options for weddings internationally too. Weddings will be slow from August until November as there aren’t many wedding muhurats during these months. From November onwards destinations are already sold out almost until February and early March."
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