Big Fat Wedding VS Intimate Virtual Wedding
A wedding is the most important life event for individuals. Most couples invest months to plan their perfect 'I do' moment which includes choosing a destination, selecting a theme, preparing a guest list, finalizing the food & drinks menu and so much more.
Wedding is a major business in the world especially in India and the US. The wedding industry has a lot of money, $3 billion in the US and $72 billion globally, and is expected to reach $87.5 billion by 2025. Various industries have faced a slowdown in difficult times due to economic crisis and complete shutdown, but the wedding industry has seen an upward growth.
Over 10 million couples get married in India every year and the amount spent on these weddings grows each year. Average life savings spent by families on weddings range between 2 million ($30,000) to 20 million ($3,00,000).
The upward trend of expensive weddings
Weddings are a celebration where the couple's friends and family get involved and enjoy the beginning of their new life. These moments require the best arrangements and a lot of planning. The solution to this problem led to the rise in the wedding planning business.
According to the research by Wedding Wire, 85% of couples start discussing their wedding preferences like guest count and type of venue - before getting engaged. While some couples say, one of their biggest challenges during planning is 'knowing where to start' in addition to planning within budget.
Despite all the hurdles, couples who are tech-savvy are using the internet and online services to plan their wedding smoothly and hassle-free.
On the other hand, as per The Knot Study, 27% of the couples getting married hire some type of professional wedding/event planner for their wedding day. The number isn't surprising as it takes a village to plan a wedding along with the number of hours that go into it.
The demand for wedding planners increased due to the growing demand for couples and their families to have an extravagant wedding. Be it an intimate destination wedding or larger than life local wedding with a huge guest list, wedding planners are known to be on their feet to arrange the most memorable weddings for their clients.
This also led to the trend of 'social media' weddings where the millennial couples started broadcasting their wedding details and events on social media platforms like Instagram Live, etc.
The trend of virtual weddings picked up in the year 2017 when the famous fashion blogger and influencer Masoom Minalwala Mehta took over our Instagram feed with the trending #MissSFVirtualWedding. Little did we know that virtual weddings would be a reality in 2020.
The rise of virtual wedding
A few months into 2020 and you are found sitting on your couch wishing the newlyweds heartiest congratulations on their wedding. Deep inside you are upset that you couldn't be a part of their wedding rituals and celebrations due to the worldwide lock-down in the wake of the Novel Corona Virus pandemic. To-be married couples accepted the new normal quite early.
Most of them did not delay their wedding because of the scary and difficult situations. Instead, they lived in the moment and embraced the beauty of intimate weddings at home with family members only.
Soon after the governor of New York declared that virtual wedding is legal, couples headed their way to take their vows of 'in sickness and in health'. Virtual weddings are like a breath of fresh air where guests attend the ceremony through video calls from different parts of the world.
People are finding innovative ways to perform their wedding rituals in the new normal. From arranging small ceremonies on the terrace of the building to streaming them through video conferencing apps, people are inviting guests to join the celebrations from all over the world through the internet.
Every new system comes with its pros and cons. This new way of getting married is the same. The virtual wedding concept may have reduced expenses and various other costs but it has also pulled us away from the real fun of holding traditional rituals with the extended family and friends around.
Many couples have canceled or postponed their wedding to enjoy the big fat celebrations with all the guests present while some of them are having fun by holding the same rituals over a video call.
Will the big fat wedding fade away?
While a virtual wedding sounds easy and quick, the big fat wedding has a different vibe. Let's take India as an example - weddings in India are a serious business. Families consider this event of life as the most precious and memorable one.
With months of planning which includes a long list of shopping and inviting guests, an Indian wedding is organized on a very large scale. It is no less than a festival.
For Indians, adapting to the new normal of having an intimate affair seems difficult. The wedding planners are trying their best to fulfill the demands of the clients to arrange an equally fantastic intimate wedding with a limited number of guests, but some families still prefer spending a large sum of their savings to make the event grand.
As the economic crisis has hit the businesses of many families, they are considering a small ritual in their houses with the first family members and sending gifts as a token of celebration to their extended family.
But will this trend stay or traditional wedding ceremonies will come back? The Indian culture loves involving their families and connections to celebrate happy moments and hence the idea of the big fat wedding will return. It may be a slow process with precautions but it will be back in style and glamour.
On the other hand, there will be new millennial and gen z couples who will plan to get away to an intimate destination with their families to get married. In this way, they can fulfill their wishes of a destination wedding and also embrace an intimate wedding with the blessing of close members.
As we predict the future of a rise in intimate wedding celebrations, the family and friends should take of certain things to bless the couple. Here are a few tips for the families of the couple who will bless them through a video call:
For the hosts:
- Send an innovative invitation with an online link attached for the entire family. Get creative while inviting them.
- If you wish, pick a theme for the wedding, a color scheme, and ask your guests to dress up accordingly for the ceremony.
- Find out fun ways to interact with the guests during the ceremony. For example - play a game, share stories about the couple, ask a family member to raise a toast.
For the guests:
- Accept the invitation with full excitement and try to follow the themes.
- Interact and participate in the ceremony in the best way you can.
- Dress up even if you're at home and make the couple feel special.
- Give your blessings in creative ways like write a speech, sing a song, dance, or shoot a video for them. This will add excitement and a fun element to a virtual wedding.
Make the most of the moment to the couple feel special on their wedding day, whether it’s a big fat celebration or a virtual wedding.
It's surreal to think that the concept of the big fat wedding has suddenly changed to a fixed number of guests. Where weddings served as a chance to meet our extended family and bless the new couple, it was also a time to dress up extra without judgments. The extravagant affair may seem a waste of money for some but the money for spent on happiness.
On one side I hope the concept of weddings to be intimate and limited to close members but on the other side, I will miss getting invited to a long-lost family member's wedding for the delicious buffet and dressing up.
The sudden restrictions and limitations have taught me to value gatherings and meeting with families even more. Such gatherings were the best way to bond with the extended family. I hope for the world to get normal soon, while I wait for a new wedding invitation.
Opinions and Perspectives
Looking forward to seeing how wedding celebrations continue to evolve in the future
This whole discussion shows how weddings reflect our changing society and values
The economic considerations mentioned in the article are so relevant to today's couples
Whether big or small virtual or traditional the most important thing is celebrating love
The social media influence on modern weddings is fascinating but sometimes overshadows the real meaning
Virtual weddings have made celebrations more accessible for many people who couldn't travel anyway
The article makes good points about both formats. It really depends on what matters most to each couple
These changes might lead to more personalized celebrations rather than following traditional expectations
The wedding industry's resilience mentioned in the article is impressive but not surprising
Virtual weddings might not be perfect but they've helped many couples start their lives together without delay
I love that couples are finding creative ways to celebrate regardless of the format
The financial aspects discussed in the article really put things in perspective
Maybe this shift will help couples focus on what really matters instead of just putting on a show
The contrast between Indian wedding traditions and virtual ceremonies really highlights the cultural impact
Virtual components should stay even after traditional weddings return. They make celebrations more inclusive
The article's prediction about the return of big weddings seems likely but maybe with more thoughtful spending
I miss the energy of big celebrations but virtual weddings have their own special charm
The idea that wedding preferences are discussed before engagement shows how practical modern couples are
My experience with virtual wedding planning was much less stressful than I expected
The wedding industry figures show why there's so much pressure to go big. It's a massive business
I appreciate how the article addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of choosing between virtual and traditional weddings
Virtual ceremonies might lack physical presence but they can be surprisingly intimate and meaningful
The economic impact on families mentioned in the article is a crucial point often overlooked in wedding discussions
Interesting to see how different cultures are adapting their wedding traditions to modern circumstances
This whole discussion shows how weddings are evolving with technology and changing times
The tips for virtual wedding guests are thoughtful. It's important to make an effort even from home
Virtual weddings are practical but they'll never replace the joy of celebrating in person
I like how the article emphasizes making the most of either format. It's about the meaning not the method
The pressure to have a picture-perfect wedding for social media is exhausting. Virtual ceremonies feel more authentic
Traditional weddings will always have their place but it's nice to have options now
Reading this makes me appreciate how our perspectives on celebrations have evolved
The wedding industry's adaptation to virtual ceremonies shows how resilient businesses can be
My virtual wedding gave us the chance to invest in our future instead of one expensive day
Those wedding budget figures from India are shocking. No wonder families save for years
I'm surprised more couples weren't doing virtual components before. It's such a practical solution for distant relatives
The rise in destination weddings makes sense. If you're only inviting close family anyway might as well make it special
Virtual weddings are environmentally friendly too. Less travel means smaller carbon footprint
I appreciate how the article acknowledges both perspectives. There's no right or wrong way to celebrate
The cost comparison between virtual and traditional weddings is eye-opening. No wonder people are choosing to go small
Maybe this shift will help people focus more on the marriage than the wedding. That would be a positive change
Those statistics about couples hiring wedding planners surprised me. I thought it would be higher
After attending both types this year I definitely prefer intimate ceremonies. You can actually talk to the couple
The article's tips for virtual wedding hosts are helpful but miss the point. Weddings should be about the couple not the production value
Virtual weddings make so much sense for international couples. No more stressing about which country to have it in
We compromised with a small ceremony now and plans for a big reception next year when things improve
The projected growth to $87.5 billion by 2025 seems optimistic given how many people are choosing smaller ceremonies now
My friend did a virtual wedding and the technology issues nearly ruined it. Some things are better done traditionally
Those suggested virtual wedding activities sound fun but nothing beats mingling with guests in person
The part about virtual weddings becoming legal in New York really highlights how much our world has changed
I'm torn between traditions and practicality. My culture expects big celebrations but my wallet says otherwise
Interesting how the article points out that wedding planners are adapting to intimate ceremonies. Shows the industry can evolve
Virtual weddings are great for introverts like me. I can celebrate without feeling overwhelmed by crowds
The trend of social media weddings mentioned in the article is so true. Everyone wants their wedding to go viral these days
My parents are pressuring us to wait for a big wedding but we're happy with our plans for a small ceremony
I've been to three virtual weddings this year and each one found creative ways to make it special. It's all about the attitude
The article's right about one thing. Virtual weddings are missing those spontaneous moments that make celebrations special
Technology has made intimate weddings more inclusive. My grandparents watched from their nursing home and felt part of everything
Reading about those Indian wedding budgets makes my small ceremony plans feel much more reasonable
The stress of planning a big wedding nearly ruined my engagement period. Sometimes simpler is better
I love that virtual weddings make it possible for elderly relatives or those living abroad to attend. That's a huge plus
Anyone else find it fascinating that couples are discussing wedding preferences before getting engaged? Times have really changed
The wedding industry needs to evolve. These massive markups for anything labeled 'wedding' are getting out of control
Just had my virtual wedding last week. Saved money but honestly felt a bit hollow without all our loved ones physically present
I found the part about millennials choosing destination weddings interesting. It's like finding a middle ground between intimate and extravagant
The article's prediction about big fat weddings returning makes sense. People love to celebrate, it's human nature
Virtual weddings might be budget-friendly but they lack the warmth of human connection. You can't hug through a screen
Those tips for virtual wedding guests are helpful but nothing beats dancing together at a reception. I miss that energy
The economic impact on the wedding industry must be devastating though. Think of all the small businesses that depend on big celebrations
I've attended both types of weddings this year and honestly the virtual ones felt more personal. You could actually hear the vows!
My cousin spent her entire savings on a huge wedding and now they can barely afford rent. These societal pressures are ridiculous
Reading about those creative virtual wedding ideas in the article really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Maybe it doesn't have to feel like a compromise
The social media aspect of modern weddings kind of ruins the intimacy in my opinion. Not everything needs to be broadcast live
I'm struggling with this decision right now. My heart wants the big celebration but my bank account is screaming at me to keep it small
Actually did anyone notice the article mentioned virtual weddings became legal in New York? I had no idea that was even an issue before
The tradition of big weddings is so ingrained in Indian culture, I doubt virtual ceremonies will stick around once restrictions lift
I agree with the previous comment about hybrid weddings. We're doing that too next spring. Intimate ceremony with immediate family and streaming for everyone else
This shift to smaller weddings might actually help normalize more modest celebrations going forward. Not everyone needs a royal wedding
The article mentions wedding planners being in high demand, but I planned my entire wedding using free apps and websites. Saved thousands
My sister just did a hybrid wedding with 30 people in person and others joining virtually. Best of both worlds if you ask me
Those Indian wedding budgets mentioned in the article ranging from $30k to $300k are insane. I can't imagine spending that much on a single day
Virtual weddings may work for some, but I can't imagine getting married without having my whole family there to hug and celebrate with in person
The $72 billion wedding industry figure mentioned in the article is mind-blowing. Really puts into perspective how much we collectively spend on these celebrations
Having just had my own virtual wedding last month, I can say it was surprisingly special. We saved so much money and still got to share the moment with everyone who matters
I honestly prefer intimate weddings. Big fat weddings seem like such a waste of money that could be better spent on a house down payment or investments for the future