Keeping it Low-Key

Having a big, fat wedding is certainly no crime but one of the most prominent outcomes of the pandemic in 2020 is that people are now more open to the idea of slow living and downscaling their weddings to reflect their preference for mindful celebrations and sustainability. From keeping the guest list tight to ensure spending more quality time with the invitees to creating more intimate settings, couples the world over have realised the benefits of keeping their weddings as small and private affairs. Just like back in the day, the emphasis while planning a wedding seems to be shifting from quantity to quality and to making things more communal, laid-back, and warm rather than formal and impersonal. Case in point: Actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, who tied the knot at the historic Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Wanaparthy in an intimate, private ceremony recently.

Focus on the Theme

The most searched vintage themes online are those related to the decades such as the 60s, 70s, and Y2K, with couples wanting to recreate the charm and romance of bygone eras and their aesthetics. Other popular examples of vintage-inspired themes include art deco, old Bollywood or Hollywood glamour, and disco, which can easily be used for pre- and post-wedding events. Organising jungle, pop culture, or whimsical fairyland themed cocktail parties are all the rage and weddings now aim to be custom-made and refined in every possible way to match the individual tastes and personalities of the to-be-wed couple.

A return to natural settings is also gaining momentum as people are flocking to awe-inspiring beaches, mountain landscapes, and forests for their nuptials. Couples are exploring beyond the regal palaces of Rajasthan and heading to exotic lakes and tropical islands for a more unique marital experience. Even if a destination wedding is not feasible, tying the knot in open and green spaces can be facilitated by garden weddings just as exquisitely, with vintage rustic stylings.

Going Monotonal

Consider the trending absolute white colour scheme for the design and décor of your big day. Nothing spells out vintage more than ivory floral decorations accompanied by royal chandeliers and ornate centrepieces of pearls and porcelain. Create mood lighting with candles and lamps for the ultimate old-world feel. In case you prefer colour, then choose any monotonal look for the entire venue, or go in for an ombré palette (think pink, lilac, or red) by opting for different shades of the same colour to attain more depth and layering in your design. Play a monotonal setting to your advantage by choosing wedding apparel in a contrasting colour, which will ensure that you stand out from the crowd instantly and stay the centre of attention throughout the ceremony.

Vintage Cakes Steal the Show

Introduce a bit of storytelling by featuring traditional and long-lost recipes in your various wedding ceremonies to elevate the wedding experience. Opt for tailor-made menus that narrate the history of the couple by highlighting the different milestones of their relationship like their first date or holiday together. One can even experiment with fusion cuisine to highlight the combined heritage of the couple. To top it all, do not forget to add some vintage decadence with a wedding cake piped with ample of pleats and ruffles and stencilled lace and baroque motifs. You can also personalise your confection by stencilling patterns that match your grandmother's wedding china or are similar to your wedding dress. Combine your statement cake with a classic champagne tower to seal the deal.

Candid Camera is a Must

With many couples wanting fewer posed portraits, candid photography and videography are in demand currently. This style allows for capturing expressions and events in a spontaneous manner, which preserves the authenticity and energy of the events as they are recorded. Black and white photographs as well as grainy, soft-focus portraits are in vogue as well. Documentary style social media content curation is also preferred as it comes across as more relatable and genuine online. The to-be-weds are even arming their guests with disposable or Polaroid cameras so that their loved ones can take their snaps throughout the day. These film cameras deliver images reminiscent of the erstwhile era before the digital and help enrich the narrative of the wedding with a variety of images through multiple lenses.

Entertainment is a Priority

Even though you might have booked your favourite band or DJ months in advance, there is a lot more that can be done to entertain your guests. More emphasis is now being put to keep the guests involved and engaged throughout the multiple wedding events, rather than just reducing them to mere spectators. You can explore folk dance or music performances like Sufi or ghazal nights for your pre-wedding dinners or have sketch artists draw the guests at brunch or cocktail to surprise them. These keepsakes can double as distinctive wedding favours too. Popular board games or cards can also be added to your pre-wedding events to keep things fun and make your wedding even more memorable.