The Great Indian Weddings & Their Economics
Band, Baja & Welcome To Indian Weddings
Weddings are intrinsic to Indian culture. Irrespective of our faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs, we always go a little extra when it comes to weddings. The big fat Indian weddings have caught the attention of the world with their grandiose and lavishness.
In this blog, we will dive into great Indian weddings and the economics behind them.
The Financial Rollercoaster Behind The Big Fat Indian Weddings
Indian weddings celebrate the diverse culture of our society. They are also an alliance of traditions, families, and money. In this article, we will look at the making of an Indian wedding and the financial funhouse that precedes it.
The Whimsical Shopping Spree
It goes without saying that the handful of wedding rituals demand at least a storeful of over-the-top attires. The hunt for the perfect dress(es) begins the moment the wedding date is set. From the texture of the cloth to the intricate details that go on the attire, everything is planned to the T.
And the work really begins only after the perfect dress is found. Alterations and altercations are made, and accessories and more must be sorted to look picture-perfect during every ceremony.
Indian Gold Rush
India stands just a rung below China, as the second top consumer of Gold jewelry. From little trinkets to elaborate ornaments and custom-made jewelry, there isn’t a gold object you wouldn’t find in an Indian wedding.
From Babu se Baabul to Buzurg, there isn’t a soul without some elaborate jewelry on their person at an Indian wedding.
However, gold isn’t just a valuable asset. It is part of the Indian legacy. Gold holds sentimental value in Indian families. It is passed down through generations and adds significance to cementing the holy bond of marriage.
While purchasing gold is important, it is unwise to burn your pockets doing so. Take a loan to help you out with expenses.
Blockbuster Events & Bollywood Beats
Indian weddings are nothing short of a Karan Johar movie. You have the elaborate sets, bride & groom adorned with expensive outfits and gold jewelry covering them from head to toe. There’s grandeur, glitter, and glimmer every corner you turn.
With the passing years, the festivities have only become more elaborate. From destination weddings and choreographed sangeets, Indians have now advanced to themed bachelorettes and receptions on private planes.
However, amidst the opulence and the modernity, the roots of Indian culture shine bright. The different rituals and customs throw light on the values we share. The elaborate decorations, traditional songs, and delicious food all add to the grandeur and glory of the wedding.
A Race For Decadence
In India, it is believed the true way to a guest’s heart is through their stomachs. Throughout the wedding, hosts go beyond and above to serve exquisite and mouthwatering food to ensure the guests remember the warmth and, subsequently, the wedding with fondness, long after the flowers have gone dry and the decorations have been taken down.
No recipe is too far-fetched and no dish is too out-worldly. Ameer ya Gareeb, Indians go all out on food. You can always expect a serving of a blast of flavors that will leave you craving more.
A Saga of Financial Fairytale
The five days of nuptials are made to feel like a breeze by those working tirelessly behind the scenes. While the bride and the groom float high above on the magical carpet of their love, it is their parents, siblings, and a hundred others who ensure the carpet flies in rhythm without ever flailing.
It takes a village and more to bring the dream of fairytale weddings to fruition. The flavors of the wedding tend to leave behind a lingering aftertaste of traditions, values, and sometimes, financial burdens.
Economic Aftermath
Weddings in India are a billion-dollar industry. It was reported a whopping 35 lakhs were planned in just a span of 23 days, from November 23 to December 15, 2023.
While they weigh heavily on the wallets of those hosting them, it signifies putting food on the plate of those who work hard behind the scenes to make it all happen. They generate jobs, infuse money into the economy, and provide a livelihood to everyone involved, from milk vendors, flower sellers, and wedding bands, to hoteliers, and everyone in between.
However, Indians toe the line of finances hard when throwing a wedding. On the other side of the affluence lies money management, budgeting, debt control, and restraining overspending.
PS: A Serial Wedding Guest’s Epilogue
If there’s one thing that’s certain as an Indian adult, it is attending a million weddings before it is ultimately your turn to tie the knot.
The hullabaloo and the dhoom-dhaam of the festivities might seem unsophisticated to the untrained eye(and ears) of an outsider. Being in the midst of it all, however, offers a perfect escapist fantasy that leaves you with a happy fatigue.
Behind the allure of lavishness and the gleam of gold and diamonds is a simple dream of celebrating love with our near and dear. And to be amidst the love and liveliness of it all, it’s an experience like no other.
End Of The Extravaganza
Indian weddings mean families and generations coming together to make the day unforgettable for the couple and those in attendance. Every ritual and every mantra works to strengthen the love shared by the couple and the families involved. Although the Big Fat Indian Wedding phenomenon portrays a boisterous and animated image to the world, it is seen as a marriage of love and culture in the country.