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Colorful, lively, and Festive. Extravagant yet elegant. A compilation of centuries old rituals and traditions set against a modern backdrop of thoughtfully designed place settings and memorable favors. Intricate details come together in a lush, breathtaking picture. If you have ever attended an Indian wedding, you have likely walked away reeling from the experience. More than just a ceremony bringing two people together for one of life’s ultimate journeys, the celebrations surrounding Indian weddings accurately portray the importance and sanctity of marriage. For Hindus, marriage is one of 16 samskaras, or rites of passages, experienced during the course of one’s life. With parents not only eagerly waiting for the day their child gets married, but also saving money for the big day, it is not hard to understand just why the occasion is surrounded by such grand celebrations.
As the Pew Research Center study indicates, Indians equally emphasize the importance of education and hard work, both of which contribute to their ability to earn a median household income of $88,000 (as compared to the general pubic which earns $49,800). Strong purchasing power makes Indian Americans less likely to be concerned about finding ways to cut costs, especially when a wedding is involved. With a rather generous budget and multiple events over the course of three to four days, couples do not shy away from extravagance or creating their own trends. These multi-day affairs are typically attended by both close family and distant acquaintances alike. With a guest list that averages 300 or more guests, couples and their families seek venues not only with visual appeal, but also one that can comfortably accommodate a large crowd for multiple events. Many family members and friends travel from all over the country and the world to be a part of the celebrations, so choosing appropriate lodging arrangements is just as important. The three-day celebration typically culminates in a lavish reception that not only honors the newly married couple, but also gives family a chance to relax and dance the stress of wedding planning away!
More than just glitz and glamour, the extravagance of Indian weddings is an extension of the value that the Indian community places on marriage and commitment. For couples, their weddings reflect individual style and desire to share their love for one another to the world. For vendors, Indian weddings offer a lucrative opportunity while being a part of a sacred ritual. |
![]() Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique ad agency and public relations firm that specializes in capturing untouched ethnic markets. From press releases and media kits to marketing materials and byline articles, The Arpan Group customizes solutions based on the client’s needs. For more information, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670. |
Appeared in Desh-Videsh September 2012. |


