Washington:
With more and more couples and their families going in for bespoke options for weddings, the concept of stylists and wedding planners is rapidly gaining momentum, say industry experts.
According to industry estimates currently, the Indian wedding industry is over Rs 1,00,000 crore and is growing at 25 to 30 per cent annually. A chunk of it is taken by wedding planners who charge a per cent of the wedding budget as their commission or fees.
On an average wedding budgets for middle class families are estimated in lakhs and has been seen to go upwards into crores for industrialists and businessmen.
"If one can afford to go for wedding consultants, then it's a very good idea. All the responsibilities are taken off from brides parents and they can enjoy wedding completely," says designer Aki Narula.
Narula, known in the industry for his crazy and whacky style, keeps in mind designs and colours which are fun, bright, cheery and cool with an accent towards leisurewear.
"Shoes and jewellery are must-haves while styling the brides. It's like making the bride achieve her signature style," he adds.
On the basis of requirement, different kinds of wedding consultants are now available. There are those who offer coordination only for the wedding day and there are others who take charge of the entire wedding through customised packages that take care of locating the venue, finalising the menu, flowers, cards and also arranging photoshoots etc.
Gautam Kalra, known for styling various advertisements for companies like Tanishq, Reebok etc feels that,"the concept of wedding consultation is good. Earlier only a small section of people actually went for it now the numbers are more."
With escalating costs, planners who can design budget weddings are preferred.
"I consulted Gautam Kalra for only my wedding silhouette as I think, I can pull off anything for other functions but for the wedding I wanted something royal, classic and traditional. Moreover consulting him for all the functions would have definitely burnt a hole in my pocket", says a client of Kalra.
