Destination wedding in India? Try one of these places...

Why a 'destination wedding'? 

Today when one opens a wedding invitation, one cannot simply assume that it would take place at that hall, hotel, or open space down the road. Rather, one should expect the unexpected. This can be seen due to the rising popularity of the 'destination wedding', where the wedding party and guests have to travel to a location outside the city, usually to an exotic location, to attend the ceremony.

"They provide an opportunity for the couple and the families to spend quality time together and for both sides to be able to bond together," says Neha Shroff, owner of Mumbai-based wedding planning firm, Momente. "Depending on the budget of a client and how experimentative they are with their choices, India has some lovely unique properties for couples to enjoy this day", she says.

Another wedding planner, Ankit Bhargava, who has been in the business for the past 13 years, tells dna how although the model is still catching on in India, it can still work out as a better alternative than the traditional wedding. "Destination Weddings are still a novice concept to the Indian family. Originally it would entail the bride and groom eloping to a remote location to get married. This was modified to make it more of a holiday-cum-wedding idea, which has really picked up by us.

"Families choose exotic destinations which are suitable for a holiday as well as a wedding, either within or outside the country. The underlying idea is that by only inviting close family and friends, the stress and complexity of large traditional weddings within your hometown may be avoided. As a result, everyone would enjoy the affair more" says Bhargava. 

What are the downsides to keep in mind? 

Although Bhargava has a lot of faith in how the model could work, he also shares with dna some concerns a couple should take note of before plunging in.

"The only downside is that you require at least 9 months to 15 months to plan such a wedding thoroughly. You need to intimate the guests well in time so that they can plan their holidays and travel. Destination weddings also burn a larger hole in the pocket as compared to traditional weddings, in terms of money being spent per person. The budget for such a wedding could be anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000". 

Where to go? 

Hyderabad

Why and where to go: Apart from the infamous Charminar and Fort of Golconda, the Taj Faluknama Palace has become something of a landmark in Hyderabad, attracting tourists from all over the nation and abroad. Formerly home of the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Palace offers clients nothing less than a fairy-tale experience, equipped with everything from large Venetian style chandeliers, to grand statues and fountains located on the property, as per their website. 

What to look our for: Apart from this unique experience, Shroff mentions how, "Hyderabadi food (including the Hyderabadi biryani) is a big plus especially for non-veg eaters"

Wedding experience: The luxurious, palatial feel of the city works best for a couple who wants to imbibe some of the Nawabi culture for a very unique experience, according to Shroff. 

When to go: The best months are during the winter. 

Shimla 

Why and where to go: Nestled in the midst of green hills and from summer capital of British generals pre-independence, Shimla still retains this mix of nature and a colonial tinge that makes it a beautiful spot to tie the know. Nity Bagla, CEO of wedding planning firm Mystical Moments based out of Lucknow, talks of the Oberoi Cecil property located 2,200 miles above sea level as being an ideal location.

"It is a beautiful heritage hotel, with the main city centre and the prestigious vice regal lodge located within walking distance from the hotel.  Many rooms have views across the valley and the snow covered peaks of the Himalaya".