In the world of opulent celebrations and picture-perfect unions, Aarti Manocha has carved a niche as one of India’s most sought-after wedding planners. With an eye for detail, a heart full of passion, and an innate ability to turn dreams into unforgettable experiences, Aarti’s journey in the world of weddings is as inspiring as it is glamorous. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her evolution as a wedding planner, the magic and mayhem behind destination weddings, what fuels her creativity, and the emerging trends shaping the industry.
What are the key wedding trends set to dominate this year? How do you ensure your designs and services are always ahead of the curve?
This year, wedding trends are leaning heavily towards minimalist elegance and hyper-personalization. Couples are moving away from extravagant, cookie-cutter celebrations and embracing intimate, meaningful experiences that reflect their unique love stories. We’re seeing a rise in micro-weddings, monochromatic colour palettes, sustainable décor, and technology-driven elements like interactive digital invites and creative content for decor. Personalized touches—such as custom monograms, curated playlists, or menus inspired by the couple’s journey—are becoming the heart of modern weddings.
To stay ahead of the curve, our approach is rooted in authentic collaboration with our couples. We encourage them to draw inspiration from trends but to weave in their personalities, values, and cultural nuances to create a wedding that feels uniquely theirs. Our team stays proactive by attending global wedding expos, collaborating with international vendors, and keeping a pulse on emerging design aesthetics through social media platforms and industry publications. We combine this with transparent communication and data-driven planning, offering couples factual guidance while adapting to their evolving needs. By fostering an environment of trust and innovation, we ensure our designs and services not only meet but anticipate the desires of today’s discerning couples.
Over the years, how has the wedding planning industry evolved in India compared to global markets?
The wedding planning industry in India has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a largely unorganized sector to a dynamic, professional ecosystem. With the industry now valued at over $50 billion annually, even middle-class families are embracing destination weddings, hiring professional planners, and investing in curated experiences. This democratization has spurred job creation, with roles like wedding stylists, logistics coordinators, and sustainability consultants gaining prominence. However, a significant challenge remains: the shortage of trained, skilled professionals. The complexity of Indian weddings—marked by multi-day celebrations, diverse rituals, and large guest lists—demands a level of expertise that is often lacking, leading to occasional compromises in quality.
Globally, the wedding industry has seen a shift towards sustainability and technology integration, with virtual planning tools, eco-friendly venues, and AI-driven guest management becoming standard. Indian weddings, while catching up, remain unique in their cultural depth and scale, which makes direct comparisons challenging.
To bridge this gap, Indian wedding planners must adopt global best practices while preserving local traditions. At our firm, we prioritize strategic credibility by investing in team training, fostering vendor partnerships, and implementing rigorous quality control processes. This ensures we deliver world-class experiences while honouring the vibrant tapestry of Indian weddings.
What are some of the unique challenges of organizing destination weddings, both domestically and internationally?
Organising destination weddings, whether in India or abroad, comes with a distinct set of challenges that require meticulous planning and adaptability. Venue availability is a major hurdle, as popular destinations often have long waiting lists, especially during peak seasons. Internationally, high airfares and fluctuating currency exchange rates can strain budgets, while visa regulations and travel logistics add layers of complexity. Domestically, infrastructure limitations in remote locations, such as unreliable power supply or limited vendor access, pose significant challenges.
A common issue, both domestically and internationally, is unpredictable weather. From sudden monsoons in Rajasthan to unexpected snow in European destinations, weather disruptions can derail even the best-laid plans. To mitigate this, we always develop comprehensive backup plans, including indoor alternatives, weather-resistant décor, and flexible timelines. Additionally, managing cross-cultural expectations—such as aligning international vendors with Indian wedding traditions—requires clear communication and cultural sensitivity. Our approach involves pre-emptive risk assessment, leveraging local expertise, and maintaining open lines of communication with clients and vendors to ensure seamless execution, no matter the location.
Eco-conscious weddings are gaining traction. How do you integrate sustainability into your planning process?
Sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity, and eco-conscious weddings are reshaping the industry. We view sustainability as a long-term commitment that requires both industry-wide norms and project-specific solutions. On a broader level, we advocate for practices like banning non-biodegradable materials (e.g., flex and single-use plastics), using solar panels instead of diesel generators, and supporting local ecosystems through responsible waste management.
For individual weddings, we integrate sustainability through practical, impactful choices. We minimise food wastage by collaborating with caterers to donate surplus meals to local charities. Décor elements like flowers, frames, and props are reused or repurposed across events, and we opt for locally sourced, seasonal blooms to reduce carbon footprints. We also encourage digital invitations to cut down on paper use and work with vendors who prioritize recyclable or biodegradable materials. By educating our couples about these options and aligning them with their vision, we create celebrations that are both breathtaking and environmentally responsible. Our goal is to set a precedent for sustainable luxury, proving that eco-conscious weddings can be as elegant as they are ethical.
Tell us about your journey as a wedding planner. What sparked your interest in this field, and what continues to fuel your passion?
My journey as a wedding planner began with a deep fascination for storytelling through events. Growing up, I was also captivated by the way weddings brought families together, blending tradition, emotion, and creativity in a single moment. However, I was a professional in the travel trade for the longest time, an opportunity to manage logistics for a large-scale wedding, started a new journey, before I knew, it evolved into a career. That is when I realized I could turn chaos into harmony through strategic project management and people-centric collaboration.
What keeps me going is the uniqueness of each wedding—no two stories are the same. The privilege of connecting with couples and their families, understanding their dreams, and translating them into reality is profoundly rewarding. The adrenaline rush of managing complex logistics, coordinating diverse teams, and delivering a flawless experience within tight timelines is unmatched. Every wedding is a new challenge, demanding precision, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. This dynamic blend of creativity and discipline, coupled with the joy of creating lifelong memories, fuels my passion and drives me to innovate and grow in this ever-evolving industry.
Can you share a story about one of the most memorable weddings you’ve planned? What made it unique or challenging?
One of our most memorable projects was a large-scale wedding in Mumbai, a city we call home, yet one that presented unexpected challenges due to its sheer magnitude. Spanning multiple venues, the wedding required four distinct setups across different locations, each with its own aesthetic and logistical demands. From a week prior, we were managing a workforce of 400-450 crew members, including vendors, labourers, and creative teams, all working against tight timelines during peak wedding season.
The scale alone was daunting, but the real challenge lay in synchronizing stakeholders. Aligning vendors, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining consistent communication across locations required military-like precision. To overcome this, we invested heavily in pre-event planning, creating a detailed dossier that included layouts, checklists, vendor responsibilities, and contingency plans. This document became our blueprint, shared with all stakeholders to ensure everyone was on the same page. Regular virtual and on-site briefings further streamlined execution.
What made this wedding unique was the power of meticulous planning and clear communication. Despite the complexity, the event unfolded seamlessly, with each setup—from a vibrant sangeet to an elegant reception—reflecting the couple’s vision. The gratitude from the family and the flawless execution under pressure remain a testament to the importance of preparation and teamwork. This experience reinforced our belief that no challenge is too big when you plan to the T and prioritize collaboration.
