Almost Hitched: Celebrate Big & Laugh Loud

By: Kripa Singh

Let’s take a cue from Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s trending extravaganzas (yes, it’s plural because they’ve had not one, but two) and talk about pre-wedding celebrations.

Whether you’re planning opulent nuptials or an intimate ceremony, a pre-wedding celebration is an opportunity to whisk your loved ones to a destination and create cherished memories. What’s more – by hosting the event three to six months before your big day, you can relax and party till dawn without compromising your presence at the wedding ceremony. If you aren’t already sold, let’s dive into four reasons why you should embrace the concept of pre-wedding festivities. And yes, it is possible to host these events without breaking the bank.

Relax and Create Memories with Guests

Weddings are golden opportunities to make lasting memories with your loved ones. But very often couples don’t get to spend enough time with their guests. In the midst of getting ready and partaking in formal ceremonies, it’s hard to make time to engage with all your family and friends. A pre-wedding celebration is more carefree and intimate compared to the formalities of your big day. A relaxed event is especially possible if you choose a distant destination, which naturally limits the guest list to your closest friends and family. Without the pressures of a large crowd, you can focus on meaningful interactions and personal moments, making the celebrations feel more special and heartfelt.

Foster Family Bonds

Weddings bring together not just two individuals but also two families. Pre-wedding get-togethers are ideal for fostering these new relationships before your nuptials. They provide a relaxed environment for both families to mingle, bond, and create a sense of unity. For instance, think outside the box and plan a sports day featuring Jenga, bowling, and lemon spoon races. There’s nothing like good-natured competition and camaraderie to break the ice!

Preserve the Sanctity of the Wedding Ceremony

Most weddings feature an array of early morning traditions. This means the couple is often escorted out of their parties relatively early to be present for a ritual at the crack of dawn. But if you choose to have a pre-wedding bash, you can stay on the dance floor till the early hours without feeling stressed about getting rest and looking your best while attending a religious ritual in the morning. Moreover, by planning your wedding ceremony a few weeks after a pre-wedding celebration, you enable guests to catch their breath and rest. You essentially preserve the sanctity of the wedding ceremony by ensuring you and all your guests are fully present for the most important event.

Create an Experience for Your Guests

A pre-wedding celebration allows you to incorporate unique experiences into your festivities. You don’t have to plan the typical three nights of debauchery. Instead, you can take a small group of friends and host a two-night get-away at a health retreat in Koh Samui, or book a small yacht party in the Andaman Sea. Or you can simply choose an activity that reflects your interests. For instance, if you and your partner enjoy food, organise a pre-wedding cooking class. Distinctive experiences add a special touch to your wedding, and your guests will appreciate the opportunity to create unforgettable memories before you tie the knot.

Kripa Singh is a wedding decor designer and aesthete with a love for good books, dogs and a cup of tea.