Thebig fat Indian weddingswere just a concept for a long time, but now, as they grow more extravagant each year, an innocent question is raising genuine concern among netizens: Should guests start paying to attend the wedding?This heavy conversation kicked off after a New York couple, Nova and Reemo Styles, made headlines in the morning newspaper for their unconventional wedding plan, which faced a budget of around $ 150,000 and was unable to secure sufficient funds, so the couple decided to sell tickets to their guests for the big day.A whopping $333 per guest, covering the ceremony, city tour and a fine dining experience. It will not be shocking to hear that only 60 guests attended the wedding out of 330 invitees. Still, the couple used the money saved to invest in their plan, including an IVF session and a foundation.Dr A. Velumani, a known Indian entrepreneur, shared a story on social media, asking this question Can such a model ever catch on in India? The response to it was quite swift.
Operation Sindoor
source : Instagram/drvelumani
Some social media users claimed that it happens already, just not so directly. From gift vouchers to registries, couples are increasingly getting clear in their thoughts about what they expect from their guests. Several users say they have seen couples circulate a preferred gift list or request collective contributions from friends.Adding weight to this debate, a viral Reddit post detailed a pre-wedding dinner where guests were asked to split a five-digit bill at the end.“This is nothing new”,” this is just being rebranded”, commented one user.Users said India has adopted this model very formally, especially in the light of soaring wedding expenses. Others, particularly those drawing on tradition, countered that Indian weddings are about hospitality, not transactions.
The larger context
We cannot ignore the larger context. Wedding budgets have shot up to 14% in 2024, from wedding costs ranging an average of ₹32–35 lakh.With bigger guest lists, luxury venues, expensive decor and premium banquet services becoming the norm, it is no wonder and a shock that some couples are looking at creative options.While charging entry might still raise eyebrows, the line between celebration and cost-sharing appears blurrier than ever. Millennials and Gen Z couples are seen prioritising financial planning and practicality over pomp and show; the idea of guests contributing may soon shift from a far-fetched Taboo to an everlasting trend. 