On the moodboard

Vogue asked the best wedding planners in the business to design wedding celebrations, from elegant sit-down dinners to laid-back poolside soirées.

- HASINA JEELANI

THE MOOD: REGAL PALACE WEDDING

The history-soaked walls of a grand palace can serve as the perfect backdrop for your happily ever after. Tina Tharwani, co-founder of Shaadi Squad, shares her best advice:

Venue

Selecting the right palace is paramount when looking to create a majestic ambience. Consider venues like Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Taj Lake Palace and Leela Palace, both in Udaipur, or the Samode Palace in Jaipur. Ranthambore has some exquisite properties that can offer an enchanting backdrop for a fairytale celebration as well.

Decor

Embrace royal colours such as deep burgundy, emerald green and royal blue with gold accents for a touch of vintage glamour. Incorporate vintage furniture, candelabras and chandeliers in the decor to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. It helps to mix traditional and modern elements.

Menu

A meticulously crafted menu and white-glove service will add an old-world charm to the celebration. Opt for a sit-down plated dinner with a menu inspired by the grand feasts enjoyed by Indian royalty. You could further elevate the dining experience for your guests by having live counters where chefs prepare kebabs and other delicacies inspired by the royal kitchens.

Wedding favours

To ensure that the night leaves an impression on your guests, opt for personalised mementoes such as engraved silverware, embroidered handkerchiefs or custom-made scented candles. After the wedding, you could send bespoke hampers with gourmet treats, fine wines and indulgent chocolates, with handwritten thank-you notes. If personalisation is not something you want, favours in white gift boxes accentuated with brightly coloured bows can be just as impactful.