Wondering if you should say “I do” in a lavish affair or keep it chill with a small, cosy crew? Let’s break it down and help you find the wedding style that’s perfectly you—no drama, no over-the-top dances (unless you’re into that).
Big Fat Wedding vs. Intimate Wedding
Both wedding styles have their charm, but they cater to different personalities, budgets, and experiences.
What Defines a Big Fat Indian Wedding?
A big fat Indian wedding is all about shaan-o-shaukat, larger-than-life celebrations, and traditions woven with grandeur. Think dazzling decorations with cascading marigolds and mogra, mandaps decked in gold, and entrances fit for royalty. With destination venues, grand baraats, endless food spreads, and unlimited entertainment, an Indian wedding isn’t just an event—it’s an experience of a lifetime.
Large guest list (300+ guests)
Luxury décor, grand venues, and elaborate theme
Multi-day celebrations including sangeet, mehendi, cocktail party, and more
Live entertainment, celebrity performers, and firework displays
What Defines an Intimate Wedding?
An intimate wedding is all about ghar ki baat, where love, laughter, and cherished traditions take centre stage. With a handpicked guest list of close family and friends, it’s a celebration wrapped in warmth and personal touches. Minimal yet elegant décor, with fresh marigolds and diyas, sets the mood, while home-cooked delicacies bring back nostalgic flavours. With soulful music, shared laughter, and unfiltered joy, an intimate Indian wedding isn’t about the scale—it’s about celebrating love in its purest form.
Limited guest list (30-100 guests)
Personalised experiences with close family and friends
Cosy settings like private villas, beachside weddings, or home ceremonies
Budget-friendly but elegant décor and arrangements
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Style
1. Guest List
Your guest list plays a big role in deciding your wedding style. If you love being surrounded by hundreds of friends and family, a big fat wedding is your calling. But if you prefer keeping it small and meaningful, an intimate wedding is perfect.
2. Budget
A big fat Indian wedding comes with an equally grand budget. If you dream of a royal palace wedding with designer lehengas and celebrity performers, be prepared for a hefty price tag. An intimate wedding, on the other hand, allows you to invest in quality experiences rather than sheer scale.
Consider:
Luxury banquet vs. charming private villa
Designer outfits vs. elegant, personalised attire
Over-the-top décor vs. meaningful, handcrafted elements
3. Venue
Your venue choice will set the tone for your wedding. If you want a big fat wedding, consider luxurious hotels, royal palaces, or extravagant ballrooms. For an intimate wedding, opt for a private villa, a beachside ceremony, or even a home wedding with tasteful décor.
Big Fat Wedding Venues: Taj Palace, Udaipur; ITC Grand Bharat, Delhi; Beach Resorts, Goa
Intimate Wedding Venues: Boutique heritage homestays, lush garden venues, temple weddings, ancestral homes, or a cosy backyard wedding with traditional décor.
4. Do You Want a Festive or Personal Atmosphere?
A big fat Indian wedding is full of energy, larger-than-life décor, and grand celebrations, making it perfect for extroverts who love a buzzing social scene. An intimate wedding allows for emotional, personalised moments where the couple gets quality time with each guest.
Quiz: A) Creating a memorable celebration with lots of guests and entertainment B) Having a relaxed, intimate ceremony with close family and friends C) Finding the balance between a grand celebration and meaningful connections. |
How to Make a Big Wedding Feel Intimate
If you love the grandeur of a big fat wedding but don’t want it to feel impersonal, here are some ways to add warmth and intimacy:
Handwritten and personalised shagun notes
Intimate family rasams like haldi and chooda ceremonies at home before the grand celebrations.
Cozy baithaks or breakout lounges with chai, and live folk music for smaller gatherings.
Making the Right Choice Balancing Your Wedding Style
Still can’t decide? The perfect wedding style doesn’t have to be one extreme or the other.
Hybrid Approach: Have an intimate wedding with a grand reception later
Destination Wedding: A luxurious but small wedding in an exotic location
Split Celebrations: Intimate wedding ceremony followed by a big sangeet or cocktail night
A Day To Remember
Whether you choose a big fat wedding or an intimate wedding, the most important thing is that it reflects your love story. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate—just the one that makes you happiest!
FAQs
1. How to decide on a wedding style?
Start by identifying your budget, guest list, and personal preferences. Think about whether you want a large, festive celebration or a close-knit, emotional gathering.
2. Is it better to have a big or small wedding?
It depends on your priorities. If you love grand celebrations and have a large family, a big fat wedding is ideal. If you prefer personal moments with close ones, an intimate wedding is the way to go.
3. What is a big fat Indian wedding?
A big fat Indian wedding is a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests, extravagant venues, multi-day functions, designer outfits, and elaborate décor.
4. How do you make a big wedding feel intimate?
To create a warm and personal atmosphere, add personalised elements like handwritten notes, private family dinners, and storytelling décor.
