The Influence of Bollywood and Social Media on Indian Nuptials

Authored by Raveena Doshi Co-founder & Creative Director, PlaytheNovel

Indian weddings have evolved into a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, particularly in how they are documented and shared. Here, Bollywood and social media significantly influence wedding planning, from the songs chosen for bridal entries to the stunning outfits worn. This influence is amplified by social media and other marketing tactics, making it easier and more desirable for many to replicate these glamorous looks, themes, and poses.

Sparkling impact on Indian weddings

Bollywood's influence on weddings can be seen in choreographed dance routines during Sangeet nights, where family and friends perform to popular Bollywood tracks. Couples often draw inspiration from the retro and modern dance themes portrayed in movies.  Furthermore, photography and videography have evolved into immersive documentaries and storytelling by wedding filmmakers, who employ innovative marketing strategies, blending traditional methods with digital platforms to enhance their visibility and services.

Celebrity wedding photos shared on social media ignite aspirations among couples-to-be with their flawless shots, elevating the demand for photographers sought after for other weddings. Many couples now prioritize conceptualized shoots, particularly for their pre-wedding sessions, aiming to replicate the photography style, poses, songs, videos, and attire from influential sources.

Additionally, different creative marketing efforts have been seen in Bollywood films to highly influence the ongoing changing phenomenon of “Big Fat Indian Wedding.”. Movies like "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'' and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" showcased new trends, products, and key features of an Indian wedding. These films featured prominent product placements by fashion designers during wedding sequences, where characters like Deepika Padukone's Naina and Anushka Sharma's Alizeh wear stunning designer outfits. These intricately designed ensembles enhance the films' visual appeal while setting trends in bridal fashion.

Chasing the Trending Tie-the-Knot

Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube play a pivotal role in shaping the scale and style of modern Indian weddings. The culture of capturing and sharing moments on these platforms has made weddings increasingly trendsetting. Youth actively participate in this trend through hashtags like 'Instagramable' weddings and "Pinterest-worthy," which describe ideas and designs highly coveted for their aesthetic appeal and widespread sharing across social media. These platforms are indispensable hubs of wedding inspiration, where couples and planners discover the latest trends in overall themes.

Additionally, social media has revolutionized how couples share their wedding journey in real-time. From pre-wedding shoots to live-streaming ceremonies, every moment is documented and shared, influencing others along the way. Today, many create dedicated wedding profiles on Instagram to share all aspects of their nuptials as they unfold through short videos or reels. Influencers and bloggers play a crucial role by sharing tips, reviews, and creative ideas, aiding couples in planning their big day, and gaining viral attention.

Social media has intensified the quest for the perfect bridal look, with brides-to-be exploring makeup tutorials and styles from influencers and beauty experts. They discover new makeup products and techniques, influencing their decisions for the big day. Trends like 'natural bridal makeup' and the 'no makeup look' have gained popularity through social media, focusing on achieving radiant skin and subtle enhancements, while also offering versatile choices for aesthetic photography.

The story doesn't end here

While the essence of the Indian wedding may endure, its expression will undoubtedly evolve with the times. Whether embracing smaller, intimate ceremonies or tech-driven, eco-conscious celebrations that are real-time documented, the future of Indian weddings promises great innovation. The ongoing impacts of modernity, including drones, 360-degree cameras, and societal shifts, guarantee that these celebrations will continually evolve, blending traditional customs with contemporary innovations.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.

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