Rising Events Founder Harshal Kothari reveals his trend picks that will be Redefining Indian Wedding Celebrations in 2025

Harshal Kothari is the Founder of Rising Events, an event management company famed for its world-class services and is a leading name in the industry, specializing in organizing corporate gatherings, cultural festivals, weddings, and large-scale social events.

Harshal’s journey began with a deep passion for creating memorable experiences. His ability to combine creativity with strategic planning has allowed Rising Events to stand out for its innovative themes, flawless execution, and commitment to excellence.

A natural leader and collaborator, Harshal is dedicated to building strong relationships with clients and partners. His approach emphasizes understanding client needs, tailoring services to meet particular preferences, and ensuring every event leaves a lasting impression.

Today, Rising Events is a trusted brand and a hub for fostering cultural and social connections. His entrepreneurial success story continues to inspire those looking to make a mark in the event management industry.

In a conversation with TT Bureau, Harshal Kothari reveals the trends that will redefine Indian wedding celebrations in 2025

What mood boards will trend

Mood boards are essential tools for capturing the essence of Indian wedding celebrations. They serve as visual representations of the couple’s vision, helping guide the overall planning process. By drawing inspiration from the couple’s favourite colours, textures, and styles, as well as elements of their personalities and cultural backgrounds, mood boards ensure every detail aligns seamlessly with their dream celebration.

Key factors in designing a mood board include the venue—whether indoor or outdoor—the scale of the event, event layouts, the time of day, and the desired level of intimacy or grandeur. These considerations ensure the mood board serves as a comprehensive guide for creating a wedding that reflects the couple’s unique vision.

For instance, in a royal Rajasthani-themed wedding, we designed a mood board rich with jewel tones, traditional Rajasthani motifs, and opulent fabrics like silk and velvet. This set the tone for everything from the decor to the attire, creating an ambience reminiscent of a regal palace, immersing guests in an authentic and luxurious experience.

On the other hand, for a serene beach wedding, the mood board featured soft pastels, seashell motifs, and lightweight, breezy fabrics to reflect the tranquillity of the seaside. This inspired not only the decor and attire but also influenced the menu, which showcased a variety of fresh seafood delicacies. The overall effect was a cohesive and serene coastal celebration.

Theme weddings to trend in 2025

Theme weddings are where creativity takes centre stage, making Indian wedding celebrations truly unforgettable. Some of the most remarkable weddings we’ve planned include a Bollywood-themed extravaganza, where every detail was inspired by the magic of classic Bollywood films. From vibrant colour schemes to lively music and glamorous attire, every element reflected the glitz and charm of the silver screen, leaving guests dazzled by the cinematic experience.

Another standout was a royal vintage wedding, where the couple envisioned recreating the elegance of a bygone era. We curated antique furniture, vintage cars, and sepia-toned decor to transport guests back in time. Every detail, from period-inspired floral arrangements to vintage-style attire, was thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the theme, immersing everyone in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. We retain Indian wedding traditions and customs which families have come to expect from the theme.

We’ve also explored unique and imaginative themes, drawing inspiration from nature, celestial elements, and the galaxy to craft one-of-a-kind experiences. Personalization is always at the heart of our approach—each theme is tailored to reflect the couple’s personality and story, making their special day truly extraordinary.

Food styles to trend in 2025

Food is a central element of most Indian wedding celebrations, and curating a menu that complements the theme while satisfying diverse palates is an art. We work closely with chefs to design menus that not only meet the couple’s preferences but also reflect the cultural significance of the dishes.

For a wedding with a Maharashtrian theme, we introduced traditional dishes like Puran Poli and Ukadiche Modak (sweet dumplings), served with a modern twist. The food was presented in a way that highlighted its cultural importance while also appealing to a modern palate.

In another wedding, we curated a global fusion menu that included Indian street food with a gourmet twist, such as pav bhaji bruschettas and butter chicken sliders. This innovative approach delighted the guests and added a unique culinary experience to the wedding.

We also firmly believe that it is important to give the wedding guests a good experience and not just serve food, hence we also try our best to curate different ways of presenting so it could differ right from innovatively decorating the serving station, to emotional catering to curating menus that are more personalized to the couple’s and the family’s choices.

Top destination choices in 2025 and why

The location of a wedding can elevate the entire experience. We recommend picturesque locations that not only provide a stunning backdrop but also align with the couple’s vision.

Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is a top recommendation for a royal-themed wedding. Its palatial hotels and serene lakes provide an enchanting setting that is perfect for a grand celebration. For beach weddings, Goa remains a favourite, with its sun-kissed beaches and luxurious resorts offering the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

For couples seeking a more intimate setting, we recommend heritage properties in Rajasthan or Kerala, where the historical architecture and natural beauty create a magical atmosphere.

We basically try our best to select unique and more unexplored locations that fit the couple’s and the family’s requirements and in turn, make the event a success.

Locations couples will prefer in 2025

In 2025, Indian couples are expected to favour a diverse array of destinations for their weddings, both domestically and internationally. This trend reflects a desire for unique experiences that blend cultural richness with picturesque settings.

Domestic Destinations:

• Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Pink City is renowned for its grand forts and palaces, offering a regal setting for traditional Indian weddings.
• Kerala: The state’s backwaters and lush landscapes provide a tranquil and picturesque setting for weddings.
• Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie offers a romantic retreat with its lush landscapes and colonial charm, ideal for couples seeking a mountainous escape.

International Destinations:

• Bali, Indonesia: A tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and exceptional hospitality, making it a favourite for couples worldwide.
• Dubai, UAE: With its luxurious hotels and iconic backdrops like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai caters to couples seeking opulent celebrations.
• Vietnam: Rapidly growing as a popular choice, Vietnam offers picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences, appealing to couples looking for unique destinations.
• Mauritius: Filled with stunning beaches and luxury resorts, Mauritius continues to be a favoured destination for Indian couples seeking a tropical wedding setting. 

Ambiences that will trend

Transforming a couple’s vision into reality requires a blend of creativity, project management, and an understanding of cultural nuances. Our team comprises experts in design, logistics, and cultural customs, who work together to bring every element of the wedding to life.

Challenges often arise, such as finding the right vendors who can deliver on the couple’s specific requests or dealing with last-minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances. To overcome these, we maintain close communication with all stakeholders, ensuring flexibility and problem-solving are part of our approach.

For instance, a couple once wanted a fusion of a traditional South Indian wedding with modern minimalist décor. The challenge was to blend the vibrancy of South Indian traditions with the simplicity of modern design. We overcame this by incorporating subtle traditional elements into a minimalist design, using muted colour palettes and simple floral arrangements while keeping the essence of the cultural rituals intact.

Wedding Jewellery

In 2025, bridal jewellery trends are set to blend timeless elegance with modern innovation, offering brides a spectrum of styles to express their individuality. Key trends include:

Statement Pieces:

• Brides are gravitating towards bold, singular jewellery items that serve as focal points. 
• Modern Pearls: Pearls are being reimagined in contemporary designs, moving beyond traditional settings to feature in sleek, minimalist pieces that appeal to modern brides. 
• Coloured Gemstones: Incorporating vibrant gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies adds a personalized touch and a pop of colour to traditional bridal jewellery. 
• Mixed Metals: Combining different metal hues—like rose gold, white gold, and platinum—creates unique contrasts, allowing brides to pair their rings with various accessories. 
• Sustainable and Ethical Choices: There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, with brides opting for lab-grown diamonds and ethically sourced materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. 
• Personalized Designs: Customization remains a significant trend, with brides seeking unique pieces that reflect their personal stories, such as engraved messages or bespoke designs.

Bride and Groom wear in 2025

Indian bridal and groom fashion will embrace a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, with personalized touches reflecting individual styles. Trends will include –

• Fusion Lehengas with Minimalist Designs: Brides are opting for lehengas that combine traditional elements with minimalist aesthetics, featuring lighter fabrics like organza and satin adorned with delicate embroidery.
• Sustainable Choices: There’s a growing preference for eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable fashion practices, with brides choosing outfits that reflect environmental consciousness.
• Traditional Silhouettes with Modern Twists: Classic bridal silhouettes are being reimagined with contemporary cuts and styles, offering a fresh take on traditional attire.
• Regional Embroidery: Grooms are embracing attire featuring regional embroidery techniques like Kashmiri work, chikankari, and zardozi, celebrating cultural heritage through intricate designs.
• Textured Fabrics: Incorporating textured materials such as velvet and tweed adds depth to groom outfits, with lightweight options like linen favoured for summer weddings.
• Personalized Accessories: Custom-made accessories, including cufflinks, engraved watches, and layered bracelets to infuse personal elements into the wedding attire.

Wedding vows, grand arrivals that could go big in 2025

What makes the Big Fat Indian Wedding truly grand and memorable are the intricate details—whether it’s the handcrafted invitations, the personalized wedding favours, or the live performances that reflect the couple’s journey together. Every element is carefully curated to ensure that it resonates with the couple’s story and leaves a lasting impression on the guests.

From choreographing a dance sequence that tells the couple’s love story to designing personalised elements like monograms on the wedding attire, these details contribute to the uniqueness of each wedding. The result is a celebration that is not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant, creating memories that last a lifetime.

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