If there’s one thing India does most magnificently, it’s weddings. The Big Fat Indian Wedding is the event of a lifetime for any family, and as our Instagram feeds have recently proved, there's nothing more magical, magnanimous, and maddening. These weddings come with their own set of perils and pleasures, but one thing they can't do without, apart from the mandatory drama, is stunning locations, decor, and design. As with anything glamorous in this country, Bollywood sets the gold standard. So, let's turn to seven films that will give you major wedding inspiration, both in design and dialogue.
Hum Saath Saath Hain, 1999
Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, the film is a masterclass in the visual celebration of family values, with its design elements meticulously crafted to enhance its central theme of togetherness. Bijon Das Gupta’s art direction created a lush, immersive setting that underscores the film’s emphasis on familial connections and unity. Traditional Indian design principles are evident in every aspect, from the warm, inviting colour schemes to the opulent decor elements. The wedding scenes are a riot of colour, featuring elaborate floral designs and grand mandaps, all brought to life by Anna Singh’s intricate costume designs. Filming took place at several majestic locations in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, including the scenic Mandore Gardens and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which provided a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s outdoor sequences.
Monsoon Wedding, 2001
In Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, Stephanie Caroll's production design breathes life into the Verma family's home, turning it into a dynamic canvas that captures the essence of the wedding's exuberance. Caroll’s strategic use of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds infuses the spaces with a palpable sense of celebration, reflecting the lively chaos of the nuptial preparations. The addition of arched doorways and intricately patterned tile work anchors the setting in authenticity, enriching the visual texture of the film. The monsoon season itself becomes a character in the narrative through the integration of lush greenery and abundant floral arrangements. Colourful umbrellas serve as whimsical, recurring motifs that inject a sense of festivity and add to the visual rhythm of the wedding scenes.
Band Baaja Baarat, 2010
Maneesh Sharma’s Band Baaja Baaraat, with production design by T.P. Abid captures the grandeur and essence of the big fat Indian wedding like never before, highlighting both the business and beauty of the event. The film, centred around wedding planners, showcases an array of grand wedding venues, from luxurious palaces to sprawling lawns like those in Delhi's renowned Chhatarpur Farms, adorned with intricate floral arrangements, chandeliers, and ornate furnishings. At the heart of the wedding scenes are the elaborately designed mandaps, draped in rich fabrics and adorned with flowers and lights. The production design bursts with vibrant colours and intricate details, reflecting the cultural richness of Indian weddings through elements like marigold garlands, traditional lanterns, and rangoli patterns. The use of traditional Indian decor such as brass utensils, colourful drapes, and ethnic patterns in the set design creates an aspirational yet relatable experience. The film beautifully depicts the varied ways Indian weddings unfold, from lavish extravaganzas to modest ceremonies designed with love and sometimes borrowed money. It’s colourful, kitschy, and endlessly chaotic.
2 States, 2014
In 2 States, directed by Abhishek Varman, the production design masterfully illustrates the cultural dichotomy between Krish, a North Indian, and Ananya, a South Indian, capturing their journey toward familial acceptance. The film's vibrant colour palette, featuring rich reds, golds, and greens, vividly reflects the traditional opulence of Indian weddings. The set design intricately contrasts the two cultures: North Indian elements such as ornate furniture and traditional wall hangings are juxtaposed with South Indian motifs, including temple-inspired decor and brass embellishments. The final wedding scene, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, adds a layer of spiritual gravitas. The temple’s towering spires and intricate deity sculptures enhance the wedding's significance, infusing the scene with a reverent atmosphere that underscores the film's cultural and emotional themes.
Shaandar, 2015
The 2015 romantic comedy Shaandaar, directed by Vikas Bahl and featuring Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, dazzles with its opulent production design and wedding decor. Set against the backdrop of an extravagant London wedding, the film intertwines the fates of two families vying to preserve their respective legacies. Production designer Amrita Mahal crafted visually arresting sets that embody the grandeur of high-society celebrations. The design seamlessly blends structural elements—such as steel, bamboo, and wood—with decorative touches including hand-woven fabrics, lush floral arrangements, and flickering candles. Each material was chosen to enhance the film’s lavish aesthetic and contribute to a sophisticated yet whimsical atmosphere.
Veere Di Wedding, 2018
Veere Di Wedding, featuring Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania, unfolds as a fairytale bathed in pastels and vivid hues. The film's production design, spearheaded by Rhea Kapoor with Priya Ahluwalia as production designer and Achala Mirza as set decorator, merges traditional and contemporary aesthetics to redefine Indian wedding decor. The wedding scenes are drenched in a palette of pastel and ivory tones, chosen to complement the vibrant outfits of the characters and craft a soft, romantic atmosphere. Floral arrangements are pivotal, featuring delicate strings of white flowers and bold pink roses. A standout feature is the "phoolon ki chadar," a traditional floral canopy under which Kareena Kapoor's character walks, symbolising the unwavering support of her friends.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, 2018
In Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, the wedding scenes are a lively celebration of Indian wedding aesthetics, crafted with meticulous attention to detail by production designers Sukant Panigrahy and Dipankar Dasgupta. The film's decor features a rich colour palette of bright yellows, pinks, and blues, accentuated by intricate floral arrangements of marigolds and roses that infuse the setting with a kitschy and festive atmosphere. Ornate mandaps, adorned with colourful drapes and twinkling fairy lights, enhance the celebratory mood, while traditional seating like low sofas and colourful cushions contribute to the cultural authenticity. Each element— from the vibrant baarat backdrop to the playful haldi ceremony— is designed to echo the film’s comedic and romantic tones, creating a visually engaging experience that immerses the audience in the joyous chaos of the wedding festivities.
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