Getting hitched? Ramola Bachchan tells you why to hire a wedding planner

Weddings are a once-on-a lifetime affair. While many of us have some preset ideas and dreams about our wedding, many of us are short on time. A wedding planner steps in and helps you realise your dreams without spending time looking for the perfect locale, food, etc. On India people are slowly opening up to the idea of a wedding planner. Want to know how it works? We got ace wedding planner Ramola  Bachchan to answer some queries all bride-to-be face.

Weddings in India are seen as a very family managed affairs. How does a wedding planner make a difference?

Yes, it’s true that weddings were traditionally handled by members of the family but with changing times there’s been a shift . This is due to factors such as more women being occupied in the workplace so having less time to devote to personal matters and recognition of the need for professionalism. Today it is generally accepted that having the help of a good professional will ensure smoother operations and a more cost-effective use of the budget

How early/late should one hire a wedding planner in India?

This can be in accordance with the requirements of the client but the sooner the better. A planner gets to spend more time with you and there will be of a better understanding of the client’s needs and subsequently better execution.

Ramola Bachchan
Ramola Bachchan

The big fat Indian weddings have lots of pre-festivities. Does planning include them all?

Not necessarily as a wedding planner we are open to taking on a wedding either on a turn-key basis or by working on individual events. Obviously if we are handling the entire event we can ensure a synergy in the theme and flavour and avoid duplication but these things can be talked through with the client.

Weddings include gifts (sagan, dowry) and the bridal wear do you help the bride/groom’s family in all these arenas too?

Yes, we can help with other requirements such as procuring gifts for family and friends. Also trousseau shopping and gift wrapping as well as in planning and sourcing the entertainment we offer an entire wedding service.

How receptive have people become to wedding planners?

Dream wedding
Dream wedding/weheartit

Today a wedding planner is seen as an essential service for most weddings except for the very small and private ones. Even with these we are often brought on board as people understand that this frees them to enjoy what is essentially one of the most important occasions in their lives.

Is it true wedding planning is for the glam people? Can a middle income person hire one too? What are the costs/charges for hiring a wedding planner?

Wedding planning services are by no means restricted to the elite.  It has become common-place to hire a wedding planner at all income levels. Fees are normally calculated as a percentage of the budget involved, so you do not have to pay a hefty sum to hire a planner!

In India there are many different customs/religious ceremonies during the wedding. Do you offer help in those too?

Yes, we offer assistance with the various religious ceremonies relating to differing communities as we understand that this is an essential part of the overall experience.