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Expert Speak: Wedding Planner Varun Dua of Evolve Weddings
Wedding Planning - Aug 5, 2019
Evolve Weddings began operations over a decade ago and has since become a market leader owing to its seamless delivery of impeccably-planned celebrations. The company specializes in putting together destination weddings and has orchestrated festivities in various locations across the globe, including the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Kathmandu, Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Udaipur, Agra and Jodhpur.
The team works under the guidance of Founder and Director Varun Dua, who makes sure to add a personal touch to every event he orchestrates. Here he speaks to us about the current big wedding trends.
It has been over a decade since Evolve Weddings was established. Can you trace your journey back to its inception and tell us about your road to success?
“Evolve started its journey back in 2007, catering to small social events like birthday parties and anniversaries. Going from balloon decorations at birthdays to planning theme-based parties, we changed the game. Gradually, we started getting wedding projects but we took these up rather hesitantly as the wedding industry was not as huge back then. The resources were also relatively scarce, which made our job a little difficult.
Eventually, as the demand for professional wedding planners grew, we decided to become a full-fledged wedding planning and execution brand. With the help of my brother, Chirag Dua, and my team of professionals, we broaden our horizon by coming up with specialized segments like floral designing, hospitality and thematic wedding events. Today, we are one of the few companies who have their own production house.”
With celebrations planned in India and abroad, you and your team have come to be known as destination wedding experts. What are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a destination for your nuptials?
“The two essentials to keep in mind are the location’s connectivity to the places where your guests will be coming from and the local laws. A celebration cannot be successful if it comes at the cost of your guest’s comfort. When you are inviting guests to your wedding, you want them to be relaxed and at ease so that they can have fun. Also remember that learning about the rules and regulations of the place is important to avoid unwelcome surprises when you’re in the middle of a full-blown party or a poignant ceremony.”
Is there a decor palette you have worked with which you feel will never go out of style?
“Red is seen as an auspicious color in our country so it will never cease to make its appearance at Indian weddings. A hue that represents love and tradition, red is usually incorporated by brides on their big day. We have even curated an event that was branded “Wed in Red”. We included beautiful hand-picked vintage articles reflective of India’s regal heritage. Watching this color find its place alongside modern aesthetics is indeed wonderful.”
What are the top trends currently ruling the wedding industry?
“Currently, we’re seeing extremely creative ways of incorporating copious amounts of flowers into wedding decor. This extensive use of blooms includes larger-than-life floral installations and a lot of mirror work. Another trend that is catching on is the use of ice sculptures. From table centerpieces to chandeliers, canopies for jaimala to the bar, and so much more, things beyond one’s imagination can be achieved with ice. Besides this, quirky bar setups are also emerging as a popular wedding trend.”
Tell us about the newly-launched Wedding Management Institute and the ways in which it helps aspiring planners to achieve their maximum potential.
“The Wedding Management Institute helps those who are passionate about weddings craft their own business in this field. The programs are intensive, making it possible for those who may not even have a background in this industry to make a successful career in it. In India, weddings are celebrated with even more enthusiasm than festivals. The $40 billion industry is growing exponentially each year and the notoriously unorganized field may be on its way to getting more organized. With such a bright future ahead, the demand for qualified professionals is on the rise.”
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from wedding planning?
“Wedding planning, in the truest sense, has been my first love. However, as they say, nothing worth having comes easy. Many challenges and roadblocks later, I can say that this is true. Over the years I’ve met many couples with hopes and dreams of a memorable celebration but little clue about what they really want. Working with them has taught me to trust my instincts. This can be quite tricky but with time you learn to master this skill. In addition to this, working in this field has made me calm, alert and observant – three qualities that ensure that nothing escapes my eye and the events run smoothly.”
Complete the sentence: If not a wedding planner I would have been a…
“I would have been a hotelier because I can’t stay away from the wedding business and the hospitality industry is the closest match to ours.”
