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A technologically driven lockdown wedding that used virtual reality to tackle the miles
Wedding Planning - Sep 7, 2020
Akshita and Raunak had always dreamed of having a ‘big fat Indian wedding’ with a vast guest list. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic spreading its branches across the country, their well-laid plans which included inviting over 500 guests were thrown into chaos. But the duo was quick to adapt to the trying times and with help from WeddingSutra Favorite – DreamzKrraft who used their superior skills to seamlessly plan their technologically driven nuptials, they tied the knot amidst their loved ones who blessed them and enjoyed each minute of the celebrations to the fullest despite being miles away.
Safety being the first priority for the couple, no stone was left unturned to ensure that their family estate in Udaipur was thoroughly sanitized and adapted to suit the need of the hour. Additionally, these protocols were also extended to all members of the staff which included the planning team, photographers, caterers, makeup artists, pandits, and hairstylists who had to undergo precautionary measures like a COVID-19 test, quarantine for 14 days, and travel by their own cars to reach the destination.
Aided by Dreamzkrraft, a total of 200 temperature checks along with numerous oximeter readings were executed daily with every guest vehicle being sanitized thoroughly upon arrival. With 100 sanitizer bottles being used during the course of the nuptials and 12 hands-free sanitizer stations set-up in various spots, it’s safe to say that no expense was spared to ensure that the guests, which included approximately 30 family members, were at complete peace and comfort during the festivities.
Sharing the thought process behind planning a wedding amidst the lockdown and the measures his team took to make sure everything went ahead without a glitch, Trrishant Sidhwaani, director of DreamzKrraft revealed, “My team and I were quarantined at home for 15 days before all of us drove to Udaipur. A handpicked, experienced crew of about seven people was selected along with me and my wife Prerita, Marketing head of DreamzKrraft. Additionally, the family also made sure that all the drivers and family members of the team were tested negative for COVID-19 prior to the wedding.
Taking a cue from the current scenario, all our themes also revolved around COVID-19 with the inclusion of elements that exuded convenience and promoted fun as well. For e.g., all the Rajasthani folk artists welcoming the guests wore masks and had their temperatures checked. And for a contactless check-in, our team had pre-allocated rooms for all the guests with each room being pre-sanitized and equipped with a handy hamper consisting of immunity kits, sanitizers, and personalized masks. For haldi which was the first function, we set up an organic haldi and honey giveaway station which on consumption acted as an immunity booster. The Basan function had a DIY face mask counter which was a hit amongst the ladies since most of them couldn’t visit their beauticians before the wedding. And, the mehndi was also celebrated without any outside contact as guests were provided with mehndi design catalogs from which they derived inspiration and applied henna on each other’s palms. In fact, Raunak also dabbled in the craft as he tried applying henna on his bride Akshita’s palms! Heartfelt video messages from family and friends who couldn’t make it were also played during this ceremony. Furthermore, adding a dash of fun to the sangeet was Terrence Lewis who choreographed the sangeet via Zoom which required the virtually present family members to pre-record their performance which was played for the couple during the sangeet. ”
Keen on making every family member feel included, even those who were miles away due to the restrictions, the couple took full advantage of technology and used Virtual Reality as a tool to bring their entire family together on the auspicious occasion. A total of approximately 300 guests attended the wedding virtually and blessed the couple as they went about the rituals. And, to make this monumental move smoothly, about seven to eight cameras were set-up around the ballroom to allow those attending from their homes to get a panoramic 360-degree view of the venue which, in turn, made them feel like a part of the ceremonies. For smooth co-ordination amongst the high volume of guests, technology again played a pivotal role as meeting links were circulated for every event along with WhatsApp groups for different sections of the guests where they could freely discuss the unfolding events just like they would in person. And, adding a cherry on top were the VR sets that were shipped to each invitee prior to the celebrations.
Wedding Planner: DreamzKrraft
Choreography: Terrence Lewis
Photography: Hojography
VR live & Videography: The Wedding Filmer
