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Introducing Europe in a new light, Fabled Forevers Destination Weddings and Events has opened the doors for Indian weddings in Switzerland and beyond. Here’s how
Young and Inspiring - Oct 30, 2023
For decades, Switzerland has been the favoured spot for Indian honeymooners and families for its majestic peaks, cobblestoned streets, verdant valleys and quaint chalets that are cleverly modern from the inside. And now, as Indians are taking the globe by storm with an economic boom and the elite eyeing unique destinations born out of the will to stand out, Switzerland and Europe have emerged as the top choices.
On the forefront of this wave is Fabled Forevers Destination Wedding and Events with Shilpa Sukumar spearheading the wedding planning company. Bridging the gap with smooth expertise, Shilpa and her team are now the go-to planning company for couples who wish to start their ‘happily ever after’ journey in Europe. Today in conversation with Shilpa we delve into the intricacies of wedding planning in Europe and take in her perspective on what the future holds for Indian weddings in the continent.
What led you to create Fabled Forevers?
In 2013, after completing a Master’s in Tourism Management from Switzerland, I established Fabled Forevers Destination Weddings and Events. This venture was born out of a realisation during my time studying and living in Europe that there was a significant market gap. This gap revolved around the absence of wedding companies catering to destination weddings, particularly for Indian couples.
European weddings were typically single-day celebrations with fewer guests, in contrast to the elaborate Indian wedding traditions. Indian tourists mainly visit Europe for tourism or honeymoon purposes. Despite Europeans’ familiarity with Bollywood and Indian cuisine, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of Indian culture. This observation highlighted the need for a service to coordinate and plan Indian weddings in Europe, allowing them to experience their cultural grandeur in exotic European locations.
How has Fabled Forevers Destination Weddings & Events changed the process of Indian Wedding Planning in Switzerland and Europe?
We have destination weddings in Switzerland, opening up the market to this concept for the first time. We were the trailblazers in introducing a destination wedding company in Switzerland that catered specifically to the Indian market. Specialising in offering all-encompassing services, Fabled Forevers Destination Weddings & Events focused on Indian destination weddings in Europe, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that Indians receive top-notch service and everything required to host a grand and elaborate wedding celebration.
Could you tell us how you overcame the logistical obstacles that one is bound to encounter while orchestrating an Indian wedding at these remote locations?
Indians prefer locations close to city centers or airports rather than remote ones, as remote areas can significantly increase travel time. However, if the destination is a luxurious mountain resort in Switzerland or France offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, travellers must account for a 2-3 hour journey from international airports. Once they arrive, they should be ready to spend at least 3-4 days without access to major towns or cities for shopping or sightseeing. This is usually feasible due to consecutive planned functions during the stay.
Could you share any unique anecdotes or special requests that you catered to as a wedding planner in Europe?
The client wanted a transparent dance floor that extended into the lake. This was the first time this had been done in Switzerland. Exclusive permissions were obtained, and the entire structure was built as a rare exception, with precision and intense planning.
How have you had the upper hand in planning weddings in Europe as compared to other Indian wedding planners?
Local advantage and pricing have been the key factors. We are a local business, which enables us access to local prices for services. When vendors perceive a company as international or foreign, the prices tend to be higher. Therefore, being a Swiss-registered company, we collaborate closely with Swiss, Italian, and Spanish tourism networks, allowing us to build a wide network of vendors.
What makes Europe a standout destination for Indian weddings?
European landscape’s true essence of exclusivity – it embodies a realm of luxury tailored for those who envision a wedding that is as exceptional as it is unique. Unparalleled and breathtaking destinations are reserved for those who appreciate the true essence of exclusivity.
Pick one venue each for the weddings with the following personalities:
Majestic and Elegant:
● Paris – Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
● Switzerland – Montreux Palace
● Como – Villa del Balbianello
● Rome – Palazzo Brancaccio
● Portugal – Vila Vita Parc Resort
Rustic and minimalistic – Indians tend to favour luxury and elegance over minimalistic and rustic styles when exploring Europe.
● Château de Massillan – château near Avignon
● Abbaye Saint Eusèbe – in the heart of Provence
● La Coquillade – Overlooking the Luberon Regional Park
Should couples consider any pointers before plunging into the planning process for their destination wedding in Switzerland/Europe?
Yes, the budget holds significant importance. Prices fluctuate across destinations, be it, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, or Portugal. Every choice must fit within a budget. The guest count, too, significantly impacts both budget and priorities.
To navigate this effectively, it’s advisable to openly converse with a destination planner once you’ve established a preliminary budget and guest count.
Which destinations top your list when it comes to planning a wedding in Europe?
This is a very hard question…
● For florists, I love France, especially the Provence area. The florists are artists here, and they create magic.
● Paris captures my heart with its inherent grandeur – a splendor that presents itself effortlessly. In this city, everyone exudes an artist’s essence.
● In places like Como and Florence, collaborating with florists and decorators is a delight. While I envision the design, they infuse their unique style into every aspect. Their innate sense of style is truly remarkable.
● Switzerland’s allure lies in its awe-inspiring views. Nothing compares to this country’s breathtaking views. It is undeniably a slice of paradise on Earth.
● Portugal’s charm emanates from its people – their genuine warmth and kindness. Every interaction comes with a heartfelt smile. Simply love working with them.
● And then there’s Rome – a city that epitomizes majesty in every conceivable way. It is just awe-inspiring to create an Indian wedding with all its dazzle and grandeur.
As a wedding planner what trends do you foresee for Indian Weddings in Europe?
With a decade-long presence in the industry, Fabled Forevers Destination Weddings & Events has continually evolved, branching out to new countries and destinations each year. Looking ahead to 2024, a noticeable trend emerges: a growing interest in more budget-friendly wedding options in Western Europe, with Spain and Portugal emerging as prominent choices. Meanwhile, the allure of exclusivity continues to radiate from the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland, France, and Italy, making them unrivaled destinations for luxury weddings.
