Ah, how times have changed! Destination weddings have indeed become a huge trend in India. From beach weddings in Goa to royal affairs in Jaipur or Udaipur, couples today are going all out to make their weddings a unique and memorable experience. The idea of stepping away from the traditional hometown ceremonies and opting for exotic locations is a stark contrast to the days when weddings were deeply rooted in family traditions and logistics.
There’s something irreplaceable about hometown weddings. They carry an innate sense of belonging, where every corner of the ceremony feels personal and steeped in memories. The familiar streets, the local temple or hall, and the extended community showing up—it’s like a collective celebration of not just the couple, but their families and shared history.
Back then, not having the ceremony in the bride's hometown often raised eyebrows. The practicality and expectations around "community presence" made even a small deviation feel like a big statement. The fact that it was a huge ask when boy's side asked 'ಮದುವೆ ನೀವು ನಮ್ಮ ಊರಲ್ಲೇ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಡಬೇಕು', and now, with global influences, social media, and the focus on creating "Instagram-worthy" memories, weddings have evolved into an elaborate production of style, travel, and storytelling.
Destination weddings may have the flair, but hometown weddings have the soul. It’s lovely to see couples sometimes mix both—hosting a grand event elsewhere but returning home for an intimate gruha pravesha or a small pooja. After all, isn’t a wedding about balance—old and new, tradition and individuality?
There’s still a charm in the simplicity of those hometown ceremonies—packed with warmth, laughter, and familiarity, don’t you think? 😊
