Why Couples Are Now Choosing Experiential Weddings Over Traditions

Weddings have always been a grand affair, from guest lists transcending pages to the ceremonies that leave guests awestruck; however, as the times change, weddings have also undergone a significant transformation. Today, weddings are no longer just a celebration but deeply personal narratives that reflect a couple’s journey.

Couples, in contemporary times, are taking a step back from the traditional ways of celebrating their union and stepping into storytelling. The new-age bride and groom believe in carefully curating experiences that trace their journey together rather than just exchanging vows. 

They look towards celebrating their quirks and immerse their guests in the essence of their love story, from décor that reflects their first meet to menus that are are inspired by milestones, experiential weddings are seeking to redefine what it truly means to say, “I do,” translating a couple’s wedding day into a shared experience for the both of them as well as the people who celebrate it with them.

To understand the growing trend of experiential weddings and how a lot of couples are choosing experiential weddings where their love story is depicted over a traditional wedding, Manifest spoke to two experts from the industry, Jai Sharma, Founder, Envelop and Vaibhaav Singhvi, Founder, The Movie'ing Moments.

Experiential Wedding vs Traditional Ceremonies?

According to Vaibhaav, an experiential wedding is not defined by grandeur, but by emotion. It is where every moment, every sound, every frame is designed to make people feel something. “Unlike a traditional ceremony that follows a set sequence of rituals, an experiential wedding is deeply personal—it tells a story. From curated themes that reflect a couple’s journey to sensory details that let guests live that story with them—whether it is a mehendi that feels like a tropical escape, or a sangeet that unfolds like a cinematic concert—every experience has meaning.” He explains that it is no longer about how big a wedding is, but how beautifully it connects with people. “That is what makes experiential weddings so powerful: they transform celebrations into memories that stay long after the lights go out.”

Jai shares that an experiential wedding goes beyond decor and rituals; it’s about crafting a journey where every element tells a story. “From the invite to the final farewell, guests don’t just attend; they feel the narrative. It’s where architecture, technology, performance, and design merge to evoke emotion and create memory.” Jai seconds Vaibhaav and states that, unlike traditional weddings that focus on visual grandeur or rituals alone, experiential weddings are rooted in storytelling and sensory engagement. “The food, the music, the installations, and even the transitions between spaces are curated to mirror the couple’s personalities or a larger thematic idea. What results is not just a celebration, but an unfolding experience, one that lives in people’s minds long after the night ends,” he says.

“Today’s couples see their wedding as a personal narrative, not a formula,” Jai further ponders why modern couples are prioritising personalisation and storytelling in their weddings. He shares that they want to celebrate identity, not just tradition. “Personalisation allows them to express who they are, their history, quirks, and shared passions in every design decision. Storytelling transforms these details into emotion; it gives meaning to beauty. At Envelop, every design begins with a story, sometimes it’s a song, a memory, or even a texture. The result is a celebration that feels intimate, authentic, and unmistakably them.”

Vaibhaav believes that modern couples aren’t just planning weddings anymore, they’re curating experiences that mirror who they are. “At The Movie’ing Moments, we’ve seen a beautiful shift where storytelling has become the heart of every celebration. Personalisation allows couples to move beyond templates and traditions - to create something that feels authentic,” he states that It’s about weaving their journey, quirks, and emotions into the fabric of the wedding, from the décor and music to the way the film is told. “Today’s generation wants their wedding to speak for them - to reflect their bond, their values, and their individuality. And that’s where storytelling comes in - it transforms a wedding from an event into a timeless narrative, one that celebrates not just the rituals, but the relationship.”

Expression of Individuality

But can experiential weddings allow couples to express their relationship and individuality? Jai believes experiential weddings give couples a language to translate emotion into space. “Whether it’s a rollercoaster that mirrors their spontaneity or a cosmic-themed night representing their shared fascination with the universe, every creative decision becomes symbolic. Through lighting, form, and movement, design becomes an extension of personality. For us at Envelop, individuality isn’t a trend, it’s the foundation.” 

He explains that their process begins with listening, understanding the couple’s rhythm, humour, and story and ends with an environment that feels like stepping into their world.

While Vaibhaav shares that experiential weddings give couples the freedom to celebrate who they are, not just follow what’s expected. “At The Movie’ing Moments, we’ve seen couples use every element - from themes and music to ambience and storytelling - as a reflection of their relationship.”

He highlights that it’s no longer about doing what’s been done before; it’s about creating moments that feel personal, raw, and real. Whether it’s blending two cultures through design, rewriting rituals to include their own vows, or curating a space that feels like “them,” every detail becomes an expression of their bond.”These weddings are not performances; they’re portraits - living, breathing representations of love and identity. That’s what makes them unforgettable - because when a couple’s story takes centre stage, the entire celebration feels theirs.”

Planners, Designers and Technology

Talking about the role that planners, designers and technology play in bringing such immersive experiences to life, Vaibhaav says that experiential weddings come alive when creativity, design, and technology work in perfect rhythm. “Planners set the flow, designers craft the visual language, and technology brings it all to life - turning imagination into emotion.”

He adds, “Today, technology is not just a tool; it is emotion in motion. From immersive lighting and soundscapes to cinematic storytelling and real-time visual design, every element helps build an experience that feels deeply personal. When these forces align, a wedding does not just look beautiful - it feels alive. It becomes a story you can walk through, not just watch.”

Jai seconds him as he adds that planners, designers, and technology are the backbone of any experiential wedding.

“Planners weave the story together, understanding the couple’s vision, aligning logistics, and ensuring every moment flows seamlessly. Designers translate that story into tangible spaces, using form, light, texture, and movement to evoke emotion. Technology then amplifies it all—through mapping, sound, projection, and interactive experiences that turn décor into living art.” Jai believes that together, they don’t just execute a wedding; they choreograph an experience where every sense is engaged and every corner tells a part of the story.

Are Couples Prioritising Experiences Over Traditions?

So, are couples moving away from traditions completely? “I don’t think couples are moving away from traditions - they’re redefining them,” Vaibhaav says as he explains that today’s generation wants meaning, not just mechanics. They are holding on to the essence of rituals but expressing them in ways that feel true to who they are.

“At The Movie’ing Moments, we have seen couples turn age-old customs into deeply personal moments - a Haldi that feels like a sunlit festival, a mehendi reimagined as a carnival of colours, or vows exchanged beneath ancestral symbols that blend with modern design.”

“They’re not choosing between heritage and modernity,” Vaaibhav adds. “They’re blending both to create something timeless - a story where the past and present hold hands.”

In agreement, Jai reiterates, “They want rituals that feel relevant, not routine. We’ve seen couples blend classical ceremonies with modern storytelling, a pheras setup that resembles a cosmic circle, or an entry song that replaces silence with laughter. The essence remains, but the expression evolves.” 

He further shares that at Envelop, they design around emotion over imitation. He highlights that their goal is to honour the past while creating new memories and traditions retold through the language of modern design.

Experiential Weddings Reflect a Broader Cultural Shift

“The rise of experiential weddings reflects a broader cultural shift toward individuality and storytelling,” Jai further ponders the social or cultural shifts that may have contributed to the rise in these experiential weddings. 

“Today’s couples value emotion and experience over convention; they want celebrations that feel authentic, not formulaic. Social media has amplified this mindset, turning weddings into creative expressions that reflect identity and leave a lasting impact.” He adds that global exposure, creative industries, and technology have further inspired couples to move beyond standard décor or rituals. They’re no longer just hosting an event; they’re curating an experience that mirrors who they are and what they believe in.

Meanwhile, Vaibhaav explains that the rise of experiential weddings reflects a deeper cultural evolution. “Today’s couples are not just following tradition, they are personalising it. They want their weddings to reflect who they are, not just where they come from.”

He, like Jai, also believes that social media has made storytelling a natural language for this generation. According to him, couples now celebrate emotion over extravagance, creating moments that feel genuine and intimate. 

Seconding Jai on the impact of Global travel and exposure, he shares that these factors have inspired new formats, from immersive design to multi-sensory experiences, yet the heart of every celebration remains rooted in Indian emotion.

“It’s a beautiful balance. Modern in expression, traditional in spirit - that’s what defines this new era of weddings,” he states.

Experiential Weddings Focus On Memories Over Moments

Does the idea of creating “memories over moments” influence wedding planning? “At The Movie’ing Moments, we believe that weddings today have evolved from being a series of planned events to becoming an emotional journey, one that’s built around memories rather than moments,” Vaibhaav recalls as he shares that couples are no longer looking for just a timeline of celebrations; they’re seeking to craft experiences that hold meaning, emotion, and personal connection. 

“This shift influences every aspect of wedding planning - from how stories are told through film, to how décor, music, and flow are designed to evoke nostalgia and emotion. For us, it’s about capturing the essence of relationships, the laughter that comes from shared stories, the tears that come from heartfelt vows, the chaos that becomes a memory.” He adds that when every element is driven by emotion, the wedding transforms into something far deeper—a timeless reflection of who they are and the life they’re beginning together.

While Jai believes that designing for memory means designing for feeling, sound, scent, light, temperature, every sensory cue is crafted to evoke emotion. “A beautiful moment is fleeting; a memory lingers. At Envelop, we plan weddings as emotional journeys, where every transition from entry to dinner to dance tells a cohesive story.” 

He adds that when you create for memory, the design doesn’t end with the event; it lives on in how people remember it. That’s the true measure of an experiential wedding’s success.

According to Jai, experiential weddings have been redefining expectations across the board. Guests no longer just attend, they participate. Families feel emotionally seen, and every interaction becomes intentional. For the industry, it’s raising creative standards, pushing planners, designers, and artists to collaborate and innovate. “At Envelop, we see it as the most exciting shift in Indian celebrations, one that’s transforming weddings from spectacle to storytelling, from luxury to emotion. It’s no longer about how big a wedding is, but how deeply it’s felt,” he shares while concluding.

Not About ‘The Bigger, The Better’ 

Vaibhaav, talking about the impact of these experiential weddings on guests, families, and the overall wedding industry, shares that they have transformed the way families, guests, and the industry perceive celebrations. “For families, it’s about creating emotionally rich experiences rather than just hosting grand events. Every detail is designed to reflect the couple’s personality, turning each ritual into a heartfelt memory.” According to him, guests, too, are no longer spectators, but participants, engaging through interactive moments, storytelling elements, and personalised touches that make them feel part of the couple’s journey.

He concludes, “From an industry standpoint, this shift has sparked a new wave of creativity and collaboration. Planners, designers, and filmmakers are now challenged to go beyond aesthetics and focus on emotion-driven storytelling. At The Movie’ing Moments, we’ve seen how this evolution deepens connection and purpose. Every frame we capture, every story we tell, is rooted in creating memories that feel personal, immersive, and unforgettable.”