In the evolving landscape of Indian weddings, the grandeur of scale is giving way to the grandeur of meaning. Post-pandemic couples are seeking celebrations that are smaller, more intimate, and deeply personal—where every ritual carries emotional weight and every moment reflects their unique story. At the forefront of this transformation is Kestone UTSAV, where Dipali Mathur, Chief Business Officer, is championing a shift from the overwhelming to the intentional. Blending heritage with modern sensibilities, UTSAV curates weddings that are as soulful as they are stunning—infusing time-honored customs with individuality, mindfulness, and a sense of true connection.
1. How is Kestone UTSAV leading the shift from grand, overwhelming weddings to more intimate, spiritually meaningful celebrations focused on the immediate family?
We are seeing a conscious shift, especially post-pandemic, towards weddings that are smaller in scale but much richer in meaning. At UTSAV, we see this as an opportunity to focus on depth over drama. When the guest list is intimate, the experience becomes more centered around family, emotions, and rituals. Our role is to create a space where every moment feels intentional and personal, without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
2. In your experience at UTSAV, how are Gen Z brides blending traditional Indian rituals with their modern personalities and values?
Today’s brides are very clear about who they are and what they want their wedding to represent. They are not rejecting tradition—they are reinterpreting it. We have seen brides write their vows alongside the mantras, use sustainable lehengas, or involve both sets of parents in rituals traditionally done by just one side. At UTSAV, we enable these choices through design, format, and storytelling that respects heritage while giving space for individuality.
3. Spiritual storytelling is gaining momentum — how does UTSAV curate rituals and ceremonies that feel sacred yet emotionally resonant for today’s couples?
For us, rituals are not just ceremonial, they are deeply symbolic. What makes them memorable is how they are experienced. We spend time understanding the couple’s story—their journey, their values—and we build that into the ceremony itself. Whether it is in the way the priest speaks, the setting of the mandap, or the involvement of the family, we make sure there is an emotional thread that ties everything together. It is not just about what is happening; it is about how it feels.
4. Weddings today are a fusion of East and West — how does UTSAV help strike that balance between Indian customs and contemporary Western aesthetics?
It is a fine balance, but one we understand well. Indian weddings are rooted in culture, but today’s couples also want visual minimalism, global aesthetics, and efficient formats. We bridge the two by staying true to the essence of Indian customs while modernizing the experience. A classic example would be designing a traditional South Indian ceremony with a pastel, Mediterranean-inspired backdrop. It is about fluency in both worlds, cultural and contemporary.
5. Musical pheras, mindful ceremonies, and emotion-driven moments are transforming wedding rituals — how is UTSAV curating these formats for the next generation of couples?
This generation wants to feel every moment, not just go through the motions. And that changes how we plan. At UTSAV, we design formats where music, storytelling, and mindfulness are not afterthoughts; they are part of the core experience. A musical phera, for example, is not just a visual upgrade; it is an emotional one. It allows everyone to stay present. These newer formats are not replacing rituals; they are deepening them.
6. With the rise of curated, smaller-scale weddings, how is UTSAV making Indian rituals more personal and impactful for couples and their close-knit guests?
Smaller weddings give us the ability to go deeper with storytelling and personalization. Every ritual becomes an opportunity to say something meaningful about the couple and their families. Whether it is integrating ancestral traditions or scripting moments of gratitude into the ceremony, we use scale to our advantage. In a 100-person wedding, every guest can be part of the story, and that makes the entire experience more impactful.
7. In UTSAV’s destination wedding experiences, how does the presence of only close family and friends enhance the spiritual and emotional tone of the celebration?
There is a different kind of energy when you are surrounded only by your closest people; it is more intimate, more emotional, and far more focused. At our destination weddings, we use that intimacy to create immersive experiences. Ceremonies are not just viewed, they are felt. Guests are part of the rituals, not just observers. And the absence of a large crowd allows for deeper engagement with what the wedding is truly about: connection, culture, and celebration.
