South Asian weddings have always been about more than just two people coming together. They are vibrant, powerful celebrations of love, family, and heritage.
From the haldi and mehndi to the sangeet and baraat, these rituals are beautiful threads weaving generations together. Each event, each tradition, holds a deep sense of respect for our roots and a joyful celebration of who we are.
But, as with many things in our modern world, tradition has collided with consumption.
Inspired by Bollywood glamour and celebrity culture, weddings have grown bigger, flashier, and, without realising it, heavier on the planet. Let’s take a closer look at where culture meets carbon.
Take bridal wear, for instance. Outfits are breathtaking — hand-embroidered silks, rich brocades, shimmering embellishments. They make brides feel absolutely extraordinary, as they should. But behind the scenes, these materials are resource-intensive. Silk production uses vast amounts of water and thousands of silkworms; synthetic dyes pollute rivers and streams. Often, after a single wear, these stunning garments are packed away, their environmental footprint lingering far longer than the wedding festivities.
Flowers, another cornerstone of our celebrations, tell a similar story. Fresh blooms decorate mandaps, tables, and entrances, creating a paradise of colour and scent. But the demand for exotic, out-of-season flowers means air-freight miles, refrigerated storage, and ultimately, a heavy carbon toll. Many end up discarded, polluting waterways and landfills.
And of course, food. In our culture, offering abundance is a sacred duty. Feeding guests is a form of love. Yet, lavish spreads often result in mountains of wasted food, with much of it sadly heading straight to landfill, along with the water, energy, and love it took to prepare.
But here is the good news. It doesn't have to be this way.
Our ancestors had it right. Weddings were intimate and community-focused. Clothes were lovingly borrowed or repurposed. Flowers were seasonal and local. Food was cooked at home, shared, and never wasted.
Today, many couples are honouring that spirit while embracing a future-minded approach.
Repurposing and Renting Outfits:
Many are choosing to wear family heirlooms like a mother’s wedding sari or a grandfather’s sherwani, updated with a modern twist. Rental platforms and vintage boutiques are also making it easier to be stylish and sustainable.
Eco-Friendly Decor:
Reusable decor is making a beautiful comeback. Flowing fabric drapes, brass lamps, clay pots, and local flowers that are later composted or made into incense and dyes are becoming popular choices.
Sustainable Food Choices:
Vegetarian and vegan menus are on the rise, not just for health and ethics but to lighten the carbon load. Thoughtfully curated menus mean less waste. Some families are donating surplus food to local charities, beautifully reviving the age-old value of daan, giving back.
At their heart, South Asian weddings are about love, unity, and gratitude.
Choosing to celebrate consciously does not mean losing our traditions. It means living them more deeply, guided by values like seva (selfless service), shukrana (gratitude), and daan (charitable giving).
In doing so, today’s couples are not just getting married. They are planting seeds for a future where love, community, and respect for the earth go hand in hand.
And honestly, what better blessing could there be for a new life together?
