Marriage and 'return-gifts'

Even the most meager of man spares no expenses for a wedding so when expenses could be unlimited and budget is not a problem, extravagance being the key; the answer lies in lavish weddings, even more lavish decorations, lip smacking mounds of exotic food and luxurious takeaway gifts. Luxury goods makers are cashing in on the bigger, fatter Indian wedding, offering custom made matches to hosts who don’t mind splurging for their guests.

Unlike the assumption, the tradition of elaborate trousseaus and gifting is still on in full force.  Be it scarves and ties worth Rs.25,000 for friends, liquor with personalized bottles, food hampers from Harrods, porcelain figures by Lladro are just amongst the few things taken away by lucky guests, given by generous hosts across the country in various pre-wedding and post-wedding celebrations. There is no surprise indeed that designers and brands well known across the world are setting up shops in India, going the extra mile catering to their Indian clients.

According to a recent Yes Bank report, India’s luxury market would reach $14.73 by 2015 from an estimated $8.21 billion this year, in 2012-13. Going by today’s trends and India’s evergreen wedding and gifting industry, the reports don’t seem too far-fetched.