Birju C. Gariba: In 2026, weddings put authenticity first, trading predictable spectacle for personalised, immersive celebration
Birju C. Gariba is the Founder and CEO of Iskra Events & Celebrations, a Mumbai-based experiential events company recognised across India’s luxury wedding and global corporate events space. With over two decades in event management, destination weddings, and large-scale live productions, he is known for pairing meticulous logistics with high-concept storytelling, shaping each celebration as a curated memory to be recalled for ages.
Named for the Russian word meaning “spark” or “sparkle,” Iskra positions itself as the creative catalyst that elevates everything from intimate destination weddings to multinational galas into immersive, visually rich, emotionally resonant experiences.
Birju C. Gariba shares his take on the 2026 wedding trends he sees shaping the next wave of celebrations.
The wedding buzz for 2026: Authenticity Wins
“For 2026, authenticity is the new wedding buzz. I’m seeing couples shed the same old playbook and choose celebrations that feel more personalised, curated, and immersive. They’re looking for places that speak to them culturally, and they want a showstopper moment that becomes the highlight of all functions and is talked about long after. It’s not that couples want less impact, they simply want impact with a point of view.
Weddings had been shrinking, but larger numbers are back on the table as more hotels expand their portfolios and add more rooms within their premises. The direction is clear: scale can return, but it needs to be earned through meaning and experience.
Aesthetics with heartbeat: Inclusive Storytelling
“Authenticity has also become the new wedding currency. At every stage, I’m seeing couples want the celebration to feel inclusive, not limited to immediate family, but extending to the entire circle that matters to them. Many are moving away from outdated, OTT wedding entries, replacing them with inclusive ideas that involve close ones in the moment, so the entry becomes a shared memory rather than a solo performance.
Storytelling is no longer reserved for the sangeet. Couples want it threaded through the themes, food, design cues, and every medium available. At Iskra, we make sure each couple’s story is presented uniquely, so the wedding feels authored rather than assembled, and every segment carries continuity.
Palettes on the plate: Tradition Served
“Heirloom cuisines are finding their way into weddings, with family specialities and the flavours of meaningful places being woven into menus in the most authentic way possible. Menus are becoming elaborate and thematic, yet not overly diverse, so guests aren’t confused by too much variety. The focus is moving toward clarity, a few strong ideas executed exceptionally well.
Elevated bartending and couple-recommended signature cocktails are featuring more often. Bartenders design entirely new cocktails based on the couple’s taste preferences, giving guests a “taste through the eyes” of the host families and the couple. A newer request emerging is long-table sit-down dining, when the format suits the celebration, bringing intimacy and conversation even within a large gathering.
The standout symphony: Cultural Fusion
“One wedding that stood out for me was a true cross-cultural merge: an Indian Punjabi family with the bride settled in the US, and a Jewish groom. The intention was to bring out the best of both worlds while creating a memorable experience for mostly visiting guests.
We hosted events that showcased Indian festivals for international guests, beginning with a vibrant Holi celebration and culminating in pheras at City Palace, alongside a full Jewish ceremony with the Rabbi blessing the couple. It was unique to witness how these two worlds crossed, and how, in many ways, they were almost similar in the emotions they carried and the way families gathered around the couple. The takeaway for me was that when culture is handled with respect and detail, fusion doesn’t feel like a compromise, it feels like a richer story.
Threads that tell stories: Legacy Dressing
“Bridal attire is becoming more narrative-driven. I’m seeing brides repurpose their mother’s wedding outfit into something modern, carrying blessings forward while making it their own. Jewellery is being repurposed as well, along with special accessories gifted by grandparents that travel through lineages and across functions, turning style into inheritance.
Recycled materials and unique message boards are also featuring in these narratives, with creativity taking centre stage over “safe” and same old choices. The most memorable looks are the ones that carry meaning, not only shine.
The planner’s personal imprint: Structured Calm
“As a company, we’ve established ourselves as all-rounders who offer complete solutions in a structured, process-driven format. I’ve noticed younger couples are more active in planning than before and prefer a structured approach over an ad hoc one, with clarity on flow, roles, and deliverables. Our philosophy borrows its simplicity and clarity from Mastercard: “Bring us the couple, and for everything else, it’s Iskra.
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