The third and final day of this unforgettable luxury Indian wedding unfolded at one of the UK’s most iconic royal landmarks: Hampton Court Palace.
On a clear sunny Sunday in October, the palace was fully privatised for Vidushi and Naman and their 500 international guests, a historic first for this type of Indian wedding within the palace grounds.
Having planned and designed the previous two days, from the dramatic Welcome Dinner to the high-energy Sangeet, we were now ready to deliver the heart of the celebration: the Baraat, Varmala and Mandap ceremony.
These sacred and joyous traditions anchor an Indian wedding, and our goal was to honour them with authenticity, opulence, and artistry.
The day began with the Baraat, the traditional groom’s entrance, set against the majestic landscape of Trophy Drive.
As the groom arrived in a vintage car surrounded by family, music, and vibrant dhol drummers, the energy was palpable.
The procession was alive with colour and sound, capturing the joyful essence of an Indian wedding.
Guests danced their way through the historic drive, celebrating the moment with elation and spirit.
The Baraat ended in Base Court, and all the Groom’s guests were greeted by the Bride’s family and guests in Clock Court, where the couple exchanged garlands in a touching Varmala ceremony.
This symbolic ritual where bride and groom present each other with floral malas, marked their mutual respect and readiness to enter into marriage.
The grandeur of the setting, combined with the tenderness of the moment, created a truly cinematic experience.
For the overall aesthetic, with the help of our colleagues at DNC (Devika Narain Co), we leaned into the idea of an English garden in bloom, translated through a palette of soft pinks, apricots, and fresh greens.
We wanted to create a sense of timeless romance that felt at home within the heritage setting of the palace.
This refined take on nature softened the architecture and brought an organic, uplifting feel to the day.
Every floral detail, from the entrance arches to the pathways and aisle runners, was curated to complement, never compete with, the palace’s grandeur.
The result was a sophisticated and serene visual experience, tying together tradition, luxury, and seasonal beauty.
In the East Front Gardens, we designed and installed a bespoke Mandap within a custom-built marquee structure.
This sacred space for the Hindu wedding ceremony was a true showstopper. With ceilings draped in silks, layered with soft-toned florals, and framed by a pair of bespoke metalwork trees and oversized tulle pink flowers.
It sat perfectly aligned with the historic grounds, providing guests with a clear view of the rituals while allowing the couple’s story to take centre stage.
This was the first time Hampton Court Palace had ever hosted an Indian wedding with this logistical flow, from Baraat to Varmala to Mandap, spread across multiple parts of the estate.
The bespoke marquee spun the whole central aisle of the East front gardens and was built above the fountain that was drained and scaffolded specially for us.
The choreography behind it was a true feat, managed seamlessly by our planning team in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces and an extraordinary network of suppliers.
As the couple sat beneath the Mandap, surrounded by their families and the sacred fire, the atmosphere shifted.
The energy that had been so celebratory and vibrant earlier now became reverent and intimate. Guests watched as the priest led the Hindu wedding ceremony with grace, guiding the couple through the saptapadi (seven steps) and final blessings.
It’s worth noting that this was not just a wedding, it was a union of cultures, generations, and global communities.
The bride and groom, both raised and educated in the West, brought a modern sensibility to their deeply traditional Indian ceremony. This elegant duality shaped every decision, from design to flow to guest experience.
After the Mandap ceremony concluded, guests were invited to enjoy a relaxed post-ceremony dinner, designed as a gentle nod to the English countryside.
The menu was as per the previous days, curated by Chef Ritu Dalmia, and brought together all of the couple’s favourite cuisines and even some pop-ups of their favourite chefs from across the world.
This was a valuable moment of calm before the grand Reception to follow. Guests were treated to a fun night of dancing by the amazing Twin Strings who were flown in from India especially for the occasion.
As I stood back watching it all unfold, I realised the significance of what we had created.
This wasn’t just an Indian wedding. It was a benchmark, both creatively and logistically for how such celebrations can be reimagined in the UK.
From the elaborate Baraat to the luxurious Mandap, every element was designed with cultural reverence and tailored sophistication.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. At La Fête, we’re not simply orchestrating weddings, we’re curating experiences alongside our suppliers, that live forever in the hearts of our couples and their guests.
This day was the perfect embodiment of that mission.
Vendor Credits:
Planning: La Fete A New Knot Naureen Khan Events
Design and Concept: Devika Narain & Company
Florals: Pinstripes & Peonies
F&B: Diva Caterings @ritudal
Photo & Video: Reels & Frames Muse Motion Pictures
Venue: Hampton Court Palace
Production: Wise Productions
Rentals: Raj Tent Club Options
Salon: Harrods Beauty
Couple @vidushibinani & @namanj95