Every couple has a vision for their wedding. Some dream of an all-white setup with delicate lilies and strings of fairy lights. Others might want a beach wedding with barefoot vows and crashing waves. But then, there are a few who toss tradition out the window and come up with requests so unexpected, they make planners raise an eyebrow. From neon dress codes to camel entrances, weddings can get delightfully weird. And sometimes, those quirks can be the most unforgettable part.
To understand how event planners navigate these requests, Bored Panda spoke with Raghubir Singh, a seasoned wedding planner with over two decades of experience. Singh is the founder of “BMP Weddings,” a luxury wedding planning service based in India. He’s handled everything from royal-themed palace weddings to intimate hilltop ceremonies. “Our goal is always to make the process stress-free for the couple,” he says. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few surprises along the way. Especially when families get involved.
“We want the couple to have everything they dream of, but there are moments when the family adds... layers,” Singh shared with a chuckle. “Like one time, an uncle insisted every centerpiece should have a framed photo of the family’s first pet parrot. Not the current pet, one that passed away in the '90s!” While honoring personal memories is important, Singh admits some requests really test the limits of creative design. “You learn to smile and figure out a solution.”
Food requests can be equally unusual. “Once a bride’s father asked for a custom dessert table featuring only triangle-shaped sweets,” Singh said. “Apparently, he believed they bring good luck. We had to shape everything, from cookies to laddoos, into triangles!” While it was a fun challenge for the catering team, it also raised questions about practicality. “At the end of the day, everyone just wants the food to taste good and make people happy.”
And then there’s the issue of guest numbers. “Too many people at once? It becomes a zoo,” Singh laughed. “We’ve had events where families insist on 700 guests but want it to feel intimate.”
It’s a planner’s nightmare trying to create cozy moments in a sea of people. Not to mention the logistics: food portions, parking, seating, it all spirals quickly. “We always advise setting realistic limits, but not everyone listens.”
Sometimes, saving money becomes the top priority. “One groom’s family asked us to reuse the mandap decorations from another wedding that happened the night before,” Singh recalled. “They even suggested we just turn the flowers around to hide any wilting.” Cost-cutting is understandable, especially for large weddings, but Singh says it can go too far. “We’re all for smart budgeting, but let’s not forget the occasion’s importance.”
He’s also seen clients try to substitute with cheap alternatives that clearly don’t hold up. “Using knockoff décor or low-quality lighting might save a few bucks,” Singh explained, “but the final look suffers.” In today’s world of viral photos and Insta-worthy backdrops, first impressions matter. “Plus, it’s not just the wedding on display, it’s our team’s reputation too.” Balancing quality and budget is a delicate dance they do every time.
“There’s a fine line between saving money and being tacky,” Singh said frankly. “People sometimes forget that guests remember more than just the food. The vibe, the coordination, the comfort, it all matters.” According to him, weddings should feel like thoughtful celebrations, not chaotic productions. “Even simple weddings can feel elegant when done with care and planning.” It's not about spending more; it’s about spending smart.
One easy fix he always recommends is trimming the guest list. “It’s the simplest way to cut costs without cutting quality,” Singh shared. Fewer guests means better food, more meaningful moments, and a calmer schedule. He’s even seen couples thank him later for suggesting this. “They say it let them enjoy their own wedding for once, which is honestly rare!” A more intimate crowd often leads to a more memorable event.
