An Ode to Love Indian Wedding in Dubai

"Surya" Inspired Mehendi

Held on 23 January 2025, this Mehendi celebration, at Raffles The Palm, Dubai, was inspired by the radiant energy of the sun, "Surya"—the eternal source of life, light, and vitality. Every element of the event was infused with this celestial inspiration, weaving its warmth and brilliance through the design, décor, and experiences.

A bold sunset-inspired palette set the tone, while immersive elements such as tarot reading, astrological henna artistry, and a botanical gin bar brought mystical charm and sensory delight.

Attended by 600 guests, the celebration radiated a sense of scale while retaining intimacy and magic. Headlined by Noor Chahal and DJ Zaar, the celebration radiated joy, creativity, and a spirit of cosmic wonder. The event beautifully reimagined tradition through the lens of modern storytelling and innovative design, creating an unforgettable experience that was both soulful and spectacular.

It was essential to infuse the event with engaging entertainment, aesthetic storytelling, and an inclusive atmosphere where guests could actively participate and feel part of the journey. The couple wanted the Mehendi to feel less like a typical pre-wedding function and more like a radiant, sun-kissed festival.

Drawing inspiration from "Surya"  the team of Fete Events conceptualized an immersive, boho-luxe daytime fete that radiated golden warmth, joy, and mystique. The creative direction channeled a mirage-like fantasy, soaked in hues of saffron, amber, coral, and dusk purples—evocative shades of a setting sun. Surreal walkabout entertainment brought the concept to life, with performers donning radiant sunburst headpieces to welcome the couple, symbolizing a grand solar arrival. The event featured thoughtfully curated experiential corners—tarot and coffee cup reading, an astrological henna station, and a botanical gin bar—seamlessly blending ancient rituals with modern indulgence. Every detail was crafted to reflect cosmic harmony, soulful celebration, and otherworldly beauty.

The transformation of the venue into a radiant solar oasis was brought to life through an imaginative and immersive design direction. The venue bloomed with warm-toned florals, textured linens, and reflective sun mirrors that captured the spirit of the setting sun. At the heart of the space stood a bespoke mehendi canopy, draped in layers of ombré fringes that shimmered in tones of yellows to corals. Surrounding this focal point, plush cream seating lounges were accentuated with sunset-hued cushions, offering guests a relaxed yet visually striking environment.

Every corner of the venue was styled to reflect the essence of cosmic harmony and boho-luxe elegance. Sunburst motifs adorned the dance floor, while custom installations played with light, shadow, and metallic elements to evoke the energy of Surya. Performers dressed in radiant solar-themed ensembles welcomed the couple with theatrical flair, creating a magical atmosphere of celestial celebration.

Adding to the immersive nature of the event were carefully curated experiential zones. A tarot and coffee cup reading station, an astrological henna station, and a botanical gin bar offered guests unique, engaging moments rooted in mysticism and symbolism. Each activation was led by skilled professionals who delivered personalized experiences, creating meaningful one-on-one interactions and a deeper connection to the event’s theme. The gin bar served custom herb-infused cocktails, subtly nodding to the fusion of indulgence and natural beauty.

The energy of the celebration evolved seamlessly through the day, guided by a carefully crafted musical journey. Noor Chahal set the tone with soulful live vocals, while DJ Zaar carried the celebration into golden hour and beyond with vibrant, high-energy sets. The sound, lighting, and spatial design worked in harmony to create a fluid guest journey—from serene rituals beneath the sun to spirited dancing under the soft glow of twilight.

The event achieved exactly what it set out to do - create an unforgettable, immersive Mehendi experience that felt like a daydream. Guests were blown away by the attention to detail, from the mystic sun-themed decor to the personalized engagement zones. The event stood out as a unique, non-traditional Mehendi and became the most talked-about celebration in the entire wedding itinerary.

The event’s concept and execution have since been widely appreciated on social media, generating organic reach and engagement with several guests. The blend of storytelling, design, and emotional engagement exemplifies our signature approach to experiential weddings. 

A Twilight Union Reception

Set beneath the Burj Khalifa on 25 January 2025, during a rare planetary alignment, Nikita and Sachin’s wedding reception took place.

"Celestial Symphony: A Twilight Union" was envisioned as a celestial finale blending cosmic mystique with immersive luxury. The event, designed for 600 guests, centered on emotional storytelling and multi-sensory engagement.

A moon-inspired stage, constellation-printed dance floor, and orbit-inspired bar canopy anchored the visual design, while custom lighting and celestial performers brought the theme to life.

Guests explored an astrological perfume bar and enjoyed global cuisine, choreographed speeches, and captivating performances by Love Band, DJ Khushi. Every detail—from flow management to guest experiences—was carefully orchestrated to reflect the couple’s vision of a starlit celebration that was both grand in scale and deeply personal in tone.

Nikita and Sachin envisioned their Dubai wedding reception as an unforgettable, celestial-inspired experience—set apart from tradition and rooted in symbolism, intimacy, and spectacle. Timed with a rare planetary alignment, their vision was to host a celebration that mirrored the vastness of the cosmos while honoring the personal depth of their bond. The iconic Armani Hotel, set beneath the Burj Khalifa, was chosen to reflect grandeur and modern elegance.

Their brief emphasized storytelling through elegant, immersive design; curated entertainment; multi-sensory engagement; and personalized touches that left guests in awe. From a constellation-themed atmosphere to bespoke keepsakes and a perfume bar aligned with the stars, they sought to create their universe for one magical night, where love, light, and wonder aligned perfectly.

To bring their wedding journey to a crescendo, the team of Fete Events proposed a bold, creative pivot: a celestial-themed reception that would feel transportive, theatrical, and emotionally immersive. Drawing inspiration from the rare planetary alignment, the concept centered on crafting a dreamlike “celestial theatre” beneath the Burj Khalifa, where symbolism met sophistication.

The design was guided by movement and energy: a crescent stage with orbiting rings conveyed unity in motion; a galactic lightscape enveloped guests in astral tones; and the constellation dance floor set the stage for cosmic celebration. Interactive elements such as the zodiac-themed perfume bar, astrology hostesses, and choreographed toasts added an unexpected dimension. This final act was imagined not as a close, but as a cosmic takeoff—a moment of wonder, designed to reflect the boundless potential of the couple’s new chapter.

Nikita and Sachin’s reception was the grand crescendo of their wedding journey, set beneath the open skies at the Armani Pavilion on 25 January, during a rare planetary parade. Symbolic and deeply personal, the date reflected their love story: from zodiac signs aligning in the cosmos to cherished evenings under the Burj Khalifa, now the towering witness to their celebration.

Guests arrived from three different hotels, moving through city traffic to reach the Pavilion. The open-air setting presented added challenges—from lighting and sound calibration to structural build-outs and weather contingencies. Yet the arrival experience unfolded seamlessly, with ambient lighting, musical cues, and intuitive guest flow guiding attendees into a dreamlike atmosphere.

The transformation of the Armani Pavilion had to be achieved in just 24 hours—a technical and creative feat that required pre-fabrication, rigorous planning, and flawless execution. At its heart stood a glowing moon-shaped stage surrounded by orbit rings, symbolizing eternal motion and unity. Over the central bar, a suspended ceiling installation was engineered using layered translucent acrylic panels mounted on trussing beams, illuminated with soft LED lighting to replicate moonlight breaking through the sky. The constellation-printed dance floor below mirrored the planetary alignment of that very night, turning the space into a galaxy beneath their feet.

Interactive guest experiences elevated the evening: a custom zodiac perfume bar offering personalized fragrances curated by master perfumers, and an LED cosmic photo booth where guests appeared suspended in space.

The couple’s theatrical entrance, flanked by couture-clad cosmic performers, set the tone for a night of high emotion and celebration. Love Band brought soul and warmth, while DJ Khushi’s late-night set lifted the energy into a final wave of euphoria. Projection mapping and synchronized lighting mimicked planetary motion, making the open-air venue pulse with celestial rhythm.

Every element from design to storytelling, logistics, and experience, came together in perfect alignment, delivering a night that was not just a reception, but a universe handcrafted for love.

The event received overwhelming appreciation from the couple and their guests, many of whom shared that it was unlike any wedding reception they had ever attended. The theme struck a deep chord, as attendees found themselves immersed in a visually stunning and emotionally captivating environment. One of the standout features, the astrological perfume bar, became a focal point of the evening, drawing long queues and sparking lively, personalized interactions throughout the night. The dynamic photo booth also saw continuous activity, with guests eagerly capturing their "cosmic moments" as keepsakes to take home.

The couple was deeply moved by the execution, expressing heartfelt gratitude for bringing their vision to life in such a powerful and poetic way. The design and storytelling were praised not only for their visual beauty but for the seamless harmony they brought to the occasion, celebrating love, destiny, and the stars all under one celestial roof.

Scarlet Skies: A Tale of Two Stars

"Scarlet Skies: A Tale of Two Stars" was envisioned to craft a soul-stirring, emotionally immersive celebration rooted in personal symbolism and cosmic energy. Held on 24 January 2025,  under the open sky, the wedding featured a mandap that honored the bride’s spiritual beliefs in astrology.

A curved aisle—etched with the couple’s favorite poem—welcomed their sacred journey, led by their beloved dogs. Attended by 600 guests, the celebration was both expansive and intimate, weaving deep emotion into every moment. Every element was intentionally curated from live phera painting and printed mantras for guests to bells that rang out with each vow. The celebration blended modern experiential design with heartfelt traditions, with Tejas & Mitali providing a divine musical ambience and artists like Kailash Kher and DJ Stef curating a transcendent post-ceremony soundscape.

Nikita and Sachin envisioned a wedding ceremony that was deeply personal, spiritual, and far from conventional. They wanted a celebration that reflected their love for poetry, the cosmos, and their furry companions. Nikita, a believer in astrology and cosmic alignments, specifically requested a mandap that was open to the sky to embrace celestial energies. The couple wished for an experience where every guest felt connected, not just as witnesses, but as participants in their journey. They desired thoughtful symbolism, live art, and emotionally resonant musical storytelling to shape their union, seeking a balance between elegance and intimacy in a luxurious outdoor setting.

The idea was to design a poetic narrative through spatial and sensory elements. The curved aisle symbolized the flowing path of life and love, adorned with the couple’s favorite poem. Shades of red—scarlet, crimson, and ruby—were paired with mirror elements to create visual richness and reflect the fiery energy of love and the cosmos. The mandap was open to the sky, anchoring the spiritual ethos. We integrated live performance art—a painter capturing the phera moments in real time—and included the couple’s dogs as aisle companions, infusing emotional depth. Guests were engaged through mantra cards, ringing bells, and a wishing board, making the experience collective and memorable.

The decor for "Scarlet Skies: A Tale of Two Stars" was a poetic manifestation of Nikita and Sachin’s love for the cosmos, spirituality, and personal symbolism. Set on the serene beachfront lawns of Raffles The Palm, Dubai, the design language was rooted in celestial elegance and emotional storytelling. At the heart stood a mandap crafted with an open-air frame, purposefully designed to allow a direct view of the sky and align with planetary energies. Cascading florals in bold hues of scarlet, crimson, and deep wine formed a halo of passion and warmth, contrasted with mirror-finish columns that reflected natural light and added a glimmering, surreal quality as the sun began to set.

A curved mirror aisle, symbolic of the couple’s journey together, was custom-built and featured calligraphy featuring their favorite love poem. Lined with soft candlelight and floral accents, it created a serene, almost dreamlike path to the mandap. At the entrance, a 360-degree photo booth with a mirror platform created an immersive welcome moment, complete with the couple’s custom hashtag #NIKISACH prominently displayed—an experiential touchpoint that merged modern interactivity with the event’s celestial theme.

The decor fused emotional storytelling with design moments. Bells placed on each seat allowed guests to chime in celebration after every vow, while mantra cards printed on parchment-toned paper explained each ritual. A heart-shaped sign with a love lock served as a modern-day wish tree, where guests wrote blessings.

The floral language was lush yet refined—roses, dahlias, carnations, and amaranthus cascaded from the mandap and aisle ends. Lighting was kept warm and ambient, enhancing the emotional undertone of the evening. The atmosphere was further elevated by soul-stirring live music by Tejas & Mitali, whose flute chants and vocals created a divine soundscape during the ceremony. Kailash Kher’s powerful performance added a spiritual intensity, while DJ STEF’s curated beats transitioned the mood into a post-ceremony celebration, blending sacred serenity with high-energy joy. Every element—from the personalized signage to the poetic aisle and immersive soundscape—was curated to create a space that felt sacred, intimate, and deeply reflective of the couple’s story.

The event was a visual and emotional triumph. Guests were moved by the personal touches, from understanding the significance of the rituals through printed mantras, to cheering with bells during vows, and watching the couple’s love story unfold in real time through art and soulful music by Kailash Kher, which brought a spiritual yet electric energy to the celebration. His powerful voice and iconic tracks resonated across generations, moving not just the elders emotionally, but getting the younger crowd grooving to every beat. The unique blend of tradition, cosmic symbolism, and modern storytelling created a deeply memorable experience not just for the couple but for everyone present.

The couple’s vision was brought to life beyond expectations. The emotional resonance, visual impact, and poetic narrative were widely appreciated, with guests calling it "the most heartfelt wedding they had ever witnessed." The execution honored sentiment while pushing creative boundaries, making “Scarlet Skies” a celebration truly worthy of recognition.

In the bride’s words: "Thank you so, so much for everything, it means the world. The best flowers I’ve ever seen, I’m in awe! All the guests loved every moment, and the personal touches meant everything to us. Thank you for the amazing décor, and to the team for the incredible hospitality and for keeping everything in check. We’d love to take you all out and celebrate!”