A reflection on changing celebrity wedding trends | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

The wedding of Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala was among the most anticipated events of 2024. However, the couple chose to keep their special day private, holding an intimate ceremony at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. The event was devoid of media spectacle, limited to close family and friends, and conducted behind closed doors, a decision that resonated with the longstanding tradition in Indian cinema.
For decades, many iconic celebrity couples, including Kajol and Ajay Devgn, Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, have opted for weddings that prioritize family bonds over public displays. These unions, though lavish and glamorous, have remained deeply personal, reflecting a value system where weddings are viewed as sacred, family-oriented occasions.
In recent years, however, there has been a noticeable shift in how celebrity weddings are conducted and presented. The growing trend of selling exclusive wedding moments to OTT platforms, magazines, and media outlets has introduced a commercial aspect to these events.
Take, for example, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, who celebrated their grand nuptials in Jodhpur. Their wedding photos were featured in People and Hello! magazines for a reported $2.5 million (₹18 crore). Similarly, Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan opted to stream their wedding on an OTT platform, making their intimate celebration accessible to millions of fans. In today’s feature, we are here to discuss, how weddings are commercialised these days and the trend.

When contacted Ramesh Bala, he shared his perspective on whether the trend is growing in South. He said, “Celebrities are very particular about like the whom they want in their ceremonies, They invite only those with whom they mingle and stuff. So, they’re just keeping it to very close with just friends and family. Yes, there are celebs like Nayanthara, Priyanka who made money out of their wedding but in Chai case, I think they are not selling any photos of their wedding. It is not a growing trend in South so far as only Nayanthara and Hansika Motwani did. We have to wait and see if anybody else goes the same way.”
For some celebrities, sharing their wedding moments serves multiple purposes. It strengthens their bond with fans, allowing them to feel included in a major life event. Additionally, lucrative deals with magazines, OTT platforms, and brands create opportunities for financial gains, often benefiting both the celebrities and their chosen collaborators.
Mudrika Dhoka, Co-Founder- Chapter Bespoke Experiences has a similar perspective of celebrity wedding being a great way of reaching to their fans. She said, “The recent trend of celebrities sharing their weddings on OTT platforms is a fascinating development. It allows fans a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur and intimacy of these high-profile events. By carefully curating the shared content, celebrities can strike a delicate balance between public interest and personal privacy. This approach ensures that fans can celebrate with the couple without compromising the sanctity of the occasion. Moreover, this trend can positively impact the global perception of Indian weddings. The allure of celebrity weddings, combined with the grandeur of our traditional ceremonies, can further bolster the “Wed in India” movement. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of Indian culture, we can attract more international couples to celebrate their love in our country, and promote, “COME, WED IN INDIA.”

Varun Gupta, Marketing team, Whiz agreed that making wedding commercialised is a trend. He said, “Yes, it is a trend. But it’s an absolutely personal choice on how one wants to showcase. If noticed, the reach on social media is big. Sidharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani put their images and they got millions of likes and shares. On the other hand, Ranveer Deepika or Nayanthara, they are private and chose a platform to put it out. Marriage is one of the most important occasions of anyone’s life, so I don’t see any harm in that. For some it is putting out and reaching to maximum people, for some celebs it may not just the reach but also getting money out of it. So it’s completely personal choice. Even a common man will put his pictures on social media and share it with friends but for celebrities it’s not the case. The trend is there for sure but it’s absolutely each one’s personal choice.”
Talking about brands and earnings, he further added, ” Usually, Netflix or Amazon, they bring the brand. So celebrities directly dont get the benefit. Celebs earn from what the portals give them. It is like making a film.”

On the other hand, some stars remain steadfast in preserving their privacy. Couples like Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala, who avoided media frenzy, remind us of the intrinsic value of celebrating life’s milestones in an intimate, personal setting.
The trend of monetizing weddings isn’t exclusive to Indian cinema. Several Hollywood celebrities too have their names in the list:
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin: The couple sold their wedding photos to People and Hello! magazines, donating the earnings to human rights charities, showcasing a balance between glamour and meaningful causes.Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Their secret 2014 wedding earned an estimated $20 million from exclusive photos, with proceeds going to charity, aligning with their philanthropic ethos.Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries: Despite their short-lived marriage, their $1.5 million wedding photo deal with People magazine highlighted the commercial potential of celebrity unions.

The commercialization of celebrity weddings reflects broader shifts in celebrity culture. In an era dominated by social media and instant connectivity, the demand for exclusive content has grown exponentially. Fans yearn for behind-the-scenes access to their favorite stars’ lives, while celebrities find innovative ways to leverage this attention.
However, this trend also brings challenges. The need for picture-perfect events can overshadow the emotional and spiritual essence of a wedding, reducing it to a curated spectacle.
The choice between a private celebration and a public spectacle ultimately lies with the individuals involved. While some stars continue to value traditional, intimate ceremonies, others embrace the opportunity to share their happiness with the world.