Virtual Wedding – A Myth; Virtual Meet ups is the New Reality

Leading matchmaking portal, Jeevansathi.com conducted a survey to study the changing dynamics of virtual weddings and meetings in the post-pandemic world amongst males & females across metros & non-metros cities

National. Virtual weddings, wherein the entire function right from Sangeet, Mehendi, and even the puja is performed at home and pundit and guests participate via video conferencing, gained the spotlight as soon as the lockdown was announced. A recent survey by Jeevansathi.com, a leading matrimony site, highlights that virtual weddings are only a fad as Indians move towards easing of wedding regulations.

The survey indicated that 89% of prospects are not in the support of streaming their wedding affair virtually. Common sentiment floats nationwide amongst young Indians that they still prefer the conventional way of tying the knot with limited guests during the pandemic. Therefore, validating the fact that Indian weddings still haven’t lost their sheen to an online affair.

The majority of Indians (58%) are likely to opt for small weddings with 50 guests followed by (21%) who may choose to postpone their wedding until situations normalize. Among the rest, going completely virtual and organising a big fat Indian wedding with safety measures has an equal share of voice.

Changing priorities
The pandemic has impacted young Indians’ priorities when it comes to organising an Indian wedding. The changing times has led to a shift from long guest lists, food, decorations, dress, and other bling to safety and sanitization. 52% of the respondents opted for proper sanitization as a priority, followed by attendance of loved ones (18%) and memorable photographs (11%).

The larger than life fairy-tale wedding has gone down the list. The survey showcased gender perspectives as well where women (71%) are more serious about safety protocols when compared to men (51%). Moreover, a substantial number of respondents (82%) confirmed that trimmed guest-lists and weddings at home are undoubtedly cost-effective.

Virtual meeting over virtual wedding
The age of social distancing has led to more and more Indians to come forward and communicate with prospects over virtual coffee dates. The survey showcased a growing affinity towards virtual meetings amongst men & women to search for their life partners. Overall, three-fourths of the respondents agreed that virtual meetings can replace the physical meeting for knowing each other.

However, the ruling sentiment remains that at least one physical meeting is important to finalize the wedding decision. 44% of respondents confirmed that in-person meetings are important before the final stage. However, 32% of prospects are comfortable saying yes for marriage on the basis of virtual meetings.

Under the gender lens, Indian males were more comfortable to decide their life partner over virtual meetings than females. Indian females expressed that physical meeting is a must before saying yes to the proposal.

Rohan Mathur, Business Head at Jeevansathi.com, said, “Virtual weddings are still a distant reality for Indian weddings. Even prospects who are meeting virtually via video calls to decide their life partner prefer an in-person meeting before taking the final decision. It’s encouraging to see how video calling feature is replacing the initial stages of physical meet-ups organized between the prospects and families.”

Family meet-ups take a digital makeover
The pandemic has revolutionized the way families meet. A majority of respondents (40%) confirmed that the first few meetings with the families have shifted virtually but physical meet-ups are still required before the big decision. The other (31%) are not at all comfortable in meeting the family virtually followed by (29%) who think virtual meetings are at par with physical family meetings. Additionally, the survey revealed an interesting insight where Indian males were more acceptable to families meeting virtually that Indian females.

Furthermore, 56% of respondents confirmed that they would like to attend the wedding with all the safety measures and 44% would avoid weddings if it is not someone very close.