Question 1- What inspired you to start “The Wedding Podcast”? Was there a specific reason or moment that sparked the idea?
Answer: The inspiration behind ‘The Wedding Podcast’ stemmed from my passion for sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years in the wedding industry. Initially, I considered writing a book, but with my hectic schedule, a podcast felt like a more immediate and accessible way to connect with a larger audience. Through the podcast, I can offer listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of wedding planning, sharing valuable tips, insights, and stories. Each episode is thoughtfully curated to cover various aspects of the wedding ecosystem, from decor and photography to beauty and logistics, with expert guests providing diverse perspectives. Listener feedback is integral, and I ensure that every episode is tailored to enrich the audience’s understanding of the intricate and exciting world of weddings.
Question 2- Aarti, you have extensive and broad experience in the hotel, travel, and events industries. Can you tell me what led you to switch from the travel industry to wedding and event planning?
Answer: My transition from the travel trade to wedding and event planning felt like a natural progression. We were already experienced in managing large-scale conferences and corporate events, so when a client approached us to organize his daughter’s wedding, it opened up an entirely new and exciting avenue for me. Coordinating the hospitality and logistics for that first wedding revealed the immense potential in the wedding space. Weddings demand the same meticulous attention to detail, coordination, and management of large groups that we had mastered in the corporate world. At the time, the wedding industry was still relatively unstructured, which sparked my interest in exploring its creative and production sides even further. This led to the establishment of a dedicated wedding division, and it quickly became clear that this was my true passion. Since then, curating unforgettable wedding experiences has become my calling, and I haven’t looked back.
Question 3- Your podcast, ‘The Wedding Podcast,’ celebrates weddings that are authentic and creative. What motivated you to create the podcast, and how do you choose the topics and guests for each episode?
Answer: The inspiration for The Wedding Podcast came from my passion to share the knowledge and insights I’ve gained over years in the wedding industry. Initially, I considered writing a book, but with my packed schedule, a podcast seemed like the ideal platform to reach a wider audience quickly and more dynamically. It allows me to offer behind-the-scenes stories, practical tips, and explore the intricate details of wedding planning in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
When it comes to selecting topics and guests, I focus on creating a diverse range of conversations that cover the entire wedding ecosystem—everything from decor and photography to beauty and planning. My goal is for each episode to provide listeners with actionable takeaways, whether it’s budgeting advice, ideas for personalizing their celebration, or insights into the latest wedding trends. Listener feedback plays a huge role in shaping the podcast, and I always feature experts who bring fresh, valuable perspectives. For instance, we’ve had renowned wedding planner Vandana Mohan, fashion icon Sandeep Khosla, and event industry innovator Sabbas Joseph as guests, all of whom have set new standards in their respective fields. I’m always looking for professionals who are trendsetters and innovators, ensuring that each episode is filled with fresh, inspiring, and practical advice for listeners at different stages of wedding planning.
Question 4- Managing large-scale weddings with complicated arrangements can be difficult. Could you walk us through your strategy to ensuring that every detail, from décor to traditions, is consistent with the couple’s vision?
Answer: For me, wedding planning is a meticulous three-step process: planning, refining, and executing. The planning phase is where we lay the groundwork by fully understanding the couple’s vision, preferences, and traditions. This is when we make key decisions about the venue, decor, and overall theme. The refining stage is all about fine-tuning—ensuring that every element, from the decor to the rituals, is thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s personality and cultural heritage. Finally, during the execution phase, my team and I ensure seamless coordination—managing vendors, overseeing logistics, and making sure everything flows smoothly. It’s a collaborative journey with the couple, where every detail is tailored to create a wedding that feels truly personal and unique to them.
Question 5- Which episode has stood out to you the most so far? Is there one that revealed unexpected insights or had significant revelations?
Answer: The Insider Series segment from the podcast is something that has truly stood out, offering many insightful revelations from various guests. One episode that particularly resonated with me was the conversation with Sandeep Khosla. While he’s best known for his bridal couture, this episode went beyond just fashion. Sandeep shared the deep emotional significance behind designing a bride’s lehenga and a groom’s attire, discussing how each element—fabric, embroidery, and embellishments—holds cultural meaning and personal stories. It showcased how wedding attire becomes more than just aesthetics; it’s a symbol of the couple’s journey.
Another standout from this series was the episode with Keshav Arya, where we explored the trending topics of honeymoons, bachelor, and bachelorette parties. His insights into planning these events—from unique destinations to curating unforgettable experiences—offered a fresh perspective on how these pre- and post-wedding celebrations have evolved. These episodes highlighted how each aspect of the wedding journey can be as meaningful and memorable as the wedding day itself.
Question 6- Briefly describe your future plans?
Answer: Looking ahead to Season 2, we have some absolutely thrilling features in store that will take The Wedding Podcast to the next level! We’re introducing interactive elements that will engage our listeners like never before, making the podcast a go-to guide for couples navigating their wedding journey. We’ll dive deep into common challenges—from managing stress to balancing budgets—and offer fresh, creative solutions that can transform their special day into something unforgettable.
Without giving too much away, expect expert insights on everything from choosing the perfect venue to personalized design tips and advice on working with top-tier vendors. The goal is to create an inclusive, supportive space where every couple, no matter their background or budget, can find inspiration and practical advice to plan the wedding of their dreams. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more helpful than ever!
