Local Flavor, Global Impact: Ekta Saigal Lulla’s Strategies for Authentic Wedding Experiences

by  Komal Darji Weddings | September 9, 2024 | Interview

Ekta Saigal Lulla Wedding by ESL ESL Events

Ekta Saigal Lulla’s career journey is a remarkable example of successful reinvention. After a distinguished 11 years in luxury hospitality with The Leela and Marriott, Ekta ventured into event management in 2010, founding Weddings by ESL & ESL Events in 2011. Her inaugural project—a grand 12-day wedding across Mumbai’s premier luxury hotels—set the stage for a flourishing career. Initially catering to high-profile Mumbai clients, her company quickly expanded its influence both across India and internationally. With a notable partnership with Aamby Valley for eight years, Weddings by ESL & ESL Events has built a reputation for crafting personalized and memorable weddings. Under Ekta’s leadership, the company excels in merging creativity with cultural traditions, ensuring every event is executed with precision and care.

In an exclusive interview with EVENTFAQS Media, Ekta Saigal Lulla reveals how Weddings by ESL & ESL Events integrates unique cultural elements into its wedding designs. She provides an example of a destination wedding where local traditions played a key role in shaping the event. Ekta discusses the challenges of incorporating local cultures, her strategies for ensuring authenticity, and how she collaborates with local vendors. She also shares insights into how clients and guests respond to these culturally infused weddings and the positive feedback she has received.

How do you integrate the unique cultural elements of each destination into the wedding designs and ceremonies that Weddings by ESL & ESL Events create?

At Weddings by ESL & ESL Events, we transcend the conventional notion of weddings, reimagining them as immersive journeys that encapsulate the soul of each destination. We are more than event planners; we are curators of unforgettable experiences. Our meticulous research and deep-rooted understanding of diverse cultures allow us to seamlessly integrate local elements, creating a symphony of sights, sounds, and tastes that resonate with the soul. We believe that weddings should be more than just celebrations; they should be immersive journeys that leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all who attend.

This approach was inspired by our experiences in Rajasthan. Each city, a unique gem, exuded its own distinct charm, so why not extend this cultural immersion concept to all our weddings, both domestic and international. Having studied tourism, I deeply understand the transformative power of culture and its ability to elevate any experience. Hence, we make it a point to weave local elements into every aspect of the celebration.

At a recent Rajasthan wedding, we paid homage to the region's iconic miniature art paintings, a legacy dating back to the 16th to 19th centuries. The event was a sensory delight, captivating guests with a mesmerizing performance of Chari, the traditional live fire dances. Local women skillfully cooked an authentic Rajasthani feast on a chulha, adding a touch of rustic charm. To further immerse guests in the local culture, we invited dari makers from the nearby area to weave carpets right at the venue.

One of our Udaipur weddings, was not only a breathtaking celebration of love but also a showcase of India's talent and creativity. The event was proudly featured in PM Modi's "Make in India" campaign, highlighting the country's ability to host world-class events with a focus on sustainability and local craftsmanship

Can you share an example of a destination wedding where local traditions and customs significantly influenced the overall theme and execution of the event?

One of our most cherished wedding experiences unfolded in the picturesque city of Dehradun, where we had the privilege of immersing our clients in the heart and soul of local culture. Initially envisioned as a Western-style farmers market, we proposed a Pahadi-themed event, a decision that would ultimately transform the celebration into a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.

The result was a vibrant Pahadi market, a celebration that captured the essence of Dehradun. From the vibrant buransh welcome drink to the delectable bhang-infused delicacies, every aspect of the event was rooted in local traditions. By partnering with local vendors, we ensured that the market showcased the freshest, seasonal produce and artisanal products, offering guests a truly authentic experience.

To enhance the cultural immersion, we incorporated thoughtful details such as wooden toys as table toppers and beautifully carved wooden giveaways featuring the sacred nandis. Additionally, we offered locally made jars of honey and jams, showcasing the region's natural bounty. These unique touches added a personal and meaningful dimension to the celebration, leaving a lasting impression on the guests.

What are some challenges you face when incorporating local cultures into wedding planning, and how do you overcome them to ensure authenticity and respect?

One of the greatest challenges we face is overcoming clients' preconceived notions about their weddings. It can sometimes lead to resistance towards embracing local traditions that deviate from their expectations. For instance, one client belonging to the North Indian community initially expressed reservations about serving a traditional South Indian saddhya lunch, fearing that their guests might not appreciate it.

To ensure that our weddings are authentic reflections of local culture, we prioritize working with local vendors and artists. Additionally, we maintain a strict focus on thematic consistency, avoiding Western influences that could dilute the authenticity of the experience. 

A prime example of our commitment to cultural authenticity is a Rishikesh-Haridwar themed wedding we executed where the Ganga Aarti was one of the highlights. Throughout the event, we treated the sacred Ganga jal and the Bhagavad Gita with the utmost reverence. To maintain the spiritual essence of the event, we strictly avoided serving alcohol and non-vegetarian food. Renowned pandits were flown from Benares to perform the rituals and a pandit from Kamakhya Puri temple was specially invited to distribute the rudraksha, adding an air of sacredness and authenticity to the celebration.

How do you collaborate with local vendors and artisans to ensure that the cultural aspects of the wedding are both authentic and seamlessly integrated?

Our team is dedicated to delivering an authentic cultural experience for every event. We meticulously explore local areas, unearthing hidden gems that reflect the region's unique cultural tapestry. To ensure that each event truly embodies the local essence, we invite local vendors and artisans to participate, incorporating their work and traditions into the celebration.

Our commitment to cultural authenticity extends beyond mere decoration; it's a philosophy that permeates every aspect of our work. By supporting local businesses and artisans, we contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and create a lasting legacy that benefits both our clients and the communities we serve.

In your experience, how do guests and clients respond to the incorporation of local culture into the wedding, and what feedback have you received that highlights the impact of this approach?

While there are some clients who prefer to incorporate Western themes and influences into their celebrations, we have witnessed a growing trend among younger couples, especially those who have spent time away from India, to embrace traditional Indian themes. These couples are eager to connect with their roots and create weddings that are both authentic and meaningful.

Our approach is to offer a variety of options, catering to different preferences and tastes. Whether clients desire a traditional Indian wedding or a fusion celebration that blends Western and Eastern elements, we are committed to providing them with an unforgettable experience that reflects their unique vision and cultural preferences.

We go beyond mere decorations, weaving cultural elements into the fabric of the event providing detailed descriptions and explanations about the nuances. Incorporating this information into the event's storytelling not only enhances the overall experience for the couple but also fosters a sense of cultural appreciation among the guests, thereby creating a deeper connection to the wedding.