Inside Castles & Coasters: Namha Malhotra’s Vision for the Future of Wedding Planning

by  Komal Darji Weddings | November 7, 2024 | News

Namha Malhotra Castles and Coasters

Namha Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Castles & Coasters, approaches wedding planning with a focus on personalization, sustainability, and thoughtful organization. With over 14 years of experience, Namha ensures that each event reflects the couple's values and vision. Her 'ABCDE' model—Avoid assumptions, Believe in the process, Commit to organization, Delegate, and Embrace change—help couples enjoy a seamless journey to their special day. Through her work, Namha is helping shape a new approach to weddings that honors tradition while evolving to include sustainable practices and a more collaborative, inclusive spirit.

In an interview with EVENTFAQS Media, Namha Malhotra, CEO of Castles and Coasters, shares her vision for growth, unique planning approach, and insights on overcoming challenges. She highlights key trends shaping weddings today and emphasizes the importance of communication in creating personalized, memorable experiences for each couple.

What inspired you to start Castles and Coasters, and how do you envision your company evolving in the next five years?

I believe my unique approach to wedding planning centres on creating deeply personalised experiences that celebrate each couple’s story, values, and vision. I view wedding planning not just as a logistics process but as a creative partnership where I help couples craft a day that’s as unique as they are. By blending creativity, sustainability, and a highly personalised approach, I create weddings that not only look beautiful but feel meaningful and reflective of the couple’s unique love and vision for the future.

What unique approach or philosophy do you bring to your planning process that sets you apart from competitors?

What sets me apart in my planning process is my emphasis on *holistic personalization*, which goes beyond just logistics or aesthetics. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that every event—whether it’s a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate gathering—should be an extension of the people involved, their stories, and their values,  By weaving all of these elements together, I create events that are not only well-executed but deeply meaningful and truly unforgettable. The combination of creativity, personal connection, sustainability, and emotional engagement is what I believe makes my approach stand out in a crowded field.

What have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced as a wedding planner, and how have you navigated those obstacles to achieve success?

As a wedding planner, I've certainly faced a number of challenges, but each one has been an opportunity to grow and refine my approach. Here are some of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered

1.Unrealistic Expectations vs. Budget Constraints

2.Vendor Reliability and Coordination

3.Family Dynamics and Expectations

4.Last-Minute Changes or Emergencies

5.Burnout and Balancing Multiple Events

6.Client Communication and Managing Expectations

Every one of these challenges has been a learning experience that has helped me refine my approach to wedding planning. Through open communication, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering focus on the couple’s happiness, I’ve been able to turn obstacles into opportunities and provide couples with beautiful, stress-free weddings.

With the wedding industry continually evolving, what current trends or innovations do you believe are shaping the future of wedding planning, and how is your company adapting to these changes?

The wedding industry is certainly evolving rapidly, influenced by changing social norms, technological advancements, and shifting values around sustainability, personalization, and experience-driven events. I believe that several key trends and innovations are shaping the future of wedding planning, and I’ve made it a priority to adapt my approach to stay ahead of the curve. By staying attuned to these trends and innovations, I ensure that my wedding planning process is always fresh, creative, and relevant. Whether it’s through embracing new technology, committing to sustainability, or offering unique and personalized experiences, I’m focused on ensuring that each couple’s wedding is a reflection of their personality and a celebration of the future they are embarking on together.

How do you ensure a personalized and memorable experience for each couple you work with, and what role does communication play in that process? 

The key to a personalized and memorable wedding experience is a strong foundation of communication and a genuine commitment to understanding and reflecting the couple’s unique story and values. By staying deeply connected with my clients throughout the process—listening carefully, offering guidance, and adapting to their needs—I create a wedding that is a true reflection of who they are, ensuring that it’s not just a beautiful day, but a deeply meaningful one that resonates for years to come. Communication, to me, is not just about logistics; it’s about building a relationship of trust, creativity, and care.