Creating wedding experiences: Priyanka Arora

Taking the challenge of involving herself in every aspect of the process, Hyderabad-based Priyanka Arora makes sure that every wedding that is planned by her brings a wow element to the couple and the family members. By getting attached emotionally to the family during the wedding time, she escalates herself and sets an example to be a perfect wedding planner. 

Excerpts: 

When did you start your career as a wedding planner?
In the year 2002, when I got married I saw my parents were involved in every aspec of the wedding. Years ago wedding resembled a joint effort by everyone of the two families. After that there came a time when everyone came as guest and the work load was on the immediate families. When you were having the main events the family was busy making arrangements. That’s when I decided that I will fill in the gap created and decided to be a wedding planner. In the first few years when I used to visit clients I would carry the CD of the movie ‘Wedding Planner’ along with me to explain to people about a wedding planner. We always kept limited clients because each wedding is a four month project and for executing it you have to become a family member.

What has been challenging part of your work?
My tagline says ‘We Work You Celebrate’ so if there is no challenge there is no wedding or celebration. We have to be a calmer person and if they get panicky I tell them not to worry since I am managing. In Indian culture weddings play a large role. You are playing with emotions, savings and hence it is a very responsible thing to do.

Which was the best wedding that you have done so far?
One wedding that really stayed with me was not for the dynamics but for the personal attention. In one wedding the father of the bride had been collecting everything about his daughter from the time she was conceived. He compiled a book about it, which was only about the father and the daughter. The father gifted it to the daughter, which was very touching. 

There was another wedding where the father who had a vacation home in Hyderabad wanted the wedding to happen there. It was where the daughter spent her childhood. It was a seven-day wedding The father wanted the house to be made up in a different theme everyday, but only after she sleeps. “When my daughter wakes up the house should look different and my daughter should not know what you all are doing,” he said. So, we waited for the bride to sleep and then got into the house and changed the house in three hours, which was fun. 

What is your secret to success?
If you have to be a successful planner you cannot do 50 per cent but give 100 percent. And also know how to de- stress yourself.