Indian Event Decor Is Changing, And It’s No Longer About Going Bigger

Planning an event is often filled with excitement, along with the unspoken pressure of creating an exemplary setup. While being an event organiser comes with immense joy, being on the other side can often be tiresome and nerve-racking—meeting client expectations and, more importantly, delivering beyond your promises. At its core, event design is about creating a feeling the moment guests walk in—something warm, personal, and quietly unforgettable. For Vrinda Bagadia, Founder of The DECOR ALCHEMY, event design is exactly that: an exercise in emotion as much as aesthetics.

Her journey into the world of event décor didn’t begin with a fixed plan, but with a love for creativity and experiences that never feel repetitive. She often says she was drawn to event design because it keeps her “on her toes”—every celebration comes with a new brief, a new energy, and a new challenge. That constant evolution is what led her to build The DECOR ALCHEMY. “At The DECOR ALCHEMY, our signature style is all about creating warmth. Whether it’s through florals, lighting, or the smallest details, we want people to walk into an event and instantly feel the emotion and atmosphere we’ve built,” shares the young founder.

Much like everything else, the world of event design is constantly evolving. One moment it’s all about minimalism and pastel hues; the next, bold graphics and statement motifs are making a strong comeback. However, every story begins with the right setting. When approaching a new project, Vrinda is clear that the venue always comes first. “For me, the venue is key. The space sets the foundation for everything else—the mood, the theme, the décor. Everything needs to complement the venue,” she explains.

With personalisation and sustainability becoming non-negotiables in today’s world, Vrinda is acutely aware that each project must thoughtfully address both. Imagine stepping into a wedding with personalised name cards, custom glassware, and bespoke details, versus a generic layout—you’re naturally drawn to the former. Why? Because it makes you feel special. “Personalisation is woven into everything we do because every client has a unique story, and it’s important to bring that out through the design,” she says.

Of course, no modern conversation around events is complete without mentioning Pinterest and Instagram. Vrinda views these platforms not as creative constraints, but as useful starting points. “We welcome client mood boards because they give us insight into their taste and vision. Our role is to take that inspiration and adapt them thoughtfully to the venue, budget, and overall experience—so the event feels authentic to them, not just a replica of a trend,” adds the founder.

If there’s one direction she hopes the industry moves towards, it’s mindful celebrations. “It’s about being thoughtful with resources while still delivering beauty. I’d love to see a shift towards celebrations where we cut down on unnecessary wastage of food, money, and resources, just for the sake of grandeur,” she says. Instead, Vrinda suggests focusing on décor details that truly matter to the people involved and help tell their story. For outdoor events, she believes biophilic design should take centre stage. “There’s nothing more beautiful and grounding than working with natural elements and allowing nature itself to elevate the experience.”

Decor Trends

As January sets in, India ushers in the second wave of heavy shaadis and wedding celebrations. Vrinda notes that when it comes to wedding décor trends, couples today are leaning heavily towards personalisation—whether it’s their lehengas, choodas, or even event merchandise. “Instead of going bigger, many couples are choosing smaller, more intimate gatherings where every detail reflects their story. From custom installations and monogrammed elements to décor inspired by their journey together, the focus is on creating experiences that feel deeply personal and meaningful, rather than just grand,” she tells The Style List. She also believes that AI will soon make its way into décor, adding, “AI integrations—from interactive design previews to enhanced guest experiences—will slowly become part of the landscape.”

Beyond weddings, Vrinda sees the scope of event design expanding rapidly. Bachelor and bachelorette celebrations are becoming increasingly elaborate, often shifting to international destinations. Baby showers and milestone celebrations are evolving into full-scale themed events, while PR activations and brand launches continue to push creative boundaries by blending storytelling with immersive, experience-driven design.