From starlit rooftop pheras in Indore to regal banquets in Udaipur, Sayaji Hotels is setting new benchmarks in Indian weddings through its signature offering, Shubh Vivah. Designed as an all-inclusive wedding solution, Shubh Vivah seamlessly blends scale with soul—catering to diverse cultures while offering hyper-local experiences at each venue. Behind the magic is a team trained not only in operations but in emotional intelligence, ensuring every guest feels at home, and every moment is flawlessly executed. With standout features like live kitchens, digital navigation displays, and nostalgic family recipes, Sayaji goes beyond logistics to deliver memory-rich celebrations. Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head of Business Development at Sayaji Hotels, shares how Shubh Vivah is elevating the wedding experience with warmth, precision, and heart.
From the vibrant buzz of Indore to the serenity of Udaipur’s hills, how does the Shubh Vivah experience adapt to each city’s soul while maintaining Sayaji’s signature hospitality?
Shubh Vivah is a service designed to cater to all types of weddings under one roof. Regardless of religion or culture, every wedding is celebrated seamlessly with Sayaji's warm hospitality. Weddings are festivals that bring together people of all ages, and guests come expecting all the joy of the celebrations without the hassle of managing arrangements. Known for our culinary excellence and expansive banqueting spaces, we have extensive experience hosting large gatherings. While the look and feel of each venue may vary by city, the quality of our food, service, and event management remains consistently high. Our well-equipped venues and trained staff efficiently manage each celebration while catering to regional preferences. The production team thoughtfully curates the pre-selected menu to suit local tastes, and our banquet operations team carefully selects vendors and decorators to bring each guest's vision to life.
Your properties offer everything from rooftop pheras under the stars in Indore to regal celebrations at Mahal Hall in Udaipur. How do you guide couples in choosing the perfect setting for each ritual?
Based on the nature of the wedding and the number of events planned, our banquet operations team dives deep into the couple's requirements. Their experience allows them to recommend the ideal venues that add charm to each occasion. For example, we often suggest a var mala ceremony at a venue specially designed to create a magical setting for that moment. Technical elements like equipment fitments and electrical connection points are also considered to enhance the visual appeal of the event. The décor for each ritual is planned thematically, and our team works closely with guests throughout the process to ensure their vision is executed flawlessly.
With guest services like fragrance-infused pillow notes, regional welcome rituals, and custom luggage tags, Sayaji elevates the guest experience beyond expectation. What's the philosophy behind these thoughtful touches?
We anticipate key guest touchpoints in advance and take care of them with sensitivity to culture, tradition, and thoughtful detail. Our operations team works to delight guests at every step, making the wedding experience feel personal and memorable. These touches are designed to cater to all age groups, ensuring that everyone feels special and well taken care of. Our aim is to create a truly "wow" experience at every level of the celebration.
Food is often the most remembered part of a wedding. How do your chefs balance iconic Sayaji favourites with immersive regional and health-conscious menus for today's discerning wedding palate?
Food selection is one of the most crucial aspects of every wedding. Typically, it takes at least three detailed sittings between the guests and our operations team to finalise the menu. We ensure a lavish spread that delights all age groups. Guests choose dishes that suit their palates and preferences, and we align the décor and presentation with the overall event theme to enhance the experience. While taste is of utmost importance, we also pay close attention to presentation and health-conscious options. Our chefs consult directly with guests to ensure satisfaction and to assure them that the taste and quality will meet the high standards we're known for.
Sayaji's culinary offerings include everything from live kitchens and detox counters to global fusion plates and traditional fare. What role does storytelling play in these wedding menus?
Our diverse offerings—from live kitchens and detox counters to global fusion plates and authentic traditional fare—are not just about taste; they're about creating memorable journeys for every guest. Each element of our wedding menu is thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple's heritage, preferences, and personal story. Storytelling plays a pivotal role in how we design and present these culinary experiences. Whether it's a live chaat station inspired by the bride's favourite childhood street snack, or a dessert bar showcasing the groom's love for European patisserie, every dish tells a tale. Our chefs work closely with families to understand cultural nuances, regional flavours, and cherished memories, translating them into beautifully plated narratives. Through this approach, we transform every meal into a conversation starter—where food doesn't just nourish, but connects, celebrates, and honours tradition in the most flavourful way. At Sayaji, weddings are not just events—they're personal stories told through unforgettable food.
From celebrity appearances and fireworks to mini-bars with hangover kits and digital navigation displays—Shubh Vivah seems to blend grandeur with modern precision. How do you ensure flawless execution while staying emotionally attuned to the occasion?
At Sayaji Hotels, flawless execution and emotional resonance go hand in hand—especially when it comes to our signature offering, Shubh Vivah. Weddings today are a beautiful blend of grandeur and personalisation. From celebrity appearances and curated fireworks to thoughtful touches like mini-bars with hangover kits and digital navigation displays, Shubh Vivah is designed to reflect contemporary elegance without losing the emotional core of the celebration. Our approach is rooted in meticulous planning and empathetic service. Behind every spectacular moment is a team that understands the weight of the occasion. Dedicated wedding planners, operations specialists, and hospitality professionals work in harmony to anticipate needs, resolve challenges in real-time, and ensure every detail unfolds seamlessly.
But beyond the logistics, we never lose sight of the emotions—whether it's calming a nervous bride, adjusting the timing for a teary-eyed father's speech, or making sure grandma gets her favourite dish. We train our teams to be not just efficient, but emotionally intelligent, because a wedding isn't just a production—it's a once-in-a-lifetime memory. At Sayaji, precision and heart go together as well. And that's how we make every Shubh Vivah not just perfect, but unforgettable.
Sayaji weddings seem to be about more than just scale—they're about soul. What makes a wedding at Sayaji truly unforgettable for the families involved?
We don't offer one-size-fits-all weddings. Each celebration is crafted to reflect the couple's story, cultural values, and unique personality—be it through regional cuisines, décor themes, rituals, or custom guest experiences. Our teams go beyond service—they build relationships. From welcoming the first guest to ensuring the last moment runs smoothly, we treat every family like our own. That emotional investment is what stays with people long after the event ends. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Indian wedding traditions, we handle every aspect—from logistics, menu curation to décor aesthetics and additional personal requests—all with precision. This allows families to enjoy the celebration without stress or last-minute surprises.
Our food isn't just a part of the event—it's a highlight. From nostalgic family recipes to global gourmet experiences, our menus evoke emotion and create lasting impressions for every guest. Whether it's livestreaming ceremonies for global guests or integrating digital itinerary displays, we strike a perfect balance between modern convenience and traditional warmth. Sayaji teams are trained not only for operational excellence but also for emotional intelligence. We understand that behind every ritual is a memory, and behind every request is a sentiment. What truly sets us apart is the atmosphere we create. Guests don't just attend a wedding at Sayaji—they feel at home. This emotional comfort is what families cherish the most. In every Sayaji wedding, we aim to create something larger than life—but more importantly, something close to the heart.