An exclusive interview with Maninder Sethi, Founder of Wedding Asia & Editor in Chief of LA POLO
Mr. Maninder Sethi stands as a visionary entrepreneur and a prominent figure in the realms of both luxury lifestyle and the wedding industry. As the esteemed Founder of Wedding Asia, an acclaimed platform celebrating the opulence and grandeur of weddings, and the Editor-in-Chief of LA POLO, a premier publication delving into the world of polo and luxury living, Mr. Sethi brings a wealth of experience and insight to the forefront.
With a passion for excellence and a keen eye for detail, he has carved a niche for himself in curating unforgettable experiences and capturing the essence of elegance. Today, we have the privilege to delve into the journey, inspirations, and future endeavors of this remarkable personality.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Wedding Asia, and what motivated you to create a platform?
Maninder Sethi: In the evolving landscape of the Indian wedding industry, the journey began amid the vibrant culture of Ludhiana, often dubbed the Manchester of India. A realisation struck that the local fashion scene lagged behind major cities, prompting a desire to bridge the gap and curate a specialised offering for the wedding industry. Thus, Wedding Asia was born.
Being the Founder of Wedding Asia, how do you envision the future of wedding celebrations and the evolving trends in the industry?
Maninder Sethi: Over the span of 18 years, Wedding Asia has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian wedding panorama. Having facilitated over 300,000 weddings, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from the era of “big fat Punjabi weddings” to the contemporary phenomenon of “big fat Indian weddings.” The market metamorphosis is evident, with weddings transcending regional boundaries and adopting a pan-Indian celebration ethos.
Despite encountering challenges like the 2016 demonetisation setback, the resilience of the wedding industry prevailed. COVID-19 presented an unprecedented hurdle, leading to an intimate wedding trend with reduced guest counts, yet an upsurge in experiential celebrations.
The emergence of destination weddings, once a distant aspiration, has become a mainstream choice. No longer confined to exotic locales, couples now redefine “destination” by traveling a mere 100 kilometres for an out-of-town celebration, creating a novel dimension.
In summary, the journey of Wedding Asia has not only left an indelible mark on the Indian wedding industry with its significant number of serviced weddings but has also navigated and thrived in the face of economic challenges, contributing to the industry’s transformation towards more intimate and experiential celebrations.
Kindly brief us about your company, its specialization, and the services that it offers
Maninder Sethi: Wedding Asia is a leading bridal exhibition that curates the finest in wedding fashion, trends, and lifestyle. With a legacy of 18 years showcasing the best in the industry of bridal couture, jewellery, decor, and beyond, it is the ultimate destination for soon-to-be-weds seeking inspiration and excellence for their special day.
What challenges did you face while establishing Wedding Asia, and how did you overcome them to make it the successful celebration platform it is today?
Maninder Sethi: Embarking on my first entrepreneurial venture was a formidable challenge, particularly in the wedding industry where my expertise was limited. Despite lacking a background in fashion or market intricacies, my strength lay in understanding customer needs and behaviour, a skill honed over my professional career.
Establishing Wedding Asia brought its own set of challenges, especially in adapting to the ever-evolving Asian wedding landscape. However, the true test lay in scaling up the venture. Fueled by a robust vision, I confronted each obstacle with determination, reminiscent of the mindset that propelled Wedding Asia’s inception in 2006.
Despite encountering challenges like the 2016 demonetisation setback, the resilience of the wedding industry prevailed. COVID-19 presented an unprecedented hurdle, leading to an intimate wedding trend with reduced guest counts, yet an upsurge in experiential celebrations.
The emergence of destination weddings, once a distant aspiration, has become a mainstream choice. No longer confined to exotic locales, couples now redefine “destination” by traveling a mere 100 kilometres for an out-of-town celebration, creating a novel dimension.
LA POLO covers a niche area of equestrian sports and heritage. How do you see this niche evolving over time, and what role do you believe it plays in preserving and promoting cultural heritage?
Maninder Sethi: My introduction to polo in 2012 didn’t involve royalty or luxury brands but rather a casual match that sparked my curiosity. Observing the horses and the thrilling sport ignited a desire to understand its diminishing presence in Punjab.
Research uncovered a rich equestrian history in India, guarded by maharajas and families but often beyond the reach of the average person.
The apparent exclusivity of polo struck me as a missed opportunity. Its historical significance, the adrenaline rush, and the unique connection to the term “horsepower” in India held untapped potential.
Witnessing the commitment of young players and horse enthusiasts intensified my determination to revive the sport. The challenge was formidable; polo fields demanded substantial space and resources. Fueled by passion, we successfully organised the first Maharaja Ranjit Singh Polo Premier Challenge, a landmark event that reignited interest in polo across the state.
Recognising the necessity for a dedicated platform, we initiated La Polo—a community committed to raising awareness and accessibility. Every day, we navigate unexplored territories, tirelessly working to empower the polo community and introduce this oldest recognised sport of mankind.
La Polo’s journey epitomises passion, perseverance, and a profound belief in the transformative power of horses and history. We remain in constant evolution, growing alongside the community we are dedicated to serving.
In your opinion, how important is it for modern celebrations, including weddings, to incorporate and showcase cultural heritage?
Maninder Sethi: The Indian market’s diversity thrives on cultural changes every 100 kilometres, fostering a unique openness to experimentation and cultural blending. Wedding Asia adapts to regional preferences, blending North and South influences in our shows.
We recognise evolving fashion trends, from Kurta Pyjamas to Western outfits, and aim to showcase this dynamism through our expanding store concept. These unique stores, featuring a new designer line each time, offer an ever-changing experience, reflecting the limitless boundaries of Indian weddings.
With the ever-changing landscape of media and events, how do you stay innovative and ensure that Wedding Asia and LA POLO remain relevant and engaging for your audience?
Maninder Sethi: La Polo, buoyed by strong support from the polo fraternity, is a passion project driven by my deep love for the royal game. Our initiatives, including the magazine, newsletters, and The Indian Polo Awards, have organically grown the brand’s recognition both nationally and internationally.
The vision for La Polo is to enhance the popularity and accessibility of polo, encouraging participation across all age groups. As part of this commitment, we are also venturing into experiential and immersive polo-themed restaurants, reflecting our dedication to bringing the spirit of polo to diverse audiences. weddings are new age festivities….
At wedding Asia we encourage young designers to showcase… conducive environment to ‘to be bride and grooms’
What is your success tip for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Maninder Sethi: Entrepreneurship is not a destination, it’s a throughout journey achieving milestones of innovation and strength. My only advice to budding entrepreneurs is to never let their spirit of innovation fade…
In conclusion, our conversation with Mr. Maninder Sethi, the Founder of Wedding Asia and Editor-in-Chief of LA POLO, has been nothing short of enlightening. His unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with his innovative approach, has not only redefined luxury in the wedding industry but has also elevated the standards of lifestyle journalism.
Through his endeavors, he continues to inspire and empower individuals to embrace the beauty of tradition while embracing the spirit of modernity. As we look ahead, it is evident that Mr. Sethi’s vision and passion will continue to shape the landscape of luxury living, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.
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