Aarti Manocha, Founder & CEO of Milestones to Memories (MtoM), on Redefining Wedding Planning with Passion, Creativity, and Innovation

Question 1: Aarti, you’ve had a long and diverse journey in the hospitality, travel, and events industry. Can you share what inspired you to transition from the travel trade to wedding and event planning?

Answer: My transition from travel trade to wedding and event planning felt like a natural evolution. We were already adept at managing large-scale conferences and events for corporate clients, so when one of our clients asked us to organize his daughter’s wedding, it opened an entirely new avenue for me. Handling the hospitality and logistics for that first wedding revealed the immense potential in this space. Weddings require meticulous coordination, attention to detail, and managing large groups—all skills we were well-versed in. Back then, the wedding industry wasn’t as structured, which piqued my interest in exploring its creative and production aspects further. I eventually established a dedicated wedding division and realized this was my true passion. Since then, curating unforgettable wedding experiences has become my calling, and I’ve never looked back.

Question 2: Your podcast, ‘The Wedding Podcast,’ celebrates authenticity and creativity in weddings. What inspired you to start the podcast, and how do you select the themes and guests for each episode?

Answer: The idea for ‘The Wedding Podcast’ came from my desire to share the deep insights and experiences I’ve accumulated over the years in the wedding industry. Initially, I thought about writing a book, but with my busy schedule, a podcast seemed like the perfect platform to reach a broader audience quickly and effectively. The podcast allows me to share behind-the-scenes stories, offer tips, and dive into the nuances of wedding planning. When selecting themes and guests, I aim for diversity, covering all facets of the wedding ecosystem—from decor and photography to beauty and planning. Listener feedback also plays a big role, and I ensure each episode features experts who bring valuable perspectives to the table, enriching the listener’s experience.

Question 3: Managing large-scale weddings with intricate details can be challenging. Could you walk us through your approach to ensuring every element, from decor to rituals, aligns with the couple’s vision?

Answer: Wedding planning, for me, follows a detailed three-step approach: planning, refining, and execution. The planning phase is the foundation, where we take the time to understand the couple’s vision, preferences, and traditions. Here, we lock in crucial decisions like venue, decor, and themes. The refining stage is where we perfect the flow and ensure every detail, from the decor to the rituals, reflects the couple’s personality and culture. Finally, during execution, my team and I ensure flawless implementation—coordinating logistics, managing vendors, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a collaborative effort between us and the couple, where each element is customized to create a wedding that feels uniquely theirs.

Question 4: With the rise of destination weddings, both in India and globally, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered while planning weddings in various locations?

Answer: Destination weddings are full of excitement but also bring their own challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is securing the right venues and accommodations, especially since popular destinations tend to get booked well in advance. Logistics, too, can be a challenge—coordinating travel for a large number of guests, aligning with local vendors, and ensuring everything is seamlessly managed from afar. However, these weddings also offer incredible opportunities to craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences in beautiful, unique locations. Over the years, we’ve developed strong relationships with local partners worldwide, which helps us navigate any logistical hurdles while delivering extraordinary results.

Question 5: You’ve witnessed significant changes in the wedding industry, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on planning weddings and managing your business?

Answer: The pandemic fundamentally changed the wedding industry, especially in how couples approached their big day. Intimate weddings became the norm, and even now, many couples are opting for smaller, more personal celebrations. This shift allowed for a heightened focus on personalization, creating more meaningful and intentional experiences. During the pandemic, there was also a surge of innovation—planners had time to explore new concepts, break the routine, and come up with creative solutions. However, post-pandemic, with the return of large-scale events, we’ve seen a sharp rise in costs, from travel to venues, which can pose a challenge. Despite these changes, the industry has proven to be resilient, and we’ve adapted to offer personalized experiences that align with today’s reality while still ensuring a touch of luxury and elegance.