Large weddings are luxurious symphonies that combine love and extravagance. These lavish parties are not just about vows and rings; they are about creating an unforgettable experience. The lavish venues, cascading florals, and couture gowns set the stage for opulence. The menu and dessert selection must match the extravagance, making large weddings an unforgettable experience, and the most delicious component of these events is none other than ICE CREAM, which is a star player in the arrays of culinary ensembles displayed at the endless counters.
Large weddings provide an opportunity for the ice cream industry to expand its offerings. Guests crave delectable treats, and ice cream offers endless flavours as much as possible. Whether served from elegant stations or crafted into bespoke confections, ice cream adds indulgence to the grand celebration. For ice cream manufacturers, customization is a key to large weddings, providing a huge canvas for creativity. From artisanal flavours inspired by the couple’s favourite indulgences to elaborate displays, the possibilities are limitless. With each scoop, ice cream becomes a cherished part of the couple’s love story.
With the ongoing topic, Ice Cream Times magazine explores large weddings through interviews, revealing the highlights provided by some of the famous ice cream brands indulgence, making it an essential resource for understanding the allure of Large weddings.
We begin our discussion with one of the esteemed figures in the Indian ice cream industry, Pradeep Chona, Chairman of Hocco, Huber, and Holly 1944 Restaurants.
How do large weddings impact your business, particularly in terms of sales and brand visibility?
“As a company, we thrive on innovation, and large weddings help us bring our innovation game to the forefront”, addressed Pradeep Chona. “They also help put our brand in front of a diverse and potentially influential audience, and word of mouth is an integral part of the catering business. Catering big weddings can open doors to partnerships and collaborations with other vendors in the wedding industry, and we have had multiple such collaborations as a result of catering to many large events”, Chona further added.
Then we have Rajesh Shah, VP, ex-Havmor. He opined that large wedding offer a significant and lasting positive impact in terms of sales and brand visibility. During extravagant and celebrity weddings, ice cream manufacturers often receive large bulk orders, which can substantially boost overall revenue. Weddings are special occasions, and people are inclined to splurge on premium and unique ice cream offerings.
Shah went on to say, “These events present an opportunity to showcase a range of flavours and unique offerings, potentially leading to repeat orders through word of mouth in the future. Large weddings also generate a wealth of social media content, particularly when ice cream and dessert stations feature never-before-seen ranges and live counters, such as make-your-own ice cream, choose-your-own toppings, ice cream shots, fusion varieties, artisanal creations, and unique serving presentations”.
Describing the importance of large weddings, here is what Charanjit Singh Basant, MD, Basant Ice Cream from Ludhiana has to say: “Setting up an ice cream stall at a lavish wedding is like orchestrating a magnificent symphony of taste and luxury, where esteemed brands ensure every scoop is a moment of refined indulgence. This is the pinnacle of brand visibility. The grandeur of the event, coupled with the premium quality of the ice cream, creates a memorable experience for guests, leaving a lasting impression that associates the brand with high-end celebrations and exceptional quality. It’s an opportunity for brands to showcase their finest offerings, innovate with unique flavours, and engage directly with a discerning audience, solidifying their reputation in the market”.
Himmat bhai Pokia, MD, Khushboo Ice Cream from Rajkot, shares his thoughts about big fat weddings. He said, “These weddings do impact the ice cream business. Weddings are indeed a golden opportunity for our business. The sheer number of guests attending these events creates a high demand for delicious treats like ice cream. Participating in large weddings not only boosts our sales but also increases our brand visibility. We always make sure to showcase our best products at such events, which helps us attract more customers and expand our reach in the market”.
We have yet another ice cream manufacturer from Surat, Gujarat, Mukesh Kothari, MD, Man Mohak Ice Cream. “It’s true that marriage is a vital component of society, and its impact can be observed across various sectors, including the ice cream business. Weddings generate a heightened demand for ice cream, thereby benefiting this industry. Ice cream is often incorporated into various social and cultural events, further enhancing the profitability of this enterprise”.
From Punjab, Rajpura, we have Sushil Kumar from Ashico Ice Cream. According to him, large weddings significantly impact our business by boosting sales and enhancing brand visibility. These events attract high-profile clients who seek premium offerings, elevating our reputation in the luxury market.
According to Ashish Nahar, MD, Fun India Dairy, Nasik, large weddings greatly increase sales and improve company visibility. When so many people congregate in one location at once for an event, the sheer quantity of participants presents significant commercial growth prospects. In addition to boosting immediate sales, this increased foot traffic also improves long-term brand awareness and consumer engagement.
We proceeded to our next question.
What are some of the most popular ice cream flavours or dessert options requested for big weddings in your region?
Giving an informative reply, Chona said, “There are always one or two crowd favourites, even at large weddings, such as chocolate and vanilla. As a company, we make it a point to bring our best, even with regular flavours like our freshly churned Belgian chocolate and French vanilla bean. More recently, though, people are more interested in exploring other fun options as part of their ice cream experience. Some interesting flavours we have catered to so far include Charcoal Lychee, Soan Papdi, Kaju Katli, Gulab Gulkand, and Paan Kulfi, to name a few. Because we have a dedicated team and a flavour experience that spans decades, creating quirky and made-to-order flavours is ingrained in our DNA”.
“Big fat wedding clients would like to move beyond regular vanilla and chocolate flavours and look for something “Hat Ke” variant that will appeal to the guests and later they can talk about. Live stations with nitrogen ice cream, fancy flavours like pan, Bailey, orange coconut, rose anjir, berries, black current, pina colada, Belgium chocolate, cold stone ice cream, serving guests in hollow fruit shells or fruit-shaped containers, popsicle and kulfi stations, sandwich ice creams, choosing your own flavour and toppings, etc. Basically, the key is to surprise and delight the guests”, came an extensive reply from Shah.
Charanjit, hailing from Punjab, has successfully fulfilled many orders. “In the North, during lavish weddings and grand functions, there is a high demand for traditional yet luxurious desserts like mawa kulfi on a stick, rich rabdi falooda, and indulgent high-fat dry fruit ice cream”. The desserts at the celebrations cater to sophisticated tastes, adding cultural richness and decadence. Mawa kulfi, a creamy treat with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, is nostalgic and indulgent. Rabri falooda, a multi-layered dessert with silky condensed milk, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, and rose syrup, symbolizes opulence. High-fat dry fruit ice cream, enriched with almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins, offers creamy smoothness and a delightful crunch.
“These desserts not only satisfy the palate but also evoke a sense of tradition and luxury, making them ideal for high-profile celebrations where Basant Ice Cream’s presence ensures a lasting impression of quality and indulgence”.
Himmat bhai articulated, “In our area, the most sought-after ice cream flavours for major weddings are classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. However, we also see a growing trend towards unique and exotic flavours such as mango, pistachio, and kulfi. By offering a diverse range of flavours, we cater to the varying tastes of wedding guests and ensure that everyone finds something they love”.
Delving into further insights, Kothari signifies, “We offer a special selection of 20 different flavours for weddings and large events. Nowadays, all major weddings or auspicious occasions are managed by catering and event organizers, and we have the capability to fulfill every demand they have. At big weddings, there’s a diverse demand for ice cream based on the season. We offer flavoured ice cream, kulfi, falooda, and other services according to their preference”.
Sushil indicates that in his region, popular ice cream flavours for big weddings include classic options like vanilla bean and chocolate truffle, as well as artisanal flavours such as lavender honey and salted caramel.
Ashish mentioned that the most popular flavours trending this season include Fresh Guava, Jamun, Mewa King, along with many other delicious new arrivals. These flavours have captured the attention of consumers and are in high demand this year.
ICT steps further towards third enquiry.
What are the emerging trends, themes, or preferences among your clients planning big weddings in terms of ice cream desserts?
“Personalization has always been a hallmark of large weddings”, stated Chona. “The feeling of having a curated, bespoke dessert menu is always special. We cater with freshly churned ice cream made right at the event venue, elevating the experience to another level. This approach also allows us to offer gourmet and artisanal flavours tailored to consumer demands. Recently, as people have become more health-conscious, we have added zero-sugar and vegan options to our catering menu. Customers now seek an interactive experience at the ice cream counter, where they can mix and match flavours and toppings to create their own sundaes”, Chona offered a positive response.
Rajesh elaborated further by providing additional examples, such as ice cream inspired by traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasmalai, kaju katli, rabdi, and jalebi, which are currently trending, particularly in western India. In addition, paan ice cream, Bailey’s flavour ice cream, “Chhotu” cones, variants of rich saffron and nuts as “hat ke” flavours, lassi flavour, seasonal fruits, ice cream with fudge, crunch, and cookies, masala chai flavours, and various shots are also popular options.
“During summer weddings, guests are particularly fond of indulging in a delightful array of ice cream desserts, including exquisite ice cream pastries, delicious ice cream cheesecakes, and elegant ice cream balls. These sophisticated treats offer a refreshing and indulgent experience, perfectly suited to the warm weather and celebratory atmosphere of weddings”, voiced Charanjit.
He explained, “Ice cream pastries combine the richness of cake with the creamy texture of ice cream, creating a decadent dessert that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the need for something cool. Delicious ice cream cheesecakes offer a fusion of creamy cheesecake and smooth ice cream, resulting in a luxurious and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress. Finally, elegant ice cream balls provide a playful yet refined option, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized portions of their favourite flavours in a sophisticated presentation. These ice cream desserts add a touch of elegance and luxury to summer weddings, making them a memorable part of the celebration”.
Speaking about trends and themes for ice cream desserts at major weddings, Himmat bhai said, “Our customers who are planning major weddings often look for innovative ice cream dessert options that align with the theme and style of their event. Some popular trends we’ve noticed include customized ice cream sundae bars, artisanal gelato stations, and thematic dessert presentations inspired by the wedding’s motif or colour scheme. By staying updated on these trends, we can offer our clients unique and memorable dessert experiences that elevate their celebrations.
Sushil too gave his feedback, saying that emerging trends among clients planning big weddings include incorporating unique flavour combinations, interactive dessert stations, and custom-designed ice cream cakes to match wedding themes or colour schemes.
According to Ashish, the most emerging trend this year is the popularity of fresh fruit flavours in the form of rolls. These innovative and refreshing treats have become a favourite among consumers, reflecting a growing preference for natural and fruity tastes in unique presentations.
How do you tackle customization and personalization requests from clients planning extravagant weddings?
“This comes naturally to us because of our generational flavour experience and our freshly churned ice cream concept, which allows us to make small batches of ice cream. That said, it always helps when we do menu planning with the family well in advance. Collaborating with the family and couple during menu ideation gives us a better idea of the experience that needs to be offered. It also helps to have a team experienced in handling last-minute requests that might arise”, Chona replied optimistically.
Rajesh gave a rather extensive answer. “To tackle customisation and personalisation requests from clients planning extravagant weddings, the following key process steps can be implemented:
“To ensure a seamless and personalized ice cream experience for clients hosting extravagant weddings, detailed discussions are conducted to discern their event vision and ice cream preferences. Tasting sessions are organized where clients and their close family can sample proposed flavours, gathering feedback to refine offerings until satisfaction is achieved. Meticulous attention is paid to the ice cream presentation, which aligns with the wedding theme. Serving styles, like live stations or custom cones, are decided upon, and pairing suggestions are offered to enhance the dining experience. Premium packaging with specified branding elements and allergen information is ensured for dietary accommodations, especially for VIP weddings’, he explained.
Charanjit has put emphasis on their specialized sales team that collaborates exclusively with wedding planners, catering to unique requests such as clients’ specific colour themes. For instance, some clients demand that all ice cream desserts adhere to a particular colour palette, with popular choices including shades of pink, blue, and chocolate. This attention to detail ensures that the ice cream desserts not only tantalize the taste buds but also complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding. By offering customizable options that align with the client’s vision, Basant Ice Cream enhances the wedding experience, leaving a lasting impression of personalized luxury and excellence.
Handling customization and personalization requests from clients, Himmat bhai is of the opinion that customization is key when it comes to serving ice cream at major weddings. “We understand that each event is unique, and our clients often have specific preferences and requirements for their dessert offerings. To accommodate these requests, we maintain open communication with our clients throughout the planning process, ensuring that we tailor our products and services to their exact specifications. Whether it’s creating bespoke flavours, designing custom topping bars, or incorporating personalized touches, we go above and beyond to exceed our clients’ expectations”, he made it clear.
Sushil simplifies the approach, stating, “We address customization and personalization requests with thorough attention to every detail. By closely collaborating with clients, we create modified flavours, packaging, and presentations that align perfectly with their vision for the event”.
Ashish stated, ‘We have created a separate division specifically to cater to party and wedding orders, introducing new innovations in both our products and visibility. This dedicated focus allows us to better serve large gatherings with unique offerings and enhanced presence”.
What measures are adopted by you to ensure the quality and presentation of your ice cream products meet the high expectations of luxury weddings?
With determination, Chona stressed, “We use only the finest, highest-quality ingredients in our ice cream products, including fresh dairy, premium fruits, and top-notch flavourings to ensure a rich and flavourful product. Crafting ice creams in small batches helps maintain their freshness and creaminess, which we achieve with the help of our ice cream churners available at our Huber and Holly stores”.
“We also offer a wide variety of customization options to the family, paying close attention to detail—a quality we are proud of as a company. This close attention is especially appreciated at large weddings”, added Chona.
Choosing his words, Rajesh said, “Our on-site staff, supported by F&B or a chef, diligently adhere to standard on-site QA protocols, such as ensuring the proper temperature of the ice cream, maintaining cone integrity to prevent sogginess, conducting pre-checks on the quality of toppings, assessing the presentation of the display station, and maintaining overall staff hygiene and uniform standards”.
Charanjit offers a scientific approach, stating, “Preserving ice cream is an art, balancing temperature with elegance. Dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and careful storage create a symphony of freshness. Deep freezers provide a sanctuary, while display cabinets showcase each scoop like a masterpiece”.
Himmat bhai confidently added, “Quality and presentation are paramount when it comes to serving ice cream at weddings. We take great pride in using the finest ingredients and crafting our products with care to ensure exceptional taste and texture. We also pay close attention to presentation, creating visually stunning presentations that complement the elegance of the wedding venue”.
Kothari added his angle of say, “Our ice cream, made from high-quality hygienic plants in collaboration with all major caterers and event organizers, has earned the trust of customers for nearly 50 years at large weddings”. Adhering to the best quality, Sushil voiced, “To ensure the quality and presentation of our ice cream products meet the high expectations of luxury weddings, we source premium ingredients, utilize elegant serving vessels, and employ skilled staff trained in the art of dessert presentation”.
Ashish explained, ‘We produce premium ice cream with innovative ideas and excellent presentation, ensuring that our ice cream becomes the main attraction at luxury weddings”.
Are there any sustainability or eco-friendly practices you employ when catering to large events like weddings?
Chona conveyed an eco-friendly approach, stating, “We prioritize sustainability by utilizing biodegradable serving ware like bagasse-based cups and wooden spoons while minimizing plastic usage. Our commitment extends to sourcing locally to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. Furthermore, we opt for glass bottles at catering events for easier recycling.”
Rajesh advises reputable brands to prioritize eco-conscious practices by opting for compostable packaging wherever feasible. Additionally, he recommends the use of energy-efficient freezers on-site to further reduce environmental impact.
Being conscious of the environment, Charanjit expressed, “In order to maintain sustainability, we strive to use as much disposable paper packaging as possible, which is eco-friendly. By choosing paper-based packaging over plastic or other non-biodegradable materials, we as a brand demonstrate a dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability practices, aligning with the growing global movement towards greener alternatives”.
Himmat bhai on Environment said, “Sustainability is a core value of our business, and we make every effort to minimize our environmental impact, especially during major events like weddings. From using eco-friendly packaging to sourcing ingredients from local and sustainable suppliers, we prioritize environmentally responsible practices at every stage of our operations. By incorporating sustainability into our business model, we not only reduce waste and conserve resources but also align ourselves with the values of our environmentally conscious clients”.
Kothari said, “We do not use any product in our offerings that harms the environment or health in any way”.
“We prioritize sustainability by sourcing locally whenever possible, minimizing waste through efficient production practices, and offering eco-friendly packaging options. Additionally, we donate excess food to charitable organizations to reduce environmental impact”, replied atmosphere-conscious Sushil.
“We take the utmost care when it comes to the ecosystem. We serve ice cream in paper cups with wooden spoons, eliminating the use of plastic. Additionally, our refrigeration systems use freon gas, which has no impact on the ozone layer”, was an appropriate reply by Ashish.
Can you share any memorable or unique experiences you’ve had catering to large weddings?
Rajesh shared a memorable experience from a grand wedding seven years ago: Havmor received orders for real paan ice cream for the marriage of a popular Bollywood actress. This lavish event, attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities, featured Havmor’s specially crafted paan ice cream, which received widespread acclaim. The media coverage surrounding this wedding significantly enhanced HAVMOR’s visibility and publicity.
Charanjit recounted a memorable experience catering to a lavish Indian wedding attended by numerous celebrities, including renowned Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa. During the event, it was observed that many celebrities preferred desserts featuring ice cream, with Neeru Bajwa showing a particular fondness for a heart-shaped ice cream pastry in pink. Additionally, Ammy Virk was seen learning ice cream-making techniques. This experience highlights the widespread appeal of ice cream as a beloved dessert choice, even among celebrities, and underscores its ability to evoke joy and delight across diverse cultural settings.
Mukesh shared his amazing anecdote. “At big weddings and major events, there are many fascinating stories, but one story still stands out in our memory. There was an order for 5000 packages, but the customer mistakenly wrote the wrong date while placing the order. The wedding was on November 15th, but they wrote December 15th as the order date. This resulted in us not being able to prepare the order on time. However, when they called at 5 p.m. on November 15th, they said that the order hadn’t arrived and the function was about to start. Now, how could we fulfill such a big order without any preparation? But we made swift arrangements for this unexpected function and completed the order with their favourite flavours just an hour before the function started, making them happy. With our prompt delivery, we earned their trust”.
Sushil reflected on their extensive experience catering to countless wedding orders, emphasizing the wealth of memorable experiences gained. From creating extravagant dessert displays suspended from chandeliers to crafting bespoke ice cream flavours inspired by the couple’s love story, each event offers a distinctive opportunity to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
“In a grand and luxurious ice cream wedding last year, we set up an ice cream parlour at the venue featuring premium ice cream flavours inspired by cakes. The demand was so high that our popular Black Magic Cake flavour ran out of stock. When the bride and groom were served desserts, they expressed their desire to depart only after indulging in this particular ice cream cake. It was a joyful and emotional moment for our team to witness their happiness and satisfaction.” Feeling elated, Ashish exclaimed, “It was truly a heartwarming moment to see the bride and groom so thrilled by our ice cream cake. Their happiness is what drives our passion for creating memorable experiences at every event.”