Jab we MeT

Unexpected rain wreaks havoc for weddings; anxious couples bank on MeT predictions before tying the knot in open grounds
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The rain gods are playing truant and those entering wedlock are jittery that the sudden showers could dampen their celebrations.

With the wedding season in full swing, couples entering marital bliss are for the first time seeking answers from MeT department officials, to ensure that the wedding goes off without any hitch.


Couples, as well as wedding organisers, are jittery over the unseasonal rains that have been lashing the city this month

One such anxious couple is Payal Doshi and Akshay J Mehta, who are due to tie the knot in mid-December.

They are keeping tabs on the weather department's prediction, as their reception is set in an open-air ground in Santacruz.

Doshi said, "We are worried the rain may ruin our wedding. Though we have a closed hall, the dinner arrangements have been made in the open. We fear the food may get spoiled."

And it's not just the reception that is being marred by the rain. Other wedding-related programmes are also being affected by the heavy showers.

Manpreet Soni told MiD DAY that he had to cancel his friend's bachelor party, which was scheduled to be held in an open ground.

Organisers grumble

Wedding organisers grumble that the impact of the rains can be felt on the NRI bookings as well.

"We get several NRIs who come to the city during this season to get married, but now they are calling in to postpone the weddings. This year we have more wedding mahurats as compared to last year.
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Everyone from our cameraman to caterers is worried about the rain," said Girish Thappar, a wedding organiser from Sion.

Karnail Singh, owner of Mini Punjab Banquet Hall and Caterers, said, "It was one of the most auspicious days yesterday (according to the Hindu calendar) and all our banquets were booked.

With the sudden downpour, we were forced to scramble for cover and had to make alternate arrangements to accommodate and cater to all the guests. We really had a tough time."

And it's not just the organisers grumbling. "It's very difficult to deck up for a wedding and then go out in the rain. Everything will be ruined," said Rita Kapoor, a Chembur resident.

Apeksha, who got married on November 21, said, "By God's grace, it didn't rain during the wedding ceremony, but we had a very low turnout.

No music could be played because of the rain. It was disappointing for my parents."

Wedding Expenditure
Average expenses of a wedding:
Hall rent: R1 lakh
Decoration: R3 lakh
Caterers: R4 lakh

Expect more showers
"During this season, low pressure builds in the Arabian Sea. There is a similar low pressure arising in Sri Lanka and if the winds turn from east to west coast we may face rains again in the city," said RV Sharma, Deputy Director General, IMD.