Getting hitched, with a doddle

Couples now prefer customised wedding cards with cartoons and squiggly fonts
Whether it's moving from ethnic kanjeevarams to designer georgettes or from chunky gold necklaces to delicate chokers, tradition is getting a modern twist in the big fat Indian wedding. And the ornate invitations are no exception to it. Young couples are looking to blend the traditional with the contemporary by giving a quirky edge to their wedding cards.Colourful doodles, cute cartoons, and squiggly fonts are fast becoming popular as they are more personalised, dynamic, and eye-catching.
"Couples prefer a design that represents them and tells their story in a funny way. And since it is customised, it is valued more," says Bengaluru-based illustrator Mounica Tata, explaining that she tries to capture the duo's story in the theme of the card.
Big noses, broad smiles and tiny ears elicit a smile. Dolled up in dhotis, madisar (nine yard), big bindis and wide naamams, the illustrations of the bride and groom are witty. "I usually give them choices for the artwork, such as showing the timeline of their story with a few personal incidents, understanding what makes them click as a couple, especially if they are opposites, or portraying them in a particular marriage ritual," says city-based illustrator Harini Kannan.
It could be the tale of high school sweethearts or an inside joke - amusing hearts or an inside joke -amusing stories usually make for the most interesting and comical representations. Mumbai-based Avinass Kumar recalls that he wanted the illustration to reflect cultural diversity as he was from Chennai and his wife from Odisha. "The idea was to show the expressions of the two families when they met at a wedding ceremony," says Kumar. While couples are on the quest for something modern, they tend to incorporate traditional elements, from the white jasmines adorning the bride's hair to the customary maroon and mustard backgrounds. "Weddings are an auspicious occasion which involve the whole family. So couples opt for a design that can be appreciated across generations," says Anushree Santhosh, a visual artist at IIT Madras who also takes on freelance doodling projects.
Elements such as the favourite Ganesha that decorates most wedding invites get a makeover in a design made by Anushree for a physics professor and a doctor. Waves, injections, stethoscopes and atoms were creatively placed as the ears, trunk and legs of the deity.
"It communicated who we are and what brought us together. People usually discard wedding invitations after the event but many of our friends have kept ours as it's different," says Sivarama Krishnan, assistant professor of physics, IIT Madras.
But making these cards is a long-drawn process. Understanding concepts, developing pencil sketches, creating mood board samples, finalising content and digitally replicating the drawing takes around 10 days. "Sometimes we've worked for months on some designs. It's the passion that keeps you going," says Madhesh Arthinarisamy of city-based Creative Wedding Cards. Getting a card illustrated costs between Rs 3,000 to Rs 12,000, depending on the de sign. "Some of them print it while others prefer e-cards which are cheaper and can be sent easily,"says Mounica.
Illustration: Harini Kannan