India, April 24 -- We're at that point of human evolution when a wedding reception with an oxygen bar for the guests seems old fashioned. When walking through a replica of Hogwarts or the Morarka Haveli to greet the bride and groom seems declasse. The trends of the moment are more ambitious: A Renaissance-themed reception, a mehendi set in a crochet carnival, a roka party featuring Squid Game competitions (minus the dying, relax).

"In the past decade, there's been a major shift in the way we view weddings," says Shweta Mehta, co-founder of Delhi-based event planning company The Wedding Square. Couples now try to make guests feel like it's their special day too. Prep can start as much as a year in advance and planners consult with art cur...