Can Chat GPT Help Plan My Big Fat Asian Wedding?

Can Chat GPT Help Plan My Big Fat Asian Wedding? - Eternity

Can Chat GPT Help Plan My Big Fat Asian Wedding?

20th May 2023

We have all seen the articles: is AI creating a risk of replacing tons of jobs all over the world? Well, the easiest answer for anyone in the wedding industry is quite an obvious no, specifically for all of the service based jobs within the sector. With that being said, we wanted to flip it around and see how useful Chat GPT is in planning a big fat Asian wedding; as well as, what kind of advice it gives.

Inspired by this Hitched.co.uk article, we thought we would take a look at exactly how useful ChatGPT is for our cultural weddings. So, we’re going ask Chat GPT some wedding related FAQ & compare it to our digital planner.

Have a read & let us know what you think – can Chat GPT really help plan your wedding, better than the experts?

1. Where should I start with planning a South Asian wedding?

What Chat GPT said:

Planning a South Asian wedding can be a joyful yet intricate task. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Set a Budget: Determine your budget early on. This will guide your decisions and ensure you plan within your means.

Guest List: Create a preliminary guest list. South Asian weddings tend to have large gatherings, so this will help you estimate the scale of your wedding.

Choose a Date and Venue: Select a date that works for you and your immediate family. South Asian weddings often span multiple days, so consider the availability of venues for each event.

Wedding Planner or Self-Planning: Decide if you want to hire a wedding planner or handle the planning yourself. Wedding planners can provide valuable expertise and help manage the intricate details.

Research Traditions and Rituals: South Asian weddings are rich in cultural customs and rituals. Research and familiarize yourself with these traditions to incorporate them into your wedding events.

Create a Timeline: Outline a timeline of events, including pre-wedding ceremonies, the wedding day, and post-wedding festivities. Ensure you have a clear schedule to keep everything organized.

Book Vendors: Research and book vendors for various aspects, such as catering, photography/videography, decor, mehndi artists, DJs, and more. Recommendations from friends and family can be helpful.

Outfits and Jewelry: Start exploring bridal and groomswear options. South Asian weddings often involve multiple outfit changes, so plan accordingly. Consider jewelry, accessories, and hairstyling as well.

Plan Food and Beverages: Select a menu that caters to diverse tastes. South Asian weddings usually feature a wide range of traditional dishes. Ensure you have vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Invitations: Design and send out invitations that reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Consider bilingual options if needed.

Decor and Themes: Determine the decor and themes for each event. South Asian weddings often have vibrant and colorful setups, incorporating traditional elements.

Entertainment and Music: Arrange for entertainment, such as live bands, DJs, and traditional dance performances. Prepare a playlist that blends modern hits with traditional music.

Marriage License and Legal Requirements: Research the legal requirements for marriage in your location and ensure you have the necessary paperwork and licenses.

Guest Accommodations: If you have guests traveling from out of town, consider their accommodation needs and book hotel blocks in advance.

Wedding Website and RSVPs: Create a wedding website to provide information to guests, including event schedules, accommodation details, and an RSVP feature.

Remember, planning a South Asian wedding requires attention to detail and coordination. Stay organized, seek assistance when needed, and enjoy the process of creating a memorable celebration of love and culture.

OUR REVIEW:

To start off, very impressed! Overall, Chat GPT really covered tons of the high-level tasks that you need to begin with when planning your wedding. It also does a good job of explaining what each task entails, which is super important at the start of wedding planning, when everything can be quite overwhelming.

As Chat GPT didn’t blatantly say if these tasks should be done in chronological order, it would be quite rude of us to assume; however, we’re going to do exactly that.

The order definitely isn’t fit for purpose for a South Asian wedding in the UK. Often, the venue & caterers are looked at together, purely due to some of the popular South Asian wedding venues (with higher capacity) have preferred supplier lists.

Similarly, the entertainment & decor is usually suggested to be reviewed & booked earlier than all the outfits & jewellery is finalised, for most couples.

Overall, our digital planner definitely beats Chat GPT on this one (sorry AI), where we have a detailed pre-defined checklist, with timelines, to help couples at the start of their planning.

2. How should I create and manage my guest list for my South Asian wedding?

What CHAT GPT said:

Creating and managing your guest list for a South Asian wedding requires careful consideration due to the typically large number of guests involved. Here are some steps to help you create and manage your guest list effectively:

Determine Your Capacity: Start by determining the maximum number of guests your chosen venue can accommodate. This will give you a baseline for creating your guest list.

Prioritize Immediate Family: Begin by listing immediate family members from both sides. This includes parents, siblings, and close relatives who should be invited without question.

Extended Family and Relatives: Create a list of extended family members and relatives you would like to invite. This can include aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends. Remember that South Asian weddings often involve inviting a large extended family network.

Friends and Acquaintances: Consider close friends and acquaintances you wish to invite. This can include childhood friends, college buddies, colleagues, and other significant relationships.

Parental Input: In South Asian weddings, parental input is often important. Discuss with both sets of parents to understand their expectations and any individuals they would like to invite.

Consider Cultural and Community Obligations: South Asian weddings often have cultural and community obligations. Discuss with your family if there are any specific individuals or community members that should be invited due to cultural or social customs.

Create Tiers or Categories: Consider creating tiers or categories to prioritize your guest list. For example, you can have an A-list for immediate family and close friends, a B-list for extended family and relatives, and a C-list for acquaintances. This can help you manage your guest count and make adjustments if necessary.

Keep Track of RSVPs: Keep a record of RSVPs as they come in. This will help you manage the final count and make any necessary adjustments to seating arrangements, catering, and other aspects.

Communication and Diplomacy: When creating your guest list, be prepared for potential challenges and sensitive conversations. Communicate openly and honestly with your partner, families, and guests. Be diplomatic and explain any limitations in a respectful manner if necessary.

Regularly Review and Update: As you progress in the wedding planning process, regularly review and update your guest list. It’s common to have changes, additions, or removals as you finalize details.

Remember, creating and managing a guest list for a South Asian wedding can be a complex task, but with clear communication, consideration, and organization, you can navigate it successfully.

OUR REVIEW:

Again, very impressed, well done Chat GPT. The most impressive point on this is that it’s taken into consideration parental input & community obligations, which is often a massive contributor to guest list numbers and also, unfortunately, some family disagreements. Our favourite point is Chat GPT telling couples to communicate well with families & guests: highly recommended.

One thing we would probably change, is actually on the first point. Where Chat GPT says “Start by determining the maximum number of guests your chosen venue can accommodate”, it assumes that venues are chosen prior to the guest list being created; which isn’t always the case. Tons of couples will create a rough guest list, and then start searching for venues that can cater to that capacity.

Overall, Chat GPT is quite accurate in this answer. As AI recommends, keep track of your RSVPs! Check out our digital planning guest list organiser.

3. What South Asian traditions should I be aware of when planning my wedding?

WHAT CHAT GPT SAID:

When planning a South Asian wedding, it’s essential to be aware of and embrace the rich cultural traditions that are often a part of these celebrations. Here are some key South Asian wedding traditions to consider:

Mehndi Ceremony: Mehndi, or henna, is a pre-wedding ceremony where intricate designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, as well as to female guests. It is a festive event with music, dancing, and often includes other rituals like exchanging gifts and applying turmeric paste.

Sangeet: The Sangeet is a lively musical night filled with performances, dance, and music. It brings together both families to celebrate the upcoming wedding. It is a joyful event where guests showcase their dancing skills and often involves skits, performances, and friendly competitions.

Baraat: The Baraat is the groom’s procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue with his family and friends. It typically involves lively music, dancing, and the groom making a grand entrance, sometimes on a horse or in a decorated vehicle.

Wedding Ceremony: The wedding ceremony itself can vary depending on regional customs and religious practices.

Bridal Attire: South Asian brides often wear vibrant and heavily embellished outfits, such as sarees, lehengas, or shararas, depending on cultural and regional preferences. The groom typically wears a sherwani or traditional attire complementing the bride’s outfit.

Traditional Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance play a significant role in South Asian weddings. Popular dance forms include Bhangra, Garba, and Bollywood-style performances. Live bands, DJs, or professional dancers may be hired to entertain guests.

Food and Feast: South Asian weddings are known for their elaborate feasts with a variety of traditional dishes. It typically includes a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and regional specialties.

These are just some of the many South Asian wedding traditions that you can consider incorporating into your celebration. It’s important to discuss and understand your own cultural backgrounds, preferences, and the expectations of your families to ensure a meaningful and authentic representation of your heritage on your special day.

OUR REVIEW:

Hm Chat GPT missed the mark on this one a bit. Ideally, we were expecting more of a list on the different cultures, similar to our article here on the Indian wedding traditions; but instead, AI listed all the different events which take place (kind of, ‘bridal attire’ definitely isn’t an event).

Also, Chat GPT has definitely missed out on the fact that there are tons different cultures within the term ‘South Asian’, which ideally should have been touched upon further within ‘wedding ceremony’.

Overall, Chat GPT didn’t really answer the question. As it’s AI infrastructure is based upon the different sites & articles on the web, it probably hasn’t found the appropriate keywords to retrieve the right kind of knowledge. Especially when it comes to the various cultures, we definitely did also ask Chat GPT quite a tricky question – oops!

4. Please tell me some useful tips for planning my South Asian wedding?

WHAT CHAT GPT SAID:

Certainly! Here are some expert tips specifically focused on planning a South Asian wedding:

Understand your cultural and religious traditions: Familiarize yourself with the customs, rituals, and traditions specific to your South Asian culture. This understanding will help you plan and incorporate these elements into your wedding celebrations authentically.

Hire experienced vendors: Look for vendors who have prior experience in organizing South Asian weddings. They will be familiar with the cultural nuances, requirements, and logistics involved in executing these events. Ask for recommendations from family and friends or consult with wedding planners who specialize in South Asian weddings.

Create a detailed wedding itinerary: Develop a comprehensive schedule that outlines the sequence of events, timing, and location for each ceremony and celebration. This will help you stay organized and ensure a smooth flow of activities throughout the wedding festivities.

Pay attention to logistics: South Asian weddings often involve large guest lists and multiple venues. Ensure you have a clear plan for transportation, parking, and accommodations for out-of-town guests. Coordinate with vendors and venues to ensure smooth transitions between events.

Plan for multiple outfit changes: South Asian weddings often involve multiple outfit changes for the couple and their families. Consider the time required for changing outfits, makeup touch-ups, and hair styling when creating your itinerary. Allocate sufficient time between events to allow for these transitions.

OUR REVIEW:

Ok, it’s not that Chat GPT isn’t right about the above, we just don’t think it’s as detailed in its answers. Everything is quite high level generic advice, and not really comparable to human interactions with the experts.

Additionally, it could do with touching upon some of the tips that couples aren’t always very aware of ie. where to hold your bouquet as you walk down the aisle? (Hint: waist line, with a slight tilt outwards!).

Overall, Chat GPT also probably catered this one to South Asian weddings the least. All of the answers are quite similar to that in mainstream weddings, so we’ll have to cut some points there. In the meantime, check out our experts’ essential tips on wedding planning here.

5. Please list which wedding suppliers I need to book for my South Asian wedding?

WHAT CHAT GPT SAID:

Sure! Planning a South Asian wedding can involve various elements and suppliers. Here’s a list of common suppliers you may need for your wedding:

Venue: Look for wedding venues that can accommodate large gatherings and provide a suitable setting for your South Asian wedding ceremonies.

Decorator/Florist: Hire a decorator or florist who specializes in South Asian weddings to create stunning and culturally appropriate décor, including mandaps, stage setups, floral arrangements, and lighting.

Caterer: Find a caterer experienced in South Asian cuisine to provide a diverse menu that includes traditional dishes and regional specialties. Consider options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

Wedding Planner: If you prefer assistance with organizing and managing your wedding, hire a wedding planner who has experience with South Asian weddings. They can help with logistics, coordination, and vendor management.

Photographer/Videographer: Hire professional photographers and videographers who specialize in capturing South Asian weddings. They should have experience with traditional ceremonies and be familiar with capturing intricate details and emotions.

Mehndi Artist: Book a skilled mehndi artist who can create beautiful henna designs for the bride and guests during the mehndi ceremony.

Makeup and Hair Stylist: Hire a professional makeup artist and hair stylist who specializes in South Asian bridal looks. They should be able to create traditional and contemporary styles based on your preferences.

Wedding Outfits: Visit South Asian clothing stores or designers to find your bridal and groomswear, as well as outfits for family members and the wedding party.

Music and Entertainment: Book a DJ, live band, or traditional musicians to provide music and entertainment during the wedding events. Consider performers skilled in playing instruments like dhol, tabla, sitar, and shehnai.

Invitation Designer/Printer: Find a designer or printer who can create and print culturally appropriate wedding invitations, including various inserts and RSVP cards.

Wedding Cake: Look for a bakery that can create a wedding cake that suits your theme and preferences. They can incorporate traditional elements or create a design that reflects your style.

Transportation: Arrange transportation services for the wedding day, including luxury cars or horse carriages for the couple’s arrival and departure.

Wedding Favors: Consider sourcing unique and personalized wedding favors that align with your South Asian wedding theme. These can be distributed to guests as a token of appreciation.

Remember to research and meet with multiple suppliers, review their portfolios or samples, and discuss your specific requirements and budget before making final decisions.

oUR REVIEW:

Honestly, Chat GPT did good. If we were to be picky, one of the only things they missed out is the priest. Other than that, it’s covered!

6. What should I do if my guests don't RSVP in time for my South Asian wedding?

WHAT CHAT GPT SAID:

If your South Asian wedding guests don’t RSVP on time, it can create challenges in planning and organizing your wedding. Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:

Set a Clear RSVP Deadline: Clearly communicate the RSVP deadline on your wedding invitations. Make sure it allows you enough time to make arrangements with your vendors and caterers. Setting a specific deadline helps create a sense of urgency for guests to respond promptly.

Follow Up with Reminders: Send gentle reminders to your guests a few weeks before the RSVP deadline. You can use various communication channels such as email, text messages, or phone calls to remind them to RSVP. Be polite and understanding in your reminders, emphasizing the importance of getting an accurate headcount for your wedding preparations.

Use Multiple RSVP Methods: Provide multiple ways for guests to RSVP, including online RSVP forms, email, phone, or traditional mail. This offers flexibility and convenience to your guests, increasing the chances of receiving timely responses.

Personal Outreach: For close family and friends who haven’t responded, consider reaching out to them personally. A phone call or direct conversation can help convey the significance of their response and motivate them to RSVP promptly.

Plan for Some Flexibility: Keep in mind that some guests may face genuine challenges or delays in responding. Allow for a small buffer period after the RSVP deadline to accommodate late responses or changes.

Adjust Your Guest List and Final Numbers: As you start receiving RSVPs, keep track of the confirmed guests and their preferences (meal choices, seating arrangements, etc.). Use this information to plan seating charts, finalize catering numbers, and communicate with your venue and vendors.

Follow Up with Non-Responders: After the RSVP deadline has passed and you still haven’t received responses from some guests, reach out to them individually to confirm their attendance or regrets. Explain that you need to finalize arrangements and appreciate a prompt response.

Prepare for Unconfirmed Guests: In case you still have guests who haven’t RSVP’d even after follow-ups, make provisions to accommodate a few additional guests. Plan for some flexibility in your seating arrangements and catering, keeping a reasonable estimate of potential attendees in mind.

Remember to handle the situation with patience and understanding. It’s common for guests to forget or overlook RSVPs, so maintaining open communication and gently reminding them can help in receiving timely responses.

OUR REVIEW:

This was probably our favourite response from Chat GPT so far. Honestly, we asked as this is one of the most common frustrations when it comes to wedding planning, as South Asians are notoriously known for being bad at RSVP’ing on time (on average – apologies for generalising!).

Without explicitly mentioning this, Chat GPT suggested a good practical structure, and emphasised the need to stay flexible, patient & prepared.

Overall, well done on this one Chat GPT.

7. Please create a wedding hashtag for our South Asian wedding. Our names are Geeta & Dil.

WHAT CHAT GPT SAID:

1 – #DilGeetaForever

2 – #DilwaleDulhaniyaGeetJayenge

Our review:

Chat GPT knows DDLJ and can make a pun out of out?! We take out words back, this is our favourite response from Chat GPT.

If we’re being honest, we asked this question because we saw an epic hashtag for this couple, Geeta & Dil, which was #GNeMeraDilLuteya; and wanted to test if Chat GPT was multi-lingual.

Overall, the DDLJ reference won our hearts Chat GPT.

Final Verdict on Chat GPT for wedding planning:

To summarise, Chat GPT surprised us on some occasions, and let us down on others. As a whole, it was very good to provide answers on some of the initial foundation-level elements of wedding planning.

To be honest, majority of the answers are probably still more relevant to mainstream wedding planning, as opposed to directly targeting answers about our cultural weddings.

Naturally, as the questions required more intricate answers, the human touch element of the AI was definitely missing (minus it’s vast knowledge of Bollywood classics). This reinforces our initial perception, that AI can only help plan weddings to a certain extent. Tips, suggestions & recommendations will always be vital to seamless wedding planning.

Be sure to check out more of our fun & quirky posts to get you through planning for your big day, as well as, checking out our free digital wedding planner.