Manisha Maharjan, Finalist of Women at Dior & UNESCO 2025 Global Conference Founder, P.E.T.A.L.S
Going through different phases of life, I have realised that the true beauty of any celebration lies not in its size but in its meaning. For me, the idea of a wedding has never been about how many people are present but about the depth of the connections shared. I believe an intimate wedding holds far more value because it allows me to celebrate with the people who truly matter, those who have walked with me through my journey, witnessed my struggles and shaped who I am today.
Life has shown me that memories are built in moments where we feel seen and loved. Through P.E.T.A.L.S, I have learned to embrace authenticity, empowerment and meaningful connections. These lessons have inspired me to dream of a wedding that is personal and genuine not a performance for a crowd.
In a smaller setting, I can give more of myself – my time, my attention and my love to each person. I want every hug, every blessing and every laugh to carry weight, rather than disappear in the noise of a big celebration.
An intimate wedding also allows me to use my resources more wisely. Instead of spreading myself thin, I can create richer experiences for my loved ones and build a day that truly reflects my values. For me, it is not about how grand the décor is, but about how warm the atmosphere feels. It is about offering some extra moments of genuine connection that my guests will carry in their hearts.
Beyond the wedding, I also dream of travelling the world with the person I love -collecting stories, experiences and adventures together. To me, that balance of intimacy, authenticity and shared journeys is what makes both a wedding and a life truly beautiful.
Bishwas Pun Magar, Co-Founder, Wedding City Nepal
The debate between an intimate wedding and a big fat wedding is timeless. From my experience as a photographer and filmmaker, the two offer entirely different worlds.
A big fat wedding comes with hundreds of guests – celebrities, political figures and familiar faces. While it is dazzling, it also brings strict expectations. We must capture not only the family and rituals but also the presence of notable guests. Missing even a small detail can invite creative criticism. Adding to the challenge is today’s “same-day editing” trend where key photos and videos are expected online within hours for social media updates. This pressure often limits creative freedom.
In contrast, intimate weddings are simple, heartfelt and less demanding. With fewer guests and no rush for immediate posts, there is more room for storytelling, emotions and creativity. The atmosphere allows us to focus on genuine connections rather than deadlines.
At Wedding City Nepal, my team and I embrace both kinds of celebrations. Whether it’s the grandeur of a big fat wedding or the quiet beauty of an intimate one, our goal remains the same – to capture the true essence of the wedding while preserving moments and memories beautifully.
Cholendra Kumar Gurung, Founder, Sapphire np
Having spent over a decade in the wedding industry, I have seen how every celebration, regardless of size, carries its own unique beauty. Intimate weddings, however, hold a special place in my heart. They allow couples to focus on one another and the people who matter most to them, where every moment feels raw, emotional, and intentional. From the quiet tears of parents to the laughter of lifelong friends, these moments translate beautifully into timeless storytelling through décor, film, and photography. Big weddings, on the other hand, are dazzling in their own way — full of grandeur, cultural traditions, and an energy that can be unforgettable. Yet they often come with pressure and logistics that sometimes overshadow the intimacy of the celebration.
Personally, I lean towards intimate weddings because they allow ample time, space, and presence for meaning to shine through. At the end of the day, whether grand or simple, a wedding should reflect the couple’s true journey and love. That is where the real magic lies.
Sana Devkota, Software Engineer & Model
When I think about weddings, I think about sharing happiness. For me, that feeling grows even stronger when more of my loved ones are present. I would include all the people who have stood by me through different stages of life. It is because of their love and support that I will be the woman I am in that moment, ready to embrace a partner wholeheartedly. Sharing that milestone with everyone who has shaped me would make my wedding even more special.
Also, it is in these moments of celebration that precious memories are made. My cousin passed away suddenly, and my most cherished memory of him is him being the life of the party during my other cousin’s wedding. Memories like that make me want a bigger wedding of my own so I can create moments of connection with all my loved ones.
To me, the joy of a wedding is limitless. It is a day when love overflows, not just between two people but radiating through family, friends and everyone gathered. I would love a big wedding that allows me to share my joy with everyone and create memories that last a lifetime.
