‘I am always intimidated before every wedding’: Ranjani Iyengar on designing for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant and more

Ranjani Iyengar, a renowned boutique stationery designer, admits to feeling nervous before every wedding she designs, including the high-profile Ambani wedding in 2024. However, after meeting the couple and understanding their vision, her confidence grew, and the process became enjoyable. She has designed invitations for several celebrity weddings, including those of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, Bejoy Nambiar and Sheetal Menon, Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapoor, and many more.

Iyengar's journey from engineering to designing was not abrupt but rather an organic progression. She has worked with various professionals in different fields, which helped her develop her thinking and professionalism. Art has always been a part of her life since childhood, and this passion led her to the wedding invitation industry.

Working with high-profile clients like the Ambanis can be intimidating due to the grandeur and scale of the event. However, the designer's relationship with Radhika's family and their keen eye for detail helped her feel more at ease. The designer faced several challenges during the production process, but the experience was spiritually fulfilling and enriched by several divine incidents.

The wedding invitation industry has evolved significantly since Iyengar started a decade ago. There are now more players in the market, diverse specializations, and a greater emphasis on experimentation. Invitations have become a statement piece, comparable to other significant aspects of a wedding such as trousseau, food, or photography.

Self-designed e-invites have gained popularity among couples looking to save money, but Iyengar believes this trend has not affected her business positively. Instead, she has seen a shift towards unique design languages and a more significant role for stationery in weddings.