Weddings are supposed to be one of the most cherished and special moments of your life. And wedding pictures shot in picturesque locales are something that every couple likes to flaunt with elan. But it seems a lot has changed since the demonetisation announcement. While every market was severely hit due to cash crunch, weddings was undoubtedly the worst hit, as the announcement was made just when the wedding season was at its peak. "At this time of the year our phones are buzzing continuously with inquiries, but this year seems to be quite dull. Even if there are inquiries, chances of turning those to actual clients is again, very little," says city based wedding photographer Nikita Wankhede."Since DeMo happened right when the wedding season was about to begin, one couldn't gauge immediate effects then, but now even after Kamurta has come to an end, there are very few inquiries which isn't a good sign," shares Faiyaz Hawawala, wedding and commercial photographer. Faiyaz adds, "While initially people would invest in both wedding and pre-wedding shoots, since the cash crunch, they opt for either one of the service, and wedding being the most important one, many opt for that." "Another reason for delays and cancellations is that the weddings are being pushed to further dates or many are waiting for the new budget year to begin so as to plan things more smartly and effectively, hence less number of inquiries," asserts Shraddha Rathi, a wedding photographer. However, Amit Barot, director and also a wedding photographer shares that this situation has been bad for the wedding market, but, the pre-wedding market has been less impacted as there are couples who are opting for pre-wedding shoots and spending less on various other smaller ceremonies that a wedding involves."Demonetisation, hasn't actually affected the pre-wedding shoot market, but more so the wedding market. Couples are cutting on high wedding photography costing, and instead we have received more inquiries on pre-wedding shoots this year. Newage couples are more interested in getting pre-wedding shoots clicked rather than the mundane ones."As if the market wasn't hit badly, the stifling competition makes it all the more difficult, shares Nikita. "One of the biggest challenges that many of us faced was that there are many new photographers who would work for free to get clients. Because of this they expect us to reduce our prices too. While pre-wedding shoots are all about going lavish and showing off, now the scenario has changed. While we don't cut our prices, we negotiate on props, locations and also have offers where certain exclusive costs are reduced or completely waived off." Faiyaz adds, "Generally, we have pre-wedding complementary when we are doing the entire wedding shoots. But now while people are asking for only pre-wedding there are lots of cutdowns happening there also. From our staff, to locations, to costumes and makeup (if we have to arrange) props which affects the quality of work also. Again new photographers who works for free just to establish themselves in the market, are a threat to us. The situation right now is quite terrifying as we are grabbing whatever assignments we get be it wedding or commercial fronts."One of the major issues that many faced just when this move was brought in was payments, especially cash based payments. While on one hand some people wanted to negotiate as much as possible, on the other hand late payments or payment in old cash was the biggest challenge and needless to say, a risk. Amit shares, "Just as demonetisation was announced, the major challenge that we faced was pending wedding payments in old currency, as clients started promising longer time interval for bank transfers or payment in new currency. Also as most arrangements were already made, cut downs were made on smaller wedding ceremonies and guest list, which in turn meant cutting down photo coverage of certain smaller events that takes place during and before the wedding."Couples are always on the lookout to save money while having their share of wedding fun. In such cases, they opt for locations that are pocket-friendly, like farm houses of their friends. Not just this, being a member of any top city club with picturesque locales is an added advantage. Clubs too are keen on renting out spaces for such events. Also adding your own props to mundane locations is preferred by the couples. While many couples preferred exotic foreign locations last year such as Thailand, Seychelles, Africa and Eastern Europe, apart from the forts, palaces and beaches in India, many are now opting for unexplored locations around Ahmedabad. With Polo forest, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann of Kutch, Champaner, Motera Sun temple, city based gold clubs are some most sought after options, shares Shraddha Rathi, a wedding photographer. Amit adds, "Post DeMo, locations like the Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodphur streets and also streets near the Worli Sea-link in Mumbai are preferred."

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