Spotlight22 Aug 20244 MIN

How Diageo is raising the bar at weddings

From bespoke bars to signature blends, we sat down with Bhanu Gupta, VP, Luxury & Super Premium at Diageo, to chat about the exclusive experiences they're bringing to The Wedding Collective

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When it comes to weddings, there’s no denying that the right spirit can turn a memorable celebration into an unforgettable affair. A perfectly crafted cocktail has become the quintessential of the modern wedding—just as essential as the vows and almost as important as the dress. We’re talking about more than just a splash of bubbly; today’s nuptials are all about signature drinks that tell a story, set a mood, and keep the dance floor packed until the last song plays.

And who better to lead this revolution than Diageo? With a portfolio that’s as iconic as the ceremonies they’re pouring into, Diageo has been at the forefront of crafting wedding experiences that are anything but ordinary. They’ve mastered the art of transforming a simple toast into an experience, ensuring that every sip is as sophisticated as the celebration itself. Whether it’s the first clink of glasses or the last call, Diageo’s luxury spirits are redefining what it means to raise a glass in style.

Curious to know more about how Diageo is shaking things up at weddings? We sat down with Bhanu Gupta, VP, Luxury & Super Premium at Diageo, to chat about their partnership with The Wedding Collective, what guests can expect from their exclusive experiences, and how they’re setting the gold standard for wedding mixology. Buckle up, because this is where cocktails meet couture, and your wedding becomes a celebration worth toasting to—again and again.

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Bhanu Gupta, VP, Luxury & Super Premium at Diageo

What inspired Diageo to partner with The Wedding Collective?

At Diageo, we are committed to creating unparalleled experiences and celebrating life every day. The Wedding Collective, India’s premier destination for all things weddings, brings to life the extraordinary moments that couples and their families desire on their most special day. It was a natural fit for us to combine our strengths and craft an unparalleled experience that everyone can see and immerse themselves in.

Can you give us a sneak peek into what attendees can expect from Diageo at the event? Any special curation or experiences that guests should look forward to?

At The Wedding Collective, Diageo will showcase an exclusive selection from our wedding collection across four immersive experience zones. Each zone, featuring our bespoke luxury brands, will highlight how our offerings can elevate every aspect of your celebration. From the iconic Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve X Abhinav Mishra collection to The Singleton of Dufftown, Tanqueray No.10, and Don Julio, we have curated unique experiences for guests to enjoy.

Weddings are all about signature moments. If Diageo were to create a personalised cocktail menu for a wedding, what would the process be like?

We are dedicated to curating exceptional celebratory experiences for our clients. Each event receives a specially tailored cocktail and bar menu designed by our world-renowned Brand Ambassadors, ensuring that the special day is memorable for both guests and hosts.

From classic to contemporary, couples today are looking to incorporate unique elements into their celebrations. Which Diageo brands do you see trending in wedding celebrations this season?

Diageo offers a diverse range of luxury products to enhance every wedding occasion. At The Wedding Collective, we are thrilled to showcase each of our brands through immersive experiences tailored to Indian weddings. For high-energy events like bachelor parties, Don Julio Tequila takes centre stage. Tanqueray No.10’s garnish bars and fountains are perfect for Mehndi functions, while the Johnnie Walker Gold Label X Abhinav Mishra bar will elevate the main celebration. The Singleton of Dufftown, with its exclusive range of single malts, is ideal for evening functions such as receptions.

Mixology is an art form. What are some of the most popular concoctions couples are requesting for their big day, and how does Diageo help bring these to life?

Some of the most popular requests for weddings include our signature Tanqueray T10 Martini, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve-Gold Fashioned, Singleton Honey-old Fashioned, and Don Julio Paloma. We work closely with clients to ensure these iconic cocktails are expertly crafted and perfectly suited to their celebration.

If you had to match one of Diageo’s brands to different types of weddings—say, a beach wedding, a royal palace affair, or an intimate garden ceremony—which ones would they be and why?

For a beach wedding, Don Julio is an excellent choice, as the refreshing Paloma cocktail complements the relaxed, open atmosphere. A royal palace affair calls for Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Finally, an intimate garden ceremony is perfectly suited for Tanqueray No.10, which highlights the botanicals that are ideal for a serene and elegant setting.

When it comes to wedding toasts, which Diageo brand do you think is the ultimate choice for raising a glass to love and commitment?

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is the ultimate choice for a wedding toast, embodying the elegance and significance of celebrating love and commitment.

What are you looking most forward to at The Wedding Collective?

We are excited to be presenting our exclusively curated, luxury brand experiences at India’s ultimate wedding showcase and look forward to seeing our unique offerings come to life.