But Guna Nandini is drawing on her cultural heritage and her skills as a former architect to hone in on an oft-overlooked aspect which, she believes, is equally important on one’s big day: the decor.
Through her event-styling business Dausche Avasa, the 34-year-old is slowly but surely making a name for herself in the local wedding industry, thanks to her unique designs that show off a rustic and customised aesthetic.
It all really came together following her own wedding in September 2022: wanting the perfect look for the venue and the surroundings in which the ceremony would take place, she took charge of creating the decor herself, ditching fake flower fixtures for something more personalised and thematic.
“As a Tamil girl who grew up in the ’90s and adored old-school love stories, I conceptualised my wedding theme based on classic films of the renowned Indian director Mani Ratnam,” she revealed.
She shared photos of her ceremony online and was stunned, and inspired, by the positive reception they received.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Guna shared that it had taken a while for her to discover her true creative calling.
“Crafts and creativity were always in my blood; growing up, I would often reuse birthday cards to make bookmarks or repurpose my bell-bottom jeans into bags,” she shared with a smile.
Seeking to channel her talents into a career, she pursued a degree in architectural science. But she soon found that it wasn’t for her: “I felt like I had so many ideas in my head that weren’t being put to good use.”
While searching for a side passion project to dive into, she came across handmade paper flowers online and decided to give making them a go.
Not before long, these meticulously crafted flowers could be seen adorning shopfronts, boutiques, birthday parties, bridal showers, and various other events.
Encouraged, Guna left architecture in 2018 and nurtured Dausche Avasa into an event-styling business.
Even before her own big day rolled around, she’d already decided to make her mark on the local wedding-styling scene, wanting to “redirect Indian weddings to see decor through a new lens”.
Then the stunning photos of her wedding caught attention online, turning that personal day of hers into an entrepreneurial breakthrough.
Today, many couples approach her to design their themed weddings, from the traditional to the less conventional. “The latest I worked on was an interpretation of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ but with a South Indian twist,” she revealed. Now that’s bound to turn heads!
Believing that wedding decor should be very personal, she takes time to talk to her clients and create the designs based on their love story.
Guna is also transforming the event-decoration game by embracing sustainability.
“The wedding industry can be rather wasteful,” she acknowledged. “Because of that, one of my key practices is to repurpose vintage and preloved items.”
It’s not just about helping the environment, however – she genuinely believes in the beauty of old goods.
“It’s so sad when I see something with so much potential go to the dumpster. A small stool can be more than just a seat; it could be the base of a stack of books. A vintage mirror can make for great signage or a photo booth.”
In fact, since her own ceremony, she has used her mum’s and grandmother’s old sarees as tablecloths, drapery, or statement cushion covers in every wedding she designs.
And while she brings a modern touch to the table, Guna believes it’s important to stay connected to culture by including elements like Sanskrit prints or the humble banana leaf in Indian weddings.
Above all, for this Klang Valley-based talent, it isn’t just about creating a beautiful aesthetic – it’s about crafting long-lasting memories.
“One couple said that when they look at the pictures of their wedding, they vividly remember how the decor made them feel on that day. That really sticks with me and inspires me to keep going,” she said warmly.
Want Guna’s expertise? Contact her at 012-673 2225, and follow Dausche Avasa on Instagram.