IV Bars at Indian Weddings: A New Luxury Trend Sparked by Viral Video

A viral video shows guests hooked up to IV drips at a wedding, sparking excitement, debate, and safety concerns across social media.

What Is an IV Bar?

• An IV bar is a dedicated station at weddings where guests receive intravenous drips containing electrolytes, Vitamin C, and sometimes glutathione, a popular antioxidant.
• The service is managed by trained medical staff, including nurses or doctors, using sterile, single-use needles.
• The goal: rehydrate guests, reduce fatigue, and help recover from alcohol consumption during multi-day or destination weddings.
• The concept is marketed as a wellness and luxury feature, not a medical treatment.

The Viral Moment

• The concept gained massive attention when Skulpted by Kan, a clinic providing these services, posted a video showing guests receiving IV drips at a destination wedding.
• The video went viral with over 7.7 million views in three days, attracting widespread discussion online.

How It Works

• Infusions take 10–20 minutes per guest.
• Certain antioxidants, like glutathione, are given only to guests who haven’t consumed alcohol in the past 8 hours.
• Clinics often perform pre-infusion assessments to ensure safety.
• Pricing ranges from ₹2,200 to ₹4,000 per infusion, depending on the formulation and event size.

Why People Are Talking About It

Supporters Say:

• Adds luxury and exclusivity to weddings.
• Helps guests recover quickly and continue enjoying celebrations.
• Seen as a next-level hospitality upgrade, especially for long destination weddings.

Critics Warn:

• Doctors caution that IV drips without medical need can pose risks, including infections, vein irritation, and electrolyte imbalance.
• Some nutritionists argue natural hydration and rest are safer alternatives.
• Critics claim it trivializes a medical procedure, turning it into a lifestyle accessory.
• Concerns about legal or regulatory oversight have also been raised by netizens.

Global Context

• IV drips at events are not limited to India; similar setups exist in the U.S., UAE, and Europe as part of a growing wellness-meets-luxury trend.
• In India, the trend is part of a larger wave of glamorous wedding services, combining luxury, health, and social media appeal.

Backlash & Social Media Debate

• Many people criticized the trend online as excessive luxury, arguing it overshadows the wedding’s cultural and traditional significance.
• Some comments likened it to “who can spend the most,” reflecting concerns about extravagance over etiquette.
• While popular with some, the debate highlights diverging opinions on mixing wellness with high-end hospitality.

Expert Advice

• IV drips should primarily be used for medical needs, not as a lifestyle accessory.
• Guests should confirm trained medical professionals are present, sterile equipment is used, and proper screening is done.
• For most people, hydration with water or electrolytes, rest, and sleep are safe and effective alternatives.

The Takeaway

IV bars are catching attention for their novelty, offering luxury and convenience. But medical experts stress that safety cannot be compromised in the name of glamour. As this trend spreads across Indian weddings, guests and planners should weigh health risks versus indulgence, ensuring that wellness doesn’t come at the cost of safety.

Key Highlights:

• Viral video shows IV bars at a destination wedding gaining 7.7 million views in 3 days.
• IV drips contain electrolytes, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Designed to rehydrate and aid recovery, particularly after alcohol.
• Cost per infusion: ₹2,200–₹4,000.
• Critics warn about infection risks, vein irritation, and trivialization of medical procedures.
• Trend is part of a global wellness-luxury wave in weddings.