A viral video of a wedding in India has sparked heated debate online: guests lounging by the pool and chilling on couches, receiving IVs of vitamins on what appears to be a full-fledged “IV bar.”
The concept – once limited to wellness clinics – is now making its way into opulent wedding venues, touted as a stylish cure for hangovers and exhaustion.
What is an IV bar and how did it become popular?
An Instagram video shared by the clinic, called Sculpted by Kan, shows guests lying on sofas and connected to IVs.
According to the clip’s caption, the setup is “such a simple concept… but such a massive upgrade to the entire wedding experience.”
This is not the first time that IV drips have appeared in the celebration environment. According to Lifestyle News, they’ve been incorporated into “detox bars” at luxury or destination weddings, running alongside fruit-infused waters, wellness shots and juice counters.
The goal is to help guests quickly recover from late-night parties with a wellness twist.
Is it medical in any way?
Wellness clinic Skulpted by Kan, which is behind the viral video, defended the practice. According to its spokesman, the infusion bar is fully staffed by medical professionals with personal or virtual supervision by a doctor and a nurse present throughout the event.
Each guest undergoes a pre-infusion medical examination prior to administration of the drip.
Drip options reportedly include hydration with electrolytes, vitamin C, and—in some cases—glutathione (but only when medically appropriate).
The clinic emphasizes that the service is not designed to “de-alcoholize,” but to address wedding-related dehydration and fatigue in a medically responsible manner.
When it comes to cost, the price ranges are steep: each infusion is said to cost between ₹2,200 a ₹4,000, based on reports of their wedding packages.
Medical professionals weigh in
Although this trend has caught on, it is drawing serious criticism from health professionals. Speaking to India Today, Dr Brunda MS, an in-house consultant at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, warned that IV drips should primarily be used for medical reasons – such as dehydration, illness or weakness – rather than as a “quick fix” for fatigue or a hangover.
Among the potential risks it highlights are:
1) Infection at the point where the needle penetrates the skin.
2) Irritation or damage to the veins if the infusion is not done carefully.
3) Electrolyte imbalances, especially if nutrient concentrations are not measured correctly.
Excessive use could also lead to fluid overload and stress the heart or lungs.
Dr. Poonam Tiwari, chief dietician at Lucknow Hospital, points out that you can often combat dehydration and fatigue simply by drinking water and resting. He warns against using IVs as a life “hack” to boost energy.
Are IV bars becoming commonplace?
According to reports, IV drip services are indeed becoming increasingly visible in India’s metropolitan luxury wedding scene.
Clinics like Skulpted by Kan now offer on-site medical teams for weddings, suggesting it’s more than just a fad – it could become the basis for high-end celebrations.
Influencer Alanna Panday, sister of actor Ahaan Panday, was one of the first people to introduce an IV bar at her haldi ceremony. You could also see how he was taking it.
Read also | Karan Johar teases the real life romance between Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
Globally, there are similar “IV lounges” in places such as the US, the United Arab Emirates and parts of Europe; however, health authorities in many countries have repeatedly warned against the unnecessary use of IV therapy.
The “IV bar” is attracting attention not only for its novelty, but also for raising serious questions about wellness, safety and the limits of luxury weddings. For those who see it as a smart upgrade to hospitality, it’s a thoughtful fusion of wellness and celebration. For critics, it’s an alarming medical trend disguised as glamour.
But health professionals widely agree on one point: IV drips must not be normalized as a fun party accessory.
