A viral video from a lavish Indian destination wedding has ignited a fierce online discussion, showcasing an unexpected new trend: guests casually receiving vitamin-infused IV drips while lounging by the pool. This setup, resembling a full-fledged "IV bar," marks a significant shift for a concept once confined to clinical settings into the heart of opulent celebrations.
The Viral Wedding and The Rise of the IV Bar
The now-controversial clip was shared on Instagram by a wellness clinic named Skulpted by Kan. It depicts wedding guests relaxing on sofas and recliners while hooked up to intravenous drips. The clinic's caption praised the concept as a "simple" yet "massive upgrade to the whole wedding experience." This is not an isolated incident. Lifestyle reports confirm that these "detox bars" are becoming a more common sight at high-end or destination weddings, positioned alongside traditional refreshments like fruit-infused waters and juice counters. The stated goal is to offer guests a quick recovery from late-night partying and general wedding fatigue.
Medical Oversight or Risky Lifestyle Hack?
Skulpted by Kan has defended its services, stating that their wedding IV bars are fully staffed by medical professionals. A spokesperson clarified that a doctor supervises either in person or virtually, and a nurse is present throughout the event. The clinic also insists that every guest undergoes a pre-infusion medical assessment before any treatment is administered. The available drip options reportedly include hydration with electrolytes, Vitamin C, and sometimes glutathione, but only when deemed medically appropriate. The clinic emphasizes that the service is not meant to "undo alcohol" but to tackle dehydration and exhaustion responsibly. This luxury comes at a steep price, with each infusion costing between ₹2,200 and ₹4,000.
Medical Experts Voice Serious Concerns
Despite the growing popularity, the medical community is raising alarms. Dr. Brunda M. S, an internal medicine consultant at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, warned in an interview with India Today that IV drips should be reserved for medical necessities like illness or severe dehydration, not used as a casual "quick fix." She highlighted several potential risks, including:
- Infection at the needle insertion site.
- Vein irritation or damage from improper infusion.
- Electrolyte imbalance if nutrient concentrations are incorrect.
She also cautioned that overuse could lead to fluid overload, putting stress on the heart and lungs. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Poonam Tiwari, a head dietitian from Lucknow, advised that simple hydration and rest are often sufficient to combat fatigue, warning against the normalization of IV drips as an energy-boosting "hack."
The trend is gaining visibility, with clinics offering on-site medical teams for weddings, suggesting it may become a staple for the affluent. Influencer Alanna Panday was an early adopter, featuring an IV bar at her haldi ceremony. While similar IV lounges exist in the U.S. and UAE, global health authorities consistently caution against their non-essential use. The debate around IV bars ultimately pits a novel concept of celebratory wellness against serious questions of medical safety and the evolving definition of luxury.
