Viral video of wedding guests on IV drips sparks safety concerns, backlash: 'Tradition was outbid'

After circulating on Instagram, the video made its way to X, where the response shifted sharply towards criticism.

A video showing guests receiving intravenous drips at a destination wedding has triggered a wave of alarm and criticism across social media. The clip, posted on Instagram by the wellness service provider Skulpted by Kan, has reached close to five million views. It appeared to show a dedicated IV counter, where attendees were connected to drips marketed as a remedy for heavy drinking and fatigue.

The post carried a caption promoting the concept as a modern feature at high-end weddings. It read: “You’re at a destination wedding… and instead of nimbu paani, there’s a legit IV bar next to the poolside. It’s such a simple concept, but such a massive upgrade to the whole wedding experience. If you’re hosting in 2025… this is a flex that actually helps people.”

Intravenous hydration as a commercial service has become more visible in India’s metropolitan cities in recent years, promoted by several wellness clinics as a fast-acting method for rehydration, vitamin supplementation, and “detoxification.” Globally, similar “IV lounges” have appeared in the United States, the UAE and parts of Europe, though health authorities in many countries have repeatedly warned that medically unnecessary IV drips carry risks including infection, vein injury and electrolyte imbalance.

After circulating on Instagram, the video made its way to X, where the response shifted sharply towards criticism. Many users questioned the normalisation of medical interventions at private celebrations, and argued that excess spending had overshadowed the purpose of such gatherings.

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One user wrote: “Indian weddings where culture takes a backseat, and ‘Paisa ki Charbi’ drives the show. It’s less about sacred union, more about open bars, drunk flirting, hook-ups, and who flexes the fattest wallet. Tradition didn’t die, it was outbid.”

Another posted: “Next will be liver transplant OT.” A separate comment added sarcastically: “Next stop—ECG booth near the buffet.”

A nutritionist also criticised the practice, calling it a “disaster”, and warned that poorly supervised IV drip services could pose serious health hazards. She cited an incident that allegedly occurred during an informal IV “party” in Mumbai, where multiple people reportedly contracted Hepatitis B.

Her post read: “This is such a disaster! One instance of poor handling of needles or an unknown infection, this entire wedding party is cooked. A bunch of ladies in Bandra, Mumbai did this IV drip party last year and one of them found she had Hepatitis B a few months later during routine tests. She informed the group and it turned out three other ladies had also tested positive. Please use your brains.”

Public-health experts have long explained that hepatitis B and C can spread through shared or improperly sterilised needles. According to the World Health Organisation, unsafe injections remain a major cause of blood-borne infections globally, underscoring the importance of trained personnel and strict hygiene protocols for any intravenous procedure.

Meanwhile, in the comments under the original Instagram post, Skulpted by Kan clarified and stated that their operations were carried out under formal authorisation. The company said it held a valid health-trade licence from the Public Health Department and employed trained medical staff to administer the drips.

Their clarification read: “We operate under a valid health trade licence from the Public Health Department, and all IV drips at events are done by trained medical staff with sterile, single-use needles. Safety always comes first here at Skulpted.”

Health experts have noted that IV drips should typically be used only when clinically necessary, such as in cases of severe dehydration, hospital treatment or specific medical conditions.