India, May 16 -- Weddings and their preceding events today are not just about the love stories of couples, but also the numbers game - likes, views, and shares for viral moments! In a bid to create these, newlyweds often end up working tirelessly for a grand entry, often using elements such as nitrogen to create a fog effect. Such was the case at a recent wedding in Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh), where celebrations soon turned tragic after a seven-year-old girl died after accidentally falling into an open pot emitting nitrogen gas due to direct exposure to its hazardous emissions. Though it has become popular for its dramatic visual effects, experts are now urging caution against nitrogen use, calling for regulation and certification to ensure safety. Nitrogen - gas and liquid - was once limited to gastronomy and theatrical setups, but has now become more prevalent in weddings for 'Instagrammable' moments. "Liquid nitrogen offers a visually striking effect," shares Mehar Sarid, founder of The Wedding Art that organises events in Dubai, Goa, and Delhi. "Putting it in an open pot and using water to intensify the fog is extremely risky. It can burn skin on contact. Even though relatively safer machines exist today, they still pose risks and should not be blindly trusted. We, as a policy, don't use nitrogen unless a client insists - and even then, only after signing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Safety always comes first," she adds. Many planners now prefer carbon dioxide (CO2) as a safer alternative. "CO2 is commonly used for fog effects and is less hazardous when handled properly. It's crucial to ensure the gas isn't released near people. Cylinders must carry valid ISI safety certificates, and international safety practices should be adopted," informs Mumbai-based Anjali Tolani, vice president, Celebrations at Tamarind Global that organises weddings around the world. Nidhi Sahi, founder of Enjay Events, highlights that nitrogen is often used at private venues, such as farmhouses, where regulations are more relaxed. "At five-star venues, nitrogen is usually not allowed due to safety and legal concerns. But in open settings, people still use it without understanding the risks. When nitrogen isn't an option, we also use dry ice, CO2, helium, or hydrogen depending on the rules."...