Planning the music for an Indian wedding, from sangeet to reception

By The Divinity DJs team · · 5 min read

An Indian wedding usually spans several events, each with different music: high-energy family dancing at the sangeet and mehndi, meaningful music for the ceremony, emotional songs for the vidai, and a full party at the reception. Brief your DJ on every event, not just the reception.

Sangeet and mehndi

These are often the most relaxed and energetic events. Expect Bollywood favourites, bhangra and, for many Gujarati families, dandiya and garba. If family members are performing choreographed dances, send their tracks to your DJ ahead of time and agree on the running order.

The ceremony

Whether it’s a Hindu ceremony, a Sikh Anand Karaj, a nikah or a fusion ceremony, talk to your officiant and DJ together about what music is appropriate, when it should play, and where microphones are needed so guests can hear.

Vidai

The bride’s farewell is one of the most emotional moments of the wedding. Choose a song that means something to the family, and make sure your DJ knows exactly when to start it.

The reception

Receptions often bring the widest mix of guests. A good DJ blends Bollywood and bhangra with Western hits so every generation is dancing. Plan your grand entrance song, any family dances and the last song of the night.

How to brief your DJ

  • Share the schedule for every event, including start times and key rituals
  • List must-play songs for entrances, performances and family dances
  • Tell them which languages announcements should be in
  • Name a family contact who can make decisions on the day
  • Decide on effects like dry ice fog or cold sparks for the entrance

Our team includes DJs from Gujarati, Punjabi and South Indian backgrounds, and between us we speak Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish and Farsi, which helps announcements reach every generation.

Next step

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