Indian Wedding Music and Entertainment

Music and Entertainment are indispensable from Indian Weddings. But how do you set the tone for a wedding event with music? Bollywood movies are full of great songs for weddings. It’s always good to be prepared and have a playlist ready for your wedding functions. Here I am going to discuss the events you need music and entertainment for and how to go about selecting it.

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Mehendi: The “Mehendi” function is a very fun and festive ceremony. Music, when selected appropriately, can add a great ambience to this function. If you choose to do the music for your mehendi yourself, you can make an iPod, iTunes or a Winamp playlist of your favorite mehendi songs to play. Alternatively, if you are having a DJ, you can hand over your list to them. If you can find someone who can play a dholak and sing folk songs, then that can add a very festive mood to this function. Here is a list of few songs to get you brainstorming:
- Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge)
- Mehendi Hai Rachne Waali (Zubeida)
- Mayi Ni Mayi (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun)
- Mehendi Ki Raat Aayi (Models)
- Mehendi Lagaaongi (Vibha)
Sangeet: This is the night of entertainment! Full of fun performances and lots of dancing. There are plenty of ways to add entertainment to this event. You can hire performers, performances by family and friends (my favorite!), live singing, or hire a DJ. When it comes to family performances, they can get very creative – You can enact the couple’s story with music and dance, You can do a skit, You can have a theme, the possibilities are endless! You can also add a traditional touch with dhol, garba, dandiya raas and bhangra. Here are some of my favorite Sangeet Songs:
- Kala Shah Kala (Traditional Punjabi)
- Baari Barsi (Traditional Punjabi)
- Eli Re Eli (Yaadein)
- Sajan Ji Ghar Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)
- Pehli Pehli Baar Dekha Aisa Jalwa (Silsila)
- Nimbooda (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
- Maahi Ve (Kal Ho Na Ho)
- Bole Chudiyan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum)
- Dholna (Shubha Mudgal)
- Yeh Ladka Hai Allah (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam)
Baraat: Baraat, which is a procession of the groom and his side of the family, is an age long tradition. Dance and Music are must! Dhols are perfect way to set the tone for this event. Some appropriate Baraat songs could be:
- Le Jaayenge Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
- Nach Baliye (Bunty Aur Babli)
- Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
- Aaja Nachle (Bally Sagoo)
- Chunari Chunari (Biwi No. 1)
- Shava Shava (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam)
Wedding Ceremony: The ceremony is the most traditional event in all the festivities. Hence, the music should be apt for that. The tunes of shehnai, santoor and bansuri can really set the right atmosphere for a wedding ceremony. Consider buying some Classical CDs or music online. For joota chhupai ceremony, my favorite song is “Joote Do Paise Lo” from Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.
Reception: For the reception you have to select songs for a number of things:
- Cocktail Hour: For cocktail hour, your guests would be mingling with each other and there will be conversations. Its better to have music which is not too distracting and is just there for background. Usually slow and romantic numbers work the best. Here is what I recommend:
  - Hey Shona (Tara Rum Pum)
  - Teri Ore (Singh is King)
  - Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
  - Saanson Se Saanse (Hum Tum)
  - Aapki Nazron Ne Instrumental
  - Chura Liya Hai (Yaadon Ki Baraat)
  - Zara Sa (Jannat)
- Introduction of the Bridal Party: Music that introduces the bridal party, parents and bride & groom should be fast paced and upbeat that gets the audience to cheer along and lets the bridal party show their personality. Here are some suggestions:
  - Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Woh Lamhe)
  - Deewangi (Om Shaanti Om)
  - Mundiyan Tu Bachke Rahe (Punjabi MC)
  - Dil Dooba (Khakee)
  - Twist (Love Aaj Kal)
- First Dance: There are so many songs to choose from for the first dance. Frankly, it depends on the couple. If they have a favorite song that has a special meaning then they can always go with that. For the first dance, couples usually choose to do a slow ballroom dance. The couple can also choose to do a fast number followed by the slow dance to surprise the audience. Here are some suggestions for First Dance:
  - Pehli Nazar Mein (Race)
  - Hey Shona (Tara Rum Pum)
  - Love Song (OST 50 First Dates)
  - Now that we found love (OST Hitch)
  - Everything I do (Bryan Adams)
  - Here are some more Classic Song ideas on The Knot (http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas/articles/50-classic-first-dance-songs.aspx?MsdVisit=1)
- Cake Cutting:
  - Come What May (Moulin Rouge)
  - The Sweetest Thing (U2)
  - Sweetest Thing (Lauryn Hill)
  - Find some more on Wedding Wire (http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-songs/cake-cutting-music)
- While Guests are eating: For the time the guests are eating, I would again play music that is there in background and something similar to what is played during the cocktail hour. You can also choose to do a slideshow of your pictures during this time.
- Dancing: Dancing is something that everyone looks forward to at the wedding. Hiring a DJ is a must to make sure that your guests have a great time. I would strongly suggest that the brides have a must play and do not play list for this part of the reception. In fact if you are very meticulous, you could make a spreadsheet with categories like Bollywood, Punjabi & Bhangra, Hip Hop, Reggae, 80s, Classics etc. You have to make sure that the music caters to everyone in your audience, from the young crowd to uncles and aunties. Here are some of my favorite dance numbers:
  - Where is the Party tonight (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna)
  - Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Remix)
  - Rang Barse and Other Amitabh Bacchan Music
  - Only You (112)
  - Turn Me On (Kevin Lyttle)
  - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cindy Lauper)
  - Electric Slide
  - The way I are (Timbaland)
  - Mauja Hi Mauja (Jab We Met)
  - Don’t stop till you get enough and Most Michael Jackson Songs
  - Dancing Queen (ABBA)
  - Kangna (Dr. Zeus)
  - Don’t Be Shy (Rouge)
  - Glassy (Ashok Mastie)
  - Ishq (Sukhbir)
  - Billy Jean Vs Husn
  - Rail Gaddi
  - Most Jay Sean, Rishi Rich and Juggy D Music
  - Give it up to me (Sean Paul)
  - Crank That (Soulja Boy)