STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY
Lifestyle
How to Plan a Rocking Sangeet Ceremony: Tips from the Pros
Date 06 November 2024 Reading time: 7-10 mins
A sangeet ceremony is much more than just a pre-wedding function—it's a chance for the bride, groom, and their loved ones to let their hair down and celebrate the upcoming nuptials with music, dance, and loads of naach-gaana. If you're looking to host a sangeet ceremony that will be etched in everyone's memories, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up some fabulous sangeet party ideas and planning tips to help you put together a truly unforgettable evening. So grab a cuppa chai and get ready to take notes.
Introduction to Sangeet Ceremony
In Indian weddings, the sangeet ceremony holds a special place. It's more than just a party—it's a celebration of love, togetherness, and the joining of two families. Therefore, it holds tremendous importance.
The Importance of Sangeet in Indian Weddings
The sangeet ceremony is a joyous pre-wedding celebration is all about bonding over music, dance, and merrymaking. Traditionally, the sangeet was an intimate affair where the women of the household would gather to sing folk songs and shower blessings upon the bride. Over time, it has evolved into a grand event that brings together family and friends from both sides.
Common Traditions in a Sangeet Ceremony
While the sangeet ceremony may vary across different regions and communities, there are some common elements you'll find in most of them:
· Dholak-accompanied singing sessions featuring traditional wedding songs
· Dance performances by the bride, groom, and their squads
· A lively emcee to keep the energy high through the night
Mouth-watering appetisers and dinner spread with regional specialities
· Coordinated outfits for the bride and groom's sides
So whether it's a Gujarati garba night or a bhangra-filled Punjabi sangeet, get ready for an evening of non-stop naach-gaana and dhamaal.
Planning a Successful Sangeet Event
Planning a sangeet ceremony is all about creating an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and celebration. By choosing the right venue, music, decor, and activities, you can make your sangeet ceremony a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
1. Choosing the Right Venue for Your Sangeet
The first step in planning a rocking sangeet ceremony is finalising the perfect venue. You'll want to pick a space that can comfortably accommodate your guest list while leaving ample room for performances and dancing. Banquet halls, farmhouses, and poolside lawns are popular choices for sangeet venues.
When scouting for locations, keep these factors in mind:
· Acoustics and sound systems for musical performances
· Stage setup for dance acts and emcee
· Seating arrangements for dinner and mingling
· Scope for decor to match your theme
· Accessibility and parking for guests
2. Deciding on the Guest List
Your sangeet guest list can be as intimate or extensive as you'd like. If you're having a destination wedding or a multi-day celebration, you may want to invite all the baraatis to the sangeet. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more close-knit affair, you can limit the invites to immediate family and close friends.
Just remember, the more, the merrier! After all, the sangeet ceremony is all about celebrating with your loved ones and having a gala time together. So go ahead and add those mamas, chachas, and childhood besties to the list!
3. Selecting the Perfect Music and Dance Performances
What's a sangeet without some naach-gaana, right? When planning your sangeet ceremony, be sure to line up a mix of musical and dance acts to keep the energy levels high. You can have the bride and groom's squads put together some killer dance routines on popular Bollywood tracks. Rope in the talented singers and musicians in the family for some soulful performances.
And don't forget to hire a professional emcee or DJ to ensure a seamless flow through the evening. They can engage the crowd with interactive games, coordinate the performances, and, of course, get everyone grooving on the dance floor!
Sangeet Celebration Ideas
To make your sangeet ceremony truly unforgettable, choosing some hatke ideas are your go-to. Here's how you can get started:
Innovative Themes for Your Sangeet
Want to give your sangeet a unique spin? Consider picking a fun theme for the night! Here are some sangeet theme ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
· Bollywood Night: Have guests dress up as their favourite film characters and groove to hit Hindi tracks.
· Retro Disco: Think glittery disco balls, neon signs, and 80s chartbusters for a throwback sangeet bash.
· Indian Regional Themes: Celebrate your heritage with a Rajasthani mela, South Indian temple festival, or vibrant Punjabi village setup.
· Fusion Fiesta: Blend Indian and Western elements for a sangeet with a global touch - think dhol players alongside a jazz band!
Remember, your theme can be reflected in the decor, music, food, and even the dress code for the night. So go all out and create an immersive experience for your guests!
Fun Games and Activities for the Sangeet
Apart from the usual song and dance routines, you can liven up your sangeet ceremony with some fun games and activities. Here are a few ideas:
· Bride and Groom Quiz: Put the couple in the hot seat and have guests ask them funny "how well do you know each other" questions.
· Sangeet Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues around the venue leading to a special prize or surprise performance.
· Karaoke Corner: Set up a karaoke booth with favourite Bollywood tracks for guests to belt out their best renditions.
· Mehndi Station: Bring in professional Mehndi artists to adorn the guests' hands with intricate henna designs.
Unique Food and Drink Ideas for the Sangeet
No Indian celebration is complete without a lavish spread of delicacies! When planning your sangeet menu, think beyond the usual suspects and surprise your guests with some unique dishes and drinks. Some ideas to consider:
· Live Chaat Counters: Treat guests to piping hot pani puris, sev puris, and bhel puri made to order.
· Fusion Appetisers: Serve up mini dosa tacos, keema baos, or paneer tikka quesadillas for an Indo-Western twist.
· Artisanal Mocktails: Whip up some bespoke mocktails infused with Indian flavours like jal-jeera, aam panna, or masala chai.
· Dessert Bars: Indulge the sweet tooth with an array of cakes, pastries, Indian mithais, and kulfi stations.
Pro Tip: Personalise the menu to reflect your favourite childhood dishes, hometown specialities, or even the cuisine of the city where you first met!
When it comes to sangeet outfits, it's all about finding the perfect balance of style and comfort. You'll want to pick an ensemble that allows you to dance the night away without any wardrobe malfunctions! For the ladies, flowy lehengas, shararas, and indo-western gowns are great options. Gents, you can never go wrong with a classic kurta-churidar combo or even a dapper bandh gala jacket. Just remember to break into your sangeet shoes beforehand to avoid any painful blisters on the day!
Making Your Sangeet Ceremony Unforgettable
Planning a sangeet ceremony is all about infusing your own personal touch and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a dance-off between the bride and groom's squads or a soulful unplugged session by the cousin who's an aspiring singer, let your sangeet reflect the unique bond you share with your loved ones.
From zeroing in on the perfect venue to crafting a menu that will make your guests go "ooh la la!", we hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration to plan a truly rocking sangeet. Just remember, at the end of the day, it's the love and laughter you share with your friends and family that will make your sangeet an unforgettable affair!
If you're looking for outfit inspiration for your sangeet ceremony, be sure to check out Manyavar's stunning collection of contemporary and fusion wear for men and Mohey's exquisite range of lehengas, gowns, and more for women. Here's to a night filled with naach, gaana, and endless celebrations!