Song, Dance & fun!

A mong all the rituals and ceremonies of an Indian marriage, the sangeet is the most vibrant. Hindi films, as always, are a huge reference point for sangeet functions so use our songs and dances to the maximum benefit when you are planning a sangeet in your family. Bandhan gives you a few pointers to ensure you have a rollicking and smoothly organised sangeet function that everyone will keep raving about!

1. The theme is the most important aspect. The most common theme to adopt is a girls’ side versus boys’ side performance competition. Choose some really fast-paced, racy numbers and have both sets of friends dance to them. Form a panel of ‘informed’ judges – theparents and senior family members – and have a competition.
2. Have a dance performance in the form of a skit that tells the love story of the couple. Let friends or siblings who know the couple’s story inside-out handle the job.
3. Choose songs that suit the occasion perfectly. Do not have songs that might cause discomfort or embarrassment to anyone present.
4. Do a mix of Bollywood and Western dance, especially if you have a cross-cultural wedding. Have the girls perform to typical item numbers while the boys can show off their moves to rocking club songs.
5. Record your practice sessions on video. It’s great for reference in case you forget the steps and also will provide good footage to use in your wedding video.
6. Upload the video to YouTube so that friends abroad can learn the steps.
7. Employ the services of a good DJ if you don’t want to depend on your hometheatre system.
8. Decide the performers for the sangeet in advance. Not everyone is comfortable with dance steps and while a family function is not meant to be perfectly choreographed, it’s nice to have people who know their steps.
9. Divide the time judiciously between the bride’s and groom’s family. Make enough arrangements for food and drinks. Also, it’s best to keep it short and simple.
10. Do have a finale song to which only the bride and the groom will perform. It should be a song that encapsulates their personality and story aptly.