Make Your Indian Wedding Fun With These Creative Ideas

Indian weddings are a vibrant, multi-day celebration of love and culture. They are a time for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories. But with so many rituals and traditions, it can be easy to forget about the experience of your guests.

Feed your guests

Feeding your guests on time is key to hosting a fun Indian wedding. Here are some ideas to ensure your guests are well-fed and happy:

Offer Self-Serve Snacks or Munchies

If there is a big gap between events, it is important to offer self-serve snacks or munchies to tide guests over until the next meal. Some options for snacks include:

• Mini samosas (veg or non-veg)
• Bhelpuri
• Crispy and tangy papdi chaat served in martini glasses
• Gol gappas/pani puris
• Aloo tikki with curd chutney and mint garnish
• Sweet and tangy dhoklas
• Pakoras
• Crispy masala vadas
• Medu vadas
• Vegetable cutlets

Main Meals

For the main meals, it is not necessary to have five-course menus, but it is important to serve food that is delicious and abundant. Here are some ideas for main meals:

North Indian Cuisine

North Indian cuisine is a royal feast for the eyes and taste buds, with rich curries, succulent tandoori meats, and fragrant biryanis. Some specific dishes to consider are:

• Butter chicken
• Paneer tikka
• Kadai paneer
• Dal makhani
• Vegetable biryani
• Tandoori chicken
• Kebabs

South Indian Cuisine

South Indian cuisine is a visual delight, with vibrant colours and intricate arrangements. Dishes are often served on banana leaves, adding to the overall experience. Some specific dishes to consider are:

• Masala dosa
• Idlis
• Sambar
• Rasam
• Coconut chutney
• Vegetable biryani
• Vegetable korma
• Avial
• Chettinad chicken curry
• Hyderabadi dum biryani

Desserts

No Indian wedding is complete without traditional Indian sweets. Here are some options for delicious desserts:

• Gulab jamun
• Rasmalai
• Jalebi
• Badam halwa
• Coconut ladoo
• Rava kesari
• Mysore pak
• Adirasam
• Chocolate mousse
• Cheesecake
• Tiramisu

Midnight Snacks

It is a good idea to have some snacks available for guests who get hungry during the midnight feras. A popcorn cart serving warm salted and caramel popcorn can be a fun option.

Drinks

In addition to food, it is important to offer a variety of drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Here are some ideas for drinks:

• Mocktails and cocktails
• Virgin mango margaritas
• Virgin mojitos
• Watermelon-strawberry ginger lemonade
• Sangria mocktails and cocktails
• Mock champagne
• Beer
• Wine

Unique performances

Indian weddings are a vibrant celebration of love, family, and culture. Here are some unique performance ideas to make your big day even more memorable:

Flash Mob

Imagine the surprise on your guests' faces when a group of your relatives suddenly breaks into a well-choreographed flash mob! This unexpected performance is sure to get everyone talking and set a lively tone for the rest of the wedding.

Live Qawwali Performance

Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that is sure to captivate your guests, especially the elders. Hire a group of talented Qawwali singers to create a soulful and mystical atmosphere. This performance style is perfect for guests who are shy about dancing but still want to enjoy the music.

Unique Dance Performances

A wedding is the perfect opportunity for creative and unique dance performances by the bridal party. Here are some ideas to make your dance performances stand out:

• Bridesmaid Squad Performance: Your bridesmaids can put together a fun and energetic dance routine to celebrate your special day.
• Mother-in-Law Duet: Instead of the traditional mother-son dance, switch things up with a mother-in-law and son duet that will tug at everyone's heartstrings.
• Umbrella Dance: Have your squad perform a coordinated dance with embellished umbrellas—the mirror work and tassels will surely make the performance even more captivating.
• Fusion Dance: Infuse different dance styles into your performances. For example, you could have a mix of Bollywood and classical dance forms or even throw in some Western dance moves to surprise your guests.

Live Band and Singers

Hire a live band or singer to perform at your wedding. Whether it's a Sufi night with Arabian decor and sheeshas or a live band performing Bollywood hits, your guests will surely be entertained. You could even have a celebrity impersonator as a special guest performer!

Fashion Show

A fashion show is a fun way to get guests of all ages involved, especially those who love to flaunt their expensive outfits and jewellery. This performance idea is a unique way to showcase the beauty and style of your guests.

Interactive Performances

Involve your guests in the performances to make them feel like they are a part of the celebration. Here are some ideas:

• Antakshari: This classic Indian singing game will never get old. It's a great way to discover hidden singing talents among your family and friends.
• Dance-Off: Have a friendly competition between the bride's side and the groom's side, showcasing their best dance moves. Don't forget to have an unbiased judge to crown the winners!
• Tilak Ceremony: The Tilak ceremony is a traditional and auspicious event where the male members of the bride's family put vermilion on the groom's forehead. Accompany this with music and dance to make it a memorable performance.

Interactive photo booth

An interactive photo booth is a great way to entertain your guests and encourage them to be a part of your wedding celebrations. Here are some ideas for an interactive photo booth at an Indian wedding:

The Polaroid Photo Booth:

This idea is a fun way to involve your guests in creating a unique keepsake for the couple. Set up a polaroid camera and provide colourful backdrops, fun props, and markers so guests can snap photos and leave messages for the newlyweds.

The Instagram-able Photo Booth:

Create a photo booth that is perfect for social media! Set up a stylish backdrop with trendy decorations, such as a floral wall, colourful streamers, or a giant "LOVE" sign. Provide fun and quirky props like oversized sunglasses, glittery top hats, and colourful feather boas. You could even include a unique hashtag for the wedding so guests can share their photos online.

The Genda-Chashma Photo Booth:

This idea takes inspiration from the popular Indian song "Genda Phool." Decorate your photo booth with marigold flowers and provide colourful sunglasses ("chashma") for guests to wear. This theme is sure to add a vibrant and playful touch to your wedding album.

The Multi-Dimensional Photo Booth:

Create a photo booth that offers multiple backdrops and settings, allowing guests to choose their preferred setting or even change it up throughout the event. You can include a variety of backdrops, such as a floral wall, a cityscape, or a whimsical forest backdrop.

The Living Room in the Middle of Nowhere Photo Booth:

Surprise your guests by setting up a living room scene in an unexpected outdoor location. Provide a comfortable couch, a coffee table, and perhaps even a bookshelf or a fireplace as the backdrop. This idea will surely spark curiosity and create memorable photos.

The Aa Ja Meri Cycle Mein Baith Ja Photo Booth:

Incorporate a bicycle into your photo booth! Decorate the bicycle with flowers and colourful streamers. Guests can pose sitting on the bicycle, pretending to pedal away, or even hold onto the handlebars for a fun, playful shot.

An interactive photo booth will not only entertain your guests but also provide them with a unique and memorable experience. It allows guests to engage with each other and be creative, resulting in fun and spontaneous photos that capture the joy of your Indian wedding.

Give guests a break

Indian weddings can be exhausting for guests, especially those who have travelled to the wedding location and attended pre-wedding events. It is a good idea to slot in some time for guests to rest in between events. A common time to do this is between the wedding ceremony and the reception. If your wedding is taking place in a hotel, guests can take a break in their rooms.

• Offer self-serve snacks or munchies if there is a big gap between events.
• If your wedding is outdoors and the weather is hot, provide paper fans or umbrellas to block the sun.
• Work with your DJ to ensure the music isn't too loud. If your guests can't bear to be in the reception hall because of the noise, they are unlikely to return to dance.
• If your wedding is taking place in a hotel, guests can take a break in their rooms between events.
• Provide a basket of comfortable slippers for guests to change into if their shoes are uncomfortable.
• If your wedding is taking place over several days, consider scheduling a day of relaxation, such as a spa or boat ride, for your guests to enjoy at their own pace.

Plan a wedding sports match

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but incorporating fun activities can make the experience enjoyable and exciting. If you're looking to add a unique twist to your Indian wedding, why not consider planning a wedding sports match? Here are some ideas to make it a memorable event:

Choose a Sport

Select a sport that is popular among your guests or holds a special significance for the couple. Cricket is a beloved sport in India and can be a perfect choice for a wedding match. However, you can also opt for other sports such as soccer, basketball, or even a friendly game of volleyball.

Form the Teams

The wedding sports match can be an excellent opportunity to bring both sides of the family together. Create teams that mix members from the bride's and groom's families, encouraging interaction and a friendly rivalry. This can be a great icebreaker, especially if the families are meeting for the first time.

Set the Rules

To ensure the match is fun and fair, establish some ground rules beforehand. Adapt the rules of the chosen sport to fit the skill level and preferences of the players. For example, you could shorten the game duration, modify the playing area, or introduce fun variations to keep it lighthearted.

Prepare the Venue

Select a venue that can accommodate the chosen sport and has the necessary equipment. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, ensure the space is suitable for the sport and has adequate facilities. If it's an indoor venue, make sure the space is large enough and won't cause any damage or disruption to the wedding decorations or setup.

Add Some Extras

To enhance the fun factor, consider adding some extras to the sports match. You could introduce a fun dress code, such as colourful team uniforms or wacky costumes. Provide refreshments and snacks for the players and spectators, and perhaps even organise a small trophy or medal ceremony after the match.

Combine with Other Activities

The wedding sports match can be a part of a larger celebration. Combine it with other activities throughout the wedding festivities to create a well-rounded experience. For instance, you could have a cricket match one day and a dance-off or karaoke night the next, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Planning a wedding sports match can be a unique and enjoyable way to engage your guests and create lasting memories. It adds a playful element to the traditional wedding format and can be tailored to suit the interests and dynamics of your guest list.

Frequently asked questions