Make Your Indian Wedding Unforgettable: Tips And Tricks

Indian weddings are a vibrant, multi-day celebration full of rituals, music, dance, and delicious food. With so many elements to plan, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to making your wedding stand out. From unique performances and fun photo booths to feeding your guests well and incorporating nostalgic touches, there are many ways to make your Indian wedding memorable.

Cricket match before the wedding

Cricket is a fun way to bring two families together and create lasting memories before the wedding. Here are some ideas to make the cricket match memorable:

Invitations and Teams

Design creative invitations for the cricket match, perhaps in the form of miniature cricket bats or balls. Divide the guests into Team Bride and Team Groom, with the couple's close friends and family members making up the core of each team. You could also have mixed teams, with members of both families playing together.

Venue and Decorations

Choose a venue that is spacious and can accommodate the cricket match, perhaps a large garden or an open field. Decorate the venue with colourful banners, flags, and balloons. You could also set up a small stage for any musical performances or dances that you plan to include.

Food and Refreshments

Organise a delicious spread of food and refreshments for the guests and participants. Consider a mix of traditional Indian snacks, such as chaat, dhokla, and samosas, along with refreshing drinks like nimbu pani and lassi. For a fun touch, you could serve the refreshments in cricket-themed cups or bottles.

Pre-Match Entertainment

To build excitement before the match, include some entertainment such as musical performances or dance routines. This could be a fun way to showcase the talents of family members and friends. You could even have a small competition, like a singing or dance-off, judged by the couple.

The Cricket Match

Finally, the main event! The cricket match itself can be made more exciting with some creative rules and challenges. For instance, you could have a "sixes only" rule, where each batter gets only one shot to score a six before they're out. Or, you could introduce challenges like a bowl-off between overs, with the losing bowler having to perform a fun forfeit.

Prizes and Gifts

Don't forget to have prizes for the winning team and participants. These could be fun and light-hearted, such as "Best Catcher" or "Most Enthusiastic Player". You could also present the happy couple with a cricket-themed gift, like a personalised cricket bat with their names and wedding date engraved on it.

A cricket match is a unique and lively way to bring everyone together and create lasting memories before the wedding. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make it an enjoyable and memorable experience for all!

Unique performances at the Sangeet

The Sangeet is a lively pre-wedding event filled with music, dance, laughter, and love. It is the perfect time for the couple to shine on the dance floor and showcase their unique personalities and love story through their performance.

Flash Mob:

Plan a surprise flash mob with the bridal party or extended family. Choreograph a fun and energetic routine with a mix of Bollywood and contemporary dance moves. Keep it a secret from the guests and the couple to create a memorable moment when the group suddenly bursts onto the dance floor.

Themed Dance-Off:

Organise a dance-off between Team Bride and Team Groom, with a unique theme or twist. For example, you could have a "Bollywood through the Decades" theme, where each team presents a medley of dances from different eras of Bollywood. Alternatively, you could introduce a prop, such as a dupatta or a hat, that both teams must incorporate into their choreography.

Fusion Dance:

Wow the guests by fusing two different dance styles or genres. For example, you could blend Indian classical dance with modern hip-hop moves or even throw in some international flavour like salsa or flamenco. This performance will showcase the couple's versatility and creativity.

Interactive Dance:

Involve the guests in this interactive performance. Start with the couple dancing on stage, and then gradually invite guests to join in, forming a growing chain or circle. You could even have different groups of guests representing different eras or themes, creating a unique and inclusive performance.

Themed Fashion Show:

Set the stage with a specific theme, such as "Bollywood through the Ages" or "Fairy Tale Fantasy". Encourage family members and friends to participate, showcasing their unique fashion statements and talents. This performance will be a fun and creative way to involve a diverse range of guests.

These unique performance ideas will surely make your Sangeet an unforgettable event, filled with energy, love, and lasting memories.

Choreographed couple dance

A choreographed couple dance is a must-have for any Indian wedding. It's a chance for the newlyweds to showcase their moves and put on a show for their guests. Here are some tips to make your choreographed couple dance truly memorable:

Choose the Right Song

The right song can make or break your performance. Opt for a fun, high-energy Bollywood number, or mix things up with a fusion of Bollywood and Western styles. You can also go for a romantic ballad if you want to slow things down. Discuss your preferences with your choreographer, and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Start Planning Early

Give yourselves enough time to learn the choreography and practice. It's recommended to start practicing 1-2 months before the wedding. This will ensure you feel comfortable with the moves and can truly enjoy the performance.

Find the Perfect Choreographer

Select a choreographer who understands your vision and can create a routine that suits your skill level. Ask for recommendations, check testimonials, and communicate your ideas clearly. A good choreographer will make everyone feel special and ensure the dance is fun for both the couple and the guests.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice is key. Stick to a consistent practice schedule, and if possible, host a final rehearsal at the wedding venue to get a feel for the actual performance space. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure your formation and spacing are on point.

Add Some Extras

Want to take your performance to the next level? Consider adding some special effects like a confetti cannon or flashing lights to enhance the experience. You can also incorporate props into your routine to make it more dynamic and engaging.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the process and the performance. Your guests will feed off your energy, so relax, smile, and let loose on the dance floor. This will make your choreographed couple dance a memorable highlight of your special day.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a show-stopping moment that will leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove!

Creative lighting and decor

Lighting:

• Fairy lights: Drape them over trees, hang them from the ceiling, or use them to illuminate the mandap or stage.
• Hanging votives and lanterns: Suspend these from the ceiling or trees to create a soft, romantic glow.
• String lights: Wrap them around trees or hang them across the venue to create a whimsical effect.
• Uplighting: Use this to highlight certain areas, such as the stage or dance floor, and to add drama to the overall ambience.
• Candles: Opt for aroma pillar candles of various sizes, or float them in a bowl of water for a simple yet elegant centrepiece.
• Diyas and vintage lanterns: These traditional elements can be used to line the entrance or suspend from the ceiling, adding a soft glow and a touch of culture.

Decor:

• Flowers: Fresh or silk flowers can be used abundantly to create a romantic, elegant atmosphere. Hang them from the ceiling, drape them over the mandap, or use them to line the aisle.
• Drapes: Fabric drapes can be used to cover the ceiling, creating a luxurious, intimate atmosphere. Richly coloured drapes can also adorn stair railings for a dramatic effect.
• Centrepieces: Opt for floral or candle centrepieces to add a unique touch to each table.
• Personalised touches: Customise your decor with your initials or a unique hashtag combining your names.
• Photo booths: Set up a fun photo booth with quirky props to entertain your guests and create memorable snapshots.
• Mandap: This sets the tone for your ceremony. Go traditional with a gold mandap or opt for a minimalistic floral or rustic wooden design.
• Stage: The wedding stage should be beautiful and practical. Consider a setup with two staircases leading to a bridge, where you can exchange garlands and take your first steps as a married couple.

With a combination of creative lighting and decor, your Indian wedding will surely be a memorable and enchanting event.

Creative food and drink

Food is a central part of an Indian wedding, with guests excited to indulge in various delicacies. Here are some ideas to make your wedding catering memorable:

Creative Presentation and Names

Add a creative twist to your food presentation and naming. For instance, serve papri chaat in martini glasses or gulab jamuns in cocktail glasses. You could also rename traditional dishes with catchy names, such as "Veggie Mania Biryani Bowl." These simple touches will intrigue your guests and elevate their dining experience.

Unique Dishes

In addition to traditional Indian fare, consider offering unique dishes that fuse Indian and international flavours. For example, you could serve Indian nachos, combining Tex-Mex and Indian ingredients, or create East-West fusion appetizers like potato samosas with a twist or gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. These unexpected treats will delight your guests and offer something different.

Live Food Stations

Live food stations are a popular trend at Indian weddings, adding a lively and interactive element to the festivities. Here are some ideas for live stations:

• Fancy ice cream parlour using liquid nitrogen or cold stone techniques
• Tandoori and barbecue counter with freshly made snacks like momos, paneer, chicken, and kebabs
• Waffle station with various toppings and flavours
• Loaded nachos chaat station with veg and non-veg options
• Fresh shakes and smoothies parlour
• Paan station with a variety of flavoured saunfs and paans, including unique options like ice paan and fire paan
• Assorted fries counter with basic salted, peri-peri, and loaded fries chaat
• Indian chaat corner serving golgappas, tikkis, papdi bhalla, pav bhaji, and bhel puri
• Pastas and pizzas dens, a long-time favourite at Indian weddings

Drinks

While traditional Indian weddings do not serve alcohol, you can blend modern customs by offering a variety of drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Here are some ideas:

• Fruit-infused drinks: Create refreshing mocktails and cocktails with seasonal fruits like watermelon or mango, adding flavoured syrups or herbs.
• Herbal hookah (or sheesha) corner: Offer herbal hookahs in various flavours for your guests to enjoy, especially during winter weddings.
• Noon chai: Also known as sheer chai or pink tea, this comforting beverage can be served warm or cool. It is known for its calming properties and gut health benefits.
• Gondhoraj ghol: This refreshing beverage combines yogurt, ginger, salt, lime juice, and lime zest for a frothy, not-too-sweet drink.
• Tamarind-based drink: A spicy, aromatic drink made with tamarind pulp, cardamom, black pepper, and mint. Serve it with creamy dishes or as an after-dinner digestif.
• Sharbat: Indian sherbet that can be served as a dessert or watered down as a beverage. Made from fruit or flower petals, you can customise the colours to match your wedding theme.

Snacks and Desserts

Indian weddings are known for their abundant food options, so consider offering snacks and desserts to keep your guests energised throughout the celebrations:

• Appetizers: Samosas, chaat, pakoras, and vada are classic Indian appetisers that are sure to please.
• Desserts: Traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, and kheer are must-haves. You can also offer modern treats like pistachio macarons, rosewater cheesecakes, or a black forest cake.
• Kulfi: Serve this traditional Indian ice cream in vintage cups or spoons for a retro touch.
• Seasonal treats: Incorporate seasonal fruits, veggies, and salads into your menu for a fresh and versatile offering.
• Kids' options: Don't forget to cater to the little ones with separate dishes like pasta or a special kids' bar during dinner.

Frequently asked questions