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Wedding events

The baraat checklist: horse, dhol, route and timing

Plan the baraat as its own event: get your venue’s permission and agreed route first, book the horse or car and a dhol player or mobile sound, and build in extra time, since the procession usually runs long. Agree who welcomes the groom, the order of the milni, and where the photographer and videographer will stand.

Updated 9 November 2026 · Desi Shaadi & Co.

What is a baraat?

The baraat is the groom’s procession to the ceremony, with his family and friends dancing to a dhol or a DJ, often with the groom on a decorated horse. At the venue the bride’s family welcomes the baraat, often with an aarti, garlands and, in Punjabi families, the milni, where relatives from both sides greet and embrace. See Indian wedding events explained for where it fits in the day.

Before you book anything

  • Ask your venue whether a baraat is allowed, where it can start and finish, and the route it can take.
  • Check rules on horses, live drumming, amplified music, smoke or confetti, and the time window you have.
  • Ask whether the venue needs proof of insurance from the horse or sound vendor.
  • If the route uses a public road or park, ask the venue or your town what permission is needed.

The groom’s ride

  • Horse (ghodi), decorated car, vintage car or on foot: book early for peak dates.
  • Confirm arrival time, how long the vendor stays, a handler for any horse, and decorations.
  • Plan the sehra or turban tying and the safa for family before the start.

Music and sound

  • A dhol player, a mobile DJ cart, or both.
  • The playlist for the procession and the arrival.
  • Who switches the music off for the welcome, and who cues the next part.
  • Ask your DJ whether they cover the baraat and the ceremony sound.

Timing

  • Agree a start time and a firm finish time with the ceremony start in mind.
  • Ask a family member to keep the procession moving.
  • If the ceremony has an auspicious time (muhurat), work back from it.

The welcome and milni

  • The aarti thali, garlands and anything else the bride’s mother or family need.
  • The list and order of milni pairs, and any gifts or envelopes.
  • Seating or shade for elders who will wait at the entrance.

Photos, film and comfort

  • Tell your photographer and videographer the route, so one can lead the procession and one can wait at the entrance.
  • Water for dancers, sunscreen or umbrellas, and a rain plan.
  • A clear, safe route for older guests and children.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a baraat take?
It varies with the route and the dancing. Agree a start and finish time with your venue and ceremony schedule, and add a buffer.
Do venues allow a horse for the baraat?
Some do and some do not, and many have conditions such as a set route or insurance. Ask your venue before you book a horse.
Do we need a dhol player and a DJ?
Many baraats have both: the dhol leads the dancing and a DJ cart adds recorded music. One is enough for a short procession.
What is a milni?
In Punjabi weddings, the milni is the formal greeting when the baraat arrives: relatives of the same relation from each family, such as the two fathers, meet, embrace and often exchange garlands or gifts.

Keep planning

See the desi wedding vendor checklist for every booking, read what to wear, or browse all our planning guides.