Wedding events

How to plan a sangeet night

Plan the sangeet around a running order: a welcome, dinner or snacks, a set of short family and friends’ performances, speeches or a slideshow, then an open dance floor. Book a DJ and an MC who can run the order, start rehearsals early, give each performance a time limit, and leave plenty of the night for everyone to dance.

Updated 9 November 2026 · Desi Shaadi & Co.

What is a sangeet for?

The sangeet (music) is the night before or a few days before the wedding when both families celebrate together with songs and dance. Many families now centre it on prepared performances by each side, followed by a party. In Gujarati families the evening may be a garba or raas with dandiya sticks, and in Punjabi families the jaggo may play a similar role. Many couples combine it with the mehndi. See Indian wedding events explained for how it fits with the other events.

How do we build the running order?

Guests arrive, drinks and snacks.
Welcome from the MC, and the couple’s entrance.
Dinner, or a first round of food, so guests are not hungry during the show.
Performances: alternate the two families and keep the couple’s own dance for last.
Speeches, a short slideshow or a game about the couple.
Open dance floor until the end.

Share the order with the DJ, MC, photographer and venue, with a start time for each part.

How do we organise the performances?

Choose one coordinator for each family who collects the performances and their songs.
Set a time limit for each act and a total for the show, so the dancing starts on time.
Ask each group to send its final song file to the DJ well before the night, edited to length.
Plan rehearsals in the weeks before, including one in the venue if you can.
Mix group dances with something for elders, such as a song or a short skit.

Do we need a choreographer?

Not necessarily. Many families teach themselves from videos. A choreographer helps if you want a polished group or couple dance, if the dancers are beginners, or if you have little time. Ask how many sessions are included, whether they come to you or teach online, and whether they help edit the music.

What do the DJ and MC need to do?

The DJ plays each performance track on cue, handles microphones for speeches and then runs the dance floor with Bollywood, bhangra, regional and English music. The MC introduces each act and keeps the night moving. Some DJs provide an MC; otherwise ask a confident friend. Our guide to Indian wedding DJs lists the questions to ask, and a dhol player adds energy to the start of the dance floor.

What about the stage, sound and lighting?

Performers need a stage or a clear dance floor that guests can see, sound loud enough for the whole room, and lighting that works for photos and film. A screen helps if you plan a slideshow. Agree the setup with your venue and decorator, and check the venue’s finish time and sound rules.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a sangeet be?

It depends on your venue and family, but keep the performance section short enough that guests stay engaged, and leave most of the evening for dinner and dancing. A time limit for each act helps.

Who performs at a sangeet?

Usually family and friends from both sides, in groups or pairs, and often the couple at the end. Some families also invite elders to sing traditional songs.

Can the sangeet and mehndi be on the same day?

Yes, many couples combine them: henna in the afternoon or early evening, then performances and dancing at night.

When should we start practising sangeet dances?

Several weeks to a few months before, depending on how ambitious the dances are and how often the group can meet.

Keep planning

Plan the rest of the week with the 12-month checklist, get ideas for a mehndi night, or browse all our planning guides.