Wedding Playlists Get a Live Makeover: How Couples Are Personalizing Celebrations
Year after year, the same wedding playlists at sangeet, haldi, and baraat ceremonies have left many guests and couples feeling fatigued. This growing weariness is now fueling a significant shift in the wedding industry, with a rising demand for live performances that bring fresh energy and personalization to these cherished events.
The Rise of Live Sufi Nights and Personal Touches
Harsh Pandya, who recently celebrated his wedding in an intimate ceremony, exemplifies this trend. He discovered a mother–daughter Sufi duo online and was immediately captivated by the idea of hosting a live Sufi performance at his own wedding. “My partner and I wanted to add a personal touch to our celebration,” he explains. “It became a beautiful experience of togetherness, where our guests weren’t just attending but truly participating in our joy.”
Zaman Khan of the Salman–Zaman Sufi duo, with over seven years of experience performing at weddings, notes a dramatic increase in interest. “Three years ago, we received 50–60 enquiries for Sufi nights. Since last year, that number has doubled,” he says, highlighting the surging popularity of such live acts.
Beyond Sufi: Diverse Live Formats Gaining Traction
While Sufi nights remain a favorite, couples are increasingly experimenting with a variety of live formats to make their weddings unique. These include:
- Musical pheras that blend traditional chants with melody
- Live bands offering contemporary and retro sounds
- Shehnai performances that evoke cultural heritage
- Regional acts like Chenda Melam drummers or Manganiyars
Mayank Prasad, founder of The Wedding Platform, a wedding and corporate event management company, emphasizes the desire for personalization. “Couples want performances that reflect their personalities. Artistes dressed to match the wedding theme, surprise acts for the bride or groom, have become the norm. Many request interactive acts, where artistes engage with guests to create some memorable moments.”
The Emotional Connection and Immersive Experience
Live performances are not just about music; they bring a new kind of energy and emotional depth to celebrations. Prerna Mehra, who married in March, hosted a Sufi night with a mehfil-style setup under the open sky. “Everyone felt involved, especially since guests could request songs from the artiste,” she shares, illustrating the interactive appeal.
Damini Oberoi, founder of Q Events & Weddings, a luxury wedding and event planning company, adds, “Couples want performances that create emotion, not just fill a slot. Live music can shift the mood and turn a party into a shared, memorable experience.” Khan further explains that organizing such events involves getting the vibe right, from Sufiyana-style décor to set dress codes, enhancing the immersive experience.
Cultural Roots and Tradition in Modern Weddings
This trend is also driven by a desire to honor and understand cultural traditions. Singer Minaxi Sharma, who specializes in musical pheras, notes that many Gen Z couples are curious about the rituals. “Musical pheras help bridge that gap,” she says, making ceremonies more meaningful.
Ankit Patel, a USA-based semi-professional shehnai artiste, observes, “The Shehnai is iconic for Hindu wedding ceremonies, and its sound instantly sets the mood, bringing that sense of culture and tradition to life. The trend is growing because couples and families want their weddings to feel rooted in tradition, especially in multicultural settings.”
Practical Considerations and Booking Trends
As live performances become integral to weddings, couples need to plan ahead. Key points include:
- Artistes’ Fees: Budding artistes charge approximately 1-7 lakhs, while popular or experienced ones may range from 10-15 lakhs, depending on the act and customization.
- Ideal Booking Time: It is advisable to book 8 to 12 months in advance, particularly for the peak wedding season from October to March.
- Creative Ideas: Couples can explore options like Sufi-electronic fusion acts, instrumental collaborations, poetry performances, live comedy, or Bollywood retro orchestras to add uniqueness.
Originally popularized at destination weddings with heritage backdrops, this trend has now permeated mainstream celebrations, blending personalization with deep cultural roots. As weddings evolve, live performances offer a dynamic way to create lasting memories and foster genuine connections among guests.
