Part of the Punjabi wedding tradition and popularised by Bollywood, every bride and groom now wants a combined mehndi-sangeet night for the wedding! And why wouldn’t they? The actual wedding rituals are solemn, so it makes sense for the wedding party to let loose one day and have fun.
If you’ve already booked the best banquet hall in Kolkata, then get ready to plan the perfect mehndi and sangeet party with this helpful guide.
What Happens in Mehndi-Sangeet Ceremony?
Originally, mehndi and sangeet are two separate functions organized a couple of days before the wedding. Families from both sides would arrange for the sangeet while the mehndi ceremony would take place separately. Sometimes, if the bride’s family hosted the sangeet, some members from the groom’s family would be invited, and vice versa. Today, this distinction has come to pass.
In a traditional Punjabi wedding, sangeet and mehndi would take place on different days. Since a lot of cultures around India have co-opted these rituals, they put their own spin on them. A luxury banquet hall would be booked. Then, families from both sides would join to spend a night of Bollywood and Punjabi songs, dance, and the aromatic scent of crushed henna leaves!
Planning a Mehndi-Sangeet Night in a Wedding Banquet Hall in Kolkata
It is easy if you divide a day into two parts. First, a relaxed mode for mehndi, and then, the fast and exciting pace for the sangeet. You have to stay still for the mehndi ceremony anyway! So, that ensures enough energy to dance the night away. Here’s how you should plan it:
Select a Theme
A theme isn’t necessary, but it’s just more exciting, especially if you host this ceremony in a marriage hall in Kolkata. It helps you stick to a specific look and feel instead of choosing random decor.
You can choose a white and gold theme or string fairy lights on multicoloured drapes on the ceiling. You just need to make sure the space for the mehndi application is well-lit and comfortable.
Make the Perfect Playlist
Since Bollywood has inspired us so much, it’s only fair that the playlist is filled with the best wedding Bollywood songs—and there are plenty of those! For some inspiration, you can start with these evergreen mehndi/sangeet songs:
– Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna
– London Thumakda
– Ainvayi Ainvayi
– Genda Phool
– Gur Nalon Ishq Mitha
– Bole Chudiyan
– Sadi Gali
– Kali Teri Choti Hai Paranda Tera Laal Ni
– Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan
– Dilli waali Girlfriend
Also, make sure you hire a DJ who’s an expert at mixing Bollywood songs at your banquet hall in Kolkata.
Finger Foods or Full Meals?
Food is the lifeblood of an Indian wedding. Just because the mehndi-sangeet ceremony isn’t the main feature, it’s not an exception. However, you can take it easy for this ceremony. You can either opt for finger food or a full-fledged dinner. You can set up a live preparation or chaat counter for the guests. If you plan to serve alcohol, kebabs, and finger food go well. When booking the best wedding venue in Kolkata, don’t forget to enquire about their catering. If you host this celebration at reputable places, such as The Park Hotels Kolkata, you know you’re getting the most delicious food!
What to Wear
Comfort is always important for the bride and the guests. Sitting for mehndi takes hours, and if you want to enjoy yourself later, opt for loose-fitting, traditional outfits. For women, you have sarees, salwar suits, and lehengas. Indo-west co-ord sets are also trendy now, so make sure to check those out. And if you want your mehndi to cover your forearm, wear something sleeveless. For men, choose embellished kurtas. A full suit can get uncomfortable if you want to move freely.
Space for Rest
If you know the party will go beyond some people’s bedtime, it’s important to ensure you provide a place to crash. Many boutique hotels in Kolkata can provide you with extra rooms for your guests to rest. There are more rituals the next day, so everyone needs their beauty sleep!
This guide isn’t definitive because you’re always welcome to add your individual touch. But if this sparks your imagination, then that’s awesome! Make sure to have fun and make incredible memories.
