Till some time back, the Sangeet function was meant only for the ladies. It was all about celebrating with the bride. This function is associated with music and dance, teasing and fun, revelry and good food. Off late the concept has seen a change with both the bride’s and groom’s family coming together to celebrate. Since both the sides are involved there is a lot of planning and organising to do. Members from both sides participate and hence coordination from both sides is essential for the success of the Sangeet function. Organising the Sangeet function is almost like organising a mini wedding. Similar arrangements of venue, décor, menu, music, wardrobe and others need to be made barring a few differences.

1.  Venue

In the modern day Sangeet function one may expect both sides to participate hence the venue must be chosen keeping that in mind. The location of the function hall should be convenient to both parties. If both the bride and groom's side are contributing, then decisions need to be taken after discussion and on an agreement of both sides. Consider the space available at the venue before booking. There should be enough free space for dancing and seating arrangements for those who would like to sit and watch only. A venue with a stage would be great. Ensure that the venue has a good audio system as this is crucial for your function. If not, get it arranged from outside but don’t settle for a less than optimum audio system.

2.  The Date

Fix the date of the Sangeet for 2-3 days prior to the wedding. That’s how most families find it comfortable. This way, the day before the wedding is left free for the numerous last minute preparations that need to be done. Also, the guests and family who dance at the Sangeet will have a day to rest and look their best at the wedding.

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3.  Fix and stick to a budget

As mentioned earlier, the Sangeet function is nothing short of a mini wedding. If you do not fix a budget and follow it strictly, you could easily go overboard. You have to budget for the venue, menu, DJ, choreographer, décor and so on. Plan well in advance just when you do for your wedding. List down your requirements and allocate your budget as per priority.

4.  Preparations

Prepare a list of all those who you think will dance. Some may require some convincing but do encourage them. Selecting the right song is important. Usually, the songs are a mix of happy wedding numbers, folk songs and love songs that speak of love, teasing, a bride’s excitement and a mother’s emotions. Select a combination of peppy and slow numbers. You could make the show more exciting by following a theme or using props or put up a funny skit with a story involving your family members. The dances could be solo or group performances. Towards the end, the whole family can perform together for few minutes. The selection of costume for each performance is very important. Follow a pattern or a theme of only pastels or a particular type of dress so that there are variety and uniformity too.  The dance of the bride and groom should be the highlight of the day. Place it towards the end just before the entire family comes onto the stage.

5.  Choreographer

Some, who have a talent for dancing choreograph their own performances or ask a cousin or relative to help them out. But the current trend has gradually changed to hiring the services of a professional choreographer. He or she can assist you with putting up a great show for your family. If you are getting married during that time of the year termed as ‘wedding season’, it would be wise to book your choreographer as early as possible as the good ones get booked soon. Start practising your dance moves at least a few weeks prior to the Sangeet.

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6.  Music

Music is the soul of this event hence should be given utmost importance. You can hire a DJ for the event or have your own collection of carefully selected songs played. The advantage of having a DJ is that he can play music for your guests to dance freely and enjoy even after the choreographed performances are over. This way, those who didn’t get a chance to perform on stage, can have a good time too. The professional DJ plays music that can be enjoyed by those who are dancing as well as those who just listening.

7.  Menu

Discuss with your family and reach a consensus on the type of menu you would like. You could opt for something different from the wedding menu. Also, don’t forget to keep the refreshments flowing as the dancers are likely to need more hydration to keep them going.

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8.  Decor

You can opt for any theme that you prefer. Drapes, artificial flowers, fairy lights, bright carpets, bangles, and numerous other things can be used for decorating the function hall. It depends on your theme but generally a Sangeet function is associated with fun and liveliness so choose the themes accordingly. Make use of bright colours and plenty of lights. You can avail the services of a decorator who has had prior experience with decorating similar function halls to get the best decor for your event.

9.  Keep it short

Limiting the celebrations to about 3 hours would be ideal as any longer would be stretching it. A few hours of dancing are enough to tire most guests. Also, bearing in mind there would be elderly and little kids among your guests, it would be advisable to wind up early.

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10.  Coordination

Since this function involves both families and their guests, and numerous activities like organising the dance performance schedule, performers’ attire, deciding the music, finding someone who will anchor the program and many other aspects, coordination is extremely important. It would be better to assign this task to someone responsible in the family. It could be a sibling or a cousin. Ensure the person taking the responsibility is given the permission to coordinate the event from both families.

These 10 pointers should have covered most if not all aspects of planning a successful Sangeet. Take your time and start your planning early. As it is said, plan well, enjoy better.