Over the past 25 years, we have worked with thousands of amazing couples across the world. Recently we have seen many couples spend a lot of time, effort and energy trying to figure out what songs they need. Across the world we have seen Indian weddings online and in person that might've really benefited from this blog. Although we can't help them, we would like to help you in your music planning process. We have some great suggestions that will make everything smoother and better. 

When making this blog we kept our Ismaili couples in mind. Most of the Ismaili weddings we DJ are with both the bride and groom being Ismaili. Some of the weddings we do are mixed or fusion weddings where one person is Ismaili and the other is not South Asian (White, Black, Hispanic or Asian). A few weddings each year will have an Ismaili person marrying another a person that is South Asian but is from a different religion (Hindu, Christian or another type of Muslim - Sunni or Shia). 

7 songs you need for an Ismaili Wedding Weekend Notes:

• This will cover what most couples will need 
• The music suggestions reflect many of the couples taste (but not all).
• This should help you figure out what you need and like 

7 songs you need for an Ismaili Wedding Weekend are placed in order of when it happens   

Here is a short 1 minute video of a few of the hundreds of Ismaili weddings we have been a part of. 

7 Essential Songs for an Ismaili Wedding

1) The Pithi Entrance - Bride

In the past, Ismaili couples used to hold a grand mehndi event where both families would come together to mingle, meet and adorn their hands with henna. However, over the past decade, this event has become obsolete. Nowadays, brides prefer to have their mehndi applied at home, surrounded by their close family members, in a more intimate setting. Check out our henna blog for great henna artists. The first major day of celebrations is the Pithi/Sangeet. Usually the brides' side will take longer to do the rasams, so the bride typically enters first. The Pithi/Sangeet night is usually the most fun night of the weekend. You need to start it off with a bang. Find the perfect song on our blog for the brides sangeet entrance. Fill out the form on this page and we will send you one suggestion for all of the songs you need just in case you can't figure out what you like or just want someone to pick something good for you. 

2) The Pithi Entrance - Groom

Shortly after the bride makes her entrance, its time for the groom to make an entrance with his friends and family. This night usually has mostly Indian music played. Its natural to have all the entrances be Indian. If you want something different, you should do it. Here is our blog that shows what most grooms use as an entrance song for their pithi. The pithi rasams for the groom is usually quick since it takes less time per person and you have to get ready for the egging. If you have never seen this, you are in for a surprise. Picture a high school cafeteria food fight where the entire school bullies one kid. 

3) Sangeet Entrance - together or separate? 

Once the groom is spruced up and the bride and groom have switched into their Sangeet outfits, it's time for the lively Sangeet celebration to begin. The entrance sets the tone for the rest of the night, and couples have the option to enter together or separately. If you are coming in together, check out these song suggestions. If you decide to come in separately, we have you covered there also. Check out these suggestions for brides and grooms. 

4) Reception Entrances

This needs to be fun and energetic. Here are suggestions for many different people that you can have enter.

Parents This can be used for grandparents also

Siblings with kids

Sister This is good if she is single or married without kids

Brother This is good if he is single or married without kids

Bridal Party entering together in pairs

Bridesmaids in one big group

Groomsmen in one big group

The Bride and Groom The Main event, pick a hype song

5) First Dance

After you make your entrance, most couples will do their first dance. Here are some suggestions for first dance songs. We also have a great blog that helps couples plan their sequence of events. If you think, this is something that can help you make things run smoother, check it out here. If you find yourself drowning in a sea of music choices, don't worry - we've got your back. Simply fill out the form on this page and we'll send you one killer suggestion for each of the categories. And if you want to take your first dance to the next level, check out this video for some epic inspiration. Remember, when it comes to your first dance, less is more - plan on dancing for 2 to 3 minutes and leave your guests wanting more.

6) Cake cutting

For some reason, many couples forget to pick this song. The advice that we usually give them, is to pick the song you were debating between for your first dance. Here are our suggestions. 

7) Dancing with your parents

Father/Daughter Dance Let him know how much you love him and what he means to you. Some brides will even slow dance for a while and transition into a fun dance song. 

Mother/Son Dance A great time to tell your mom thanks for everything she has done for you in your life and this weekend. 

Some couples choose to combine them but its better to keep them separate so the photo/video teams can capture it correctly. Most people will dance for 60-90 seconds. Check out these blogs in case you need a photographer or videographer. 

A wedding is the happiest moment in your life and you should have vendors that you love. Over our 25 years of bringing joy to couples, the DJ Riz Entertainment team has been a part of thousands of couples' dream wedding weekends. Given these points, if you would like to talk about music and lighting for your wedding contact us here. Check out this short video from some of our recent weddings. 

If you liked the 7 songs you need for an Ismaili Wedding Weekend blog, check out our blogs focused on Venues,  Vendors, and Music.