A Wedding Planner Explains How To Shake Up These 10 Bridal Traditions

“Traditionally, Indian weddings happen in a closed hall setting, like a temple, but contemporary twists include destination venues and outdoor weddings. In my view, the evolving number of venues marks a refreshing blend of tradition and personal storytelling. I believe that while honouring customary rituals and familial expectations, couples can also make a statement by selecting venues that resonate with their own narratives – be it a place where they first met, a favourite holiday destination or an iconic site like the pyramids in Egypt for something truly unique. Such choices not only celebrate their individuality but also offer guests a distinct insight into the couple's journey.”

“A heavily embroidered red lengha is customary but modern brides are opting for an orange or even white lengha, as well as something more Westernised for the reception. These days, traditional Indian wedding attire has evolved into a refined blend of heritage and modernity. I've seen brides incorporate fresh twists into their look by pairing a classic saree with an oversized hat or opting for a long, Western-style veil that makes for a more striking entrance. Brides also get particularly creative with their pre-wedding event attire. For instance, Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika is renowned for redefining bridal style with innovative jumpsuits, pantsuits and knee-length skirts. Similarly, Krésha Bajaj’s Love Story Lehenga sees the couple’s story intricately embroidered across the veil and skirt. I also like it when brides choose a white saree for the civil ceremony, accented with a bouquet – it’s a graceful nod to both tradition and contemporary elegance.”

“Traditionally, brides wear a red set of bangles placed on her by her uncles. But I love the modern twists on the choora and kaleeras. More brides are personalising them with charms that tell their story – whether it’s their wedding date, star sign or even tiny silhouettes of their pets. It’s such a beautiful way to make a traditional element feel unique and meaningful. For brides who don’t have uncles, there’s so much flexibility. Cousins, brothers or even close family friends can step in. I had my best friend’s dad put my choora on me, even though I’m not Punjabi. It was something they wanted to do for me out of love and it created such a special connection. Traditions are about the emotions behind them, not just who performs them.”

“Usually, the bride and groom have their pre-parties separately. But that made more sense when most weddings were arranged, and the couple had completely different social circles. Today, whether it’s a love marriage or an introduction through family, couples usually have a long engagement where their friends and families get to know each other. So, bringing everyone together feels natural. I personally love doing joint events instead – there’s an incredible energy when both sides celebrate as one, and it creates a real sense of connection between the families before the wedding. ”

“Traditionally, when the groom comes to the bride’s house after the wedding, he blesses the bridal party with money. But nowadays, the sisters of the bride gather at the front of the house and arrange games to make the groom essentially compete for the bride as a bit of fun. As a specialist in destination weddings, I see this all the time. Instead of waiting at the bride’s house, sisters and bridesmaids also now block the exit of the ceremony venue – often standing in front of the car, refusing to let it move until the groom meets their demands. It always works because the bride wants her perfect sunset photos, and the groom has no choice but to cave in or risk an unhappy wife. If you don’t have sisters, your bridesmaids, cousins or even young aunties can take charge. It’s a fun way to keep the tradition alive while making it your own.”

“This is usually a pre-wedding family party before the big day, but nowadays it’s become a joint event with both families having a party before the actual wedding. It isn’t strictly necessary, but Indian weddings are more than just the ceremony – they are a series of celebrations that unfold over several days, and the sangeet is one of the most meaningful. In many ways, it’s the Indian equivalent of wedding speeches. Traditionally, the wedding was hosted by the bride’s family in her hometown, and they were responsible for all pre-wedding events, including the ceremony. The groom’s side would then host a reception in their own city to introduce the bride to their guests, but the bride’s family wouldn’t typically be part of that event, and speeches weren’t a common tradition. The Sangeet was the moment for the bride’s side to express their love – through heartfelt words, performances, and dance – letting her know how much she means to them. Similarly, the groom’s side would host their own Sangeet to celebrate him in the same way. While modern weddings often combine events, the sentiment remains the same. For couples looking for alternatives, an intimate dinner with close family and friends is a way to mark the night before the wedding. Others choose to keep it relaxed, spending the evening at home or at the destination with their immediate family.”

“In the past, couples usually stuck to Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Bengali food but it’s common for couples to do a fusion of different food complete with some of their personal favourite dishes. Couples are really pushing boundaries with food – it’s become one of the most important aspects of the wedding. Many are using their menu to tell a story, whether it’s showcasing their own heritage, blending cultures or incorporating flavours that reflect their travels and shared experiences. Most Indian weddings lean towards buffets or live cooking stations, which naturally allow for a wide variety of dishes. This makes it easy to include specialties from both sides, especially when families come from different backgrounds. For a fun twist, couples are introducing immersive dining experiences – whether that’s chef-led food pairings, personalised cocktail stations or interactive dessert bars. Some even create menus inspired by their first date or favourite meals as a couple.”

“It’s tradition for the close members of the bride’s family to perform a small dance but for couples looking to shake things up, I’ve seen some opt for a more intimate ‘first dance’ moment, much like Western weddings, where they share a slow, romantic dance before the party kicks off. Others take it a step further with full-on dance battles between both sides, surprise flash mobs or even live musicians blending traditional and contemporary sounds. One of the most spectacular trends I’ve seen is synchronised fireworks displays timed perfectly to the beats of the couple’s song. As they dance, the night sky lights up behind them, creating a breathtaking moment for both the couple and their guests. At destination weddings, some couples also incorporate local dancers or dhol players (Indian drummers) to bring a sense of place into the celebration. The key is to make it personal – whether it’s a choreographed performance or an impromptu dance floor takeover, it should reflect the couple’s energy and the spirit of their wedding.”

“When the groom and his family arrive at the wedding, the groom tends to arrive on horseback with singing and dancing but nowadays this includes a colourful and loud arrival: flares, dhol players, loud music, novelty tuk tuks, it’s become quite a spectacle. But a big budget isn’t necessary to create an unforgettable arrival. The energy of a Baraat comes from the people, not just the production. I’ve seen some of the most exciting entrances simply led by friends and family dancing their hearts out. If a horse or car isn’t an option, the groom can even walk in with his closest friends, drummers or a live band leading the way. Handheld smoke flares in the wedding colours or coordinated outfits for the Baraat party can add to the impact. At the end of the day, it’s the atmosphere that makes a Baraat truly special.”

“Traditionally, Indian weddings didn’t have the same speech culture as Western weddings, where the father of the bride, best man and groom all say a few words. It was usually just the parents expressing their emotions. But now, it’s become a moment for the couple to share their gratitude and personal stories. For brides thinking of giving a speech, my biggest advice is to keep it natural. It doesn’t have to be overly formal or rehearsed – just speak from the heart. A great structure is to start by thanking both families and guests, share a personal anecdote about the journey to this day, and end with a heartfelt message to your partner. If public speaking feels overwhelming, keep it short and sweet. The best speeches are always the ones that feel authentic and personal. I also recommend dividing speeches across different events rather than having them all at the reception. This keeps the evening flowing and prevents it from feeling too repetitive or long. The Sangeet, welcome dinner or even an intimate gathering the night before are great moments to spread out the speeches and make each one feel more special.”

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