Musical pheras to sufi nights: Live acts are the new wedding must-have

People are growing tired of grooving to the same wedding playlists at sangeet, haldi, and baraat year after year. Proof lies in the rising demand for live performances at weddings. Harsh Pandya, who recently tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, discovered a mother–daughter Sufi duo online and was instantly drawn to 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 says. “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, who have performed at weddings for over seven years, adds, “Three years ago, we received 50–60 enquiries for Sufi nights. Since last year, that number has doubled.”

While Sufi nights remain popular at weddings, couples are also experimenting with other live formats, from musical pheras to live bands and shehnai performances.

‘Live musical performances offer scope for personalisation’

From choosing songs that hold personal memories to staging a creative entry, couples make the most out of live performances. Mayank Prasad, founder, The Wedding Platform, a wedding and corporate event management company, tells us, “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.”

‘It’s not just the music; the vibe matters too’

Through live performances, couples aim to give guests a more immersive experience. Khan explains, “Organising a Sufi night isn’t just about the music; it’s about getting the vibe right – from Sufiyana-style décor to a set dress code.”

Prerna Mehra (28), who tied the knot in March, hosted a Sufi night. “We created a mehfil style setup under the open sky. Everyone felt involved, especially since guests could request songs from the artiste,” she says.

Damini Oberoi, founder, 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.”

‘Many couples want weddings that feel culturally rooted’

Couples are increasingly turning to live performances to honour tradition. Singer Minaxi Sharma, who specialises in musical pheras, Sufi nights, and devotional evenings, adds melody to the chants during pheras. “Most weddings I perform at are of Gen Z couples who are curious to understand the meaning behind the rituals performed. Musical pheras help bridge that gap,” she says.

Ankit Patel, a USA-based semi-professional shehnai artiste, adds, “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.”

Live act ideas for weddings

• Local or regional acts add a cultural touch. Think Chenda Melam drummers, Mohiniyattam dancers in Kerala, or Rajasthan’s Manganiyars and folk fusion troupes known for their storytelling and infectious energy
• Sufi-electronic fusion acts
• Instrumental collaborations
• Poetry and spoken word performances that narrate the couple’s journey
• Live comedy
• Bollywood retro orchestra

Artistes’ fees

Budding artistes: 1-7 Lakh (approx)

Popular/ experienced artiste: 10-15 Lakh (approx)

(The charges vary depending on the artists you wish to book)

Ideal time to book

8 to 12 months in advance, especially for the peak season, between October to March