Sangeet is the most fun part of Indian weddings. The family, friends, and guests look forward to having a great time. Being less rigid about rituals as compared to the wedding ceremony, this function can have entertainment of various natures. As is the trend nowadays many couples are trying alternative ways for entertaining their guests apart from the usual dance and music that has come to be associated with this function. A party hall or lawn may be booked for such an event depending on the number of guests. Here are a few ideas wherein you can make your Sangeet more fun and memorable for your guests and yourself.

1. Theme for your Sangeet

You can make your Sangeet more entertaining for your guests if you have a theme. You can choose a theme of your own preference - casino, carnival, Hawaiian, Disney, and so on. Base your games, food, decor and dressing on the theme. Request your guests to follow suit. Surely your guests are going to begin having fun even before they reach the venue in dressing as per your theme.

2. Karaoke

Encourage your guests to explore their talents by trying their voice at singing. Have the music as per the age range of your guests. A mix of old and latest Bollywood numbers should be good. Also if you know that some of your guests play musical instruments, now is a good time to ask them to play. If there are a few of your friends who play, invite them for a jam session. Talk to your event planner to make necessary arrangements at the venue beforehand.

3. Conduct a quiz

That's right! Who said a quiz is only for school children? Make it a fun quiz. Include questions pertaining to the couple getting married and family, where you both met, about the wedding itself, wedding guests, wedding venue and so on. Make it fun for the winner by presenting an attractive prize.

4. Entertain the little ones

Take care of the smiles of the little ones who attend your Sangeet. Organize a separate area within your banquet hall for them to enjoy a puppet show, a kid's movie, or face painting, tattoo art or engage them in some creative crafts activity. Have a responsible person keep watch over them.

5. Treasure hunt

A treasure hunt is a great fun way to keep kids entertained and active.Have the clues scattered all over within the party venue so that kids enjoy and the parents need not be worried about their safety. Don't forget to reward the winners!

6. Awards Night

To add some fun and get everyone involved announces awards for all kinds of silly reasons. It could be ATM award- for slowly draining our bank account, Drama Queen, Trouble Maker, Mr. Mischief, Ms. Patakha, and so on. Make it as creative as you can and award all the special people at your function. Instead of mementos, you can actually give away meaningful gifts.

7. A photo booth

Invite your guests to have pictures of them taken in silly poses and with lots of creative props. Have your  photographer print and give them before they leave the party. It will be something they will never forget. Alternatively, upload and share with your guests online. 

8. Create a slideshow

Gather memorable pictures from yours and your partner's growing up years, your grandparents and parents weddings, and share as a slideshow with your guests. You could also pause to share funny incidents that involve either or both of you with your guests. For this too, you will require a venue that provides you with the necessary equipment.

9. Play some Games

You can organize fun games for the couples and kids separately and also in combination. Games like Feed your Partner- hands tied, spoon held between teeth and a cup of ice cream on the table, Birdie on a perch, Musical chairs, Housie, Tug of war, Paper dance, Guess who and so on. Ensure the party hall is spacious enough for the game you plan.

10. Give the guests a puzzle

Have an enlarged picture of you and your partner cut like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and mix them up for your guests to put together. All can take turns to put parts of the puzzle together. This is a great activity to fill in the silent breaks. Once it is done, your guests can pen their wishes for you on the space around your picture as they are leaving the venue.

11. A Lucky Dip

Instead of offering the same usual wedding favors to all your guests, infuse a sense of excitement into the whole thing by introducing a lucky dip.

12. Surprise them

Who doesn't like surprises? Have a group of dancers disguised as wait-staff break out into a dance during dinner. Or you and your partner can perform a surprise first dance for your guests. You could even surprise your guests by serving a treat or mini dessert long before dinner.

13. Hire a live band or DJ

You may need to meet and discuss with your DJ about your choice of music. On the day of the Sangeet, you will need this talented DJ who plays your music but is also able to read and judge the crowd's preference for certain type of music.

14. Hire entertainers

Consider hiring a magician, a tarot card reader, palmist, or a caricaturist. A magician can keep all your guests- young or old - enthralled at one time. While a tarot card reader and palmist sound interesting for people curious to know their fortunes, a caricaturist can infuse fun in your event by making drawings of your guests which they can take back with them. Sounds like fun?

15. Make the drinks fun

Hire a mixologist to create cool drinks for your guests right in front of them in the party hall. This trend is catching up very quickly as more and more couples find it well accepted and loved by their guests.

       You can choose to end the reception by giving a short thank you speech or exchanging a few words with your guests or opt for a noisier goodbye with a fabulous fireworks display! Remember, the onus of entertaining your guests isn't always on you. You should relax and have fun too. Do not stress about keeping your guests involved in activities back to back. Allow time and room for guests to mingle and talk to each other. Engaging conversations are entertaining. The fact of the matter is, no matter what kind of entertainment you choose, your family and friends will have a great time celebrating your special day with you.