Indian Wedding Songs for the Ceremony (Not the Dance Floor)

Let’s be real: reception bangers are easy. The ceremony is where couples get stuck because you want songs that feel emotional, meaningful, and “you”… but also work with the pace of a real Indian wedding ceremony.

And since you’re specifically looking for Indian wedding songs, ceremony songs, bride entrance songs, and groom entrance songs, I’m going to break this down like a ceremony timeline. I’ll also flag which ones tend to sound especially magical on live Shehnai (because a lot of Bollywood tracks translate beautifully when played instrumentally).

Before we start: how to choose the “best” ceremony songs

The best ceremony songs aren’t just the most popular, they’re the ones that match:

  • Your vibe (classic, modern, romantic, hype, spiritual)

  • Your ceremony format (Hindu ceremony, Sikh Anand Karaj, fusion, civil + Hindu)

  • Your venue acoustics (outdoor lawns vs indoor ballroom)

  • Your entrance pace (slow, regal walk vs upbeat “let’s go” energy)

A quick rule of thumb:

  • If you want tears, pick songs with soft melody + emotional lyrics.

  • If you want goosebumps, pick songs with big build + recognizable hook.

  • If you want hype, pick songs with dhol-friendly rhythm + strong beat drops.

Best Indian Wedding Bride Entrance Songs (Soft, Romantic, Regal)

1) “Chaap Tilak” (Coke Studio / classical-inspired versions)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SDrjwtfKMk

This is such a bridal entrance song because it feels timeless, romantic, devotional, and deeply rooted in South Asian culture.

Why it works:

  • It feels traditional without being “old”

  • The melody is perfect for live Shehnai

  • It creates a calm, sacred mood for a Hindu wedding ceremony

Pro tip: choose a version that’s not too fast. A slower, more spacious arrangement gives the bride time to enter gracefully.

2) “Teri Ore” (Singh Is Kinng)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLEx6bhPu7s

This is a modern classic. It’s sweet, recognizable, and emotional without being heavy.

Why it works:

  • Romantic lyrics that don’t feel cheesy

  • Easy to time for a 60–90 second entrance

  • Sounds gorgeous as an instrumental cover

More bride entrance song options (Bollywood + modern classics)

Here are strong picks depending on the vibe you want:

  • “Raabta” (Agent Vinod / various versions)

  • “Nazm Nazm” (Bareilly Ki Barfi)

  • “Kaun Tujhe” (M.S. Dhoni)

  • “Agar Tum Saath Ho” (Tamasha)

  • “Ranjha” (Shershaah)

  • “Kesariya” (instrumental / softer versions) (Brahmāstra)

  • “Deewani Mastani” (Bajirao Mastani)

More traditional / devotional-leaning bride entrance options

If you want something that feels rooted in tradition:

  • “Madhurashtakam” (instrumental)

  • “Vaishnav Jan To” (instrumental)

  • “Piya Tose Naina Laage Re” (classical-inspired)

  • “Albela Sajan” (soft intro section) (Bajirao Mastani)

Best Indian Wedding Groom Entrance Songs (Hype, Swagger, “Let’s Go”)

Groom entrances can (and should) be more energetic. The groom’s entry is the moment to bring in confidence, fun, and a little “main character energy.”

1) “Albela Sajan” (Bajirao Mastani)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4S83s2y248

This is a power move. It’s traditional-meets-cinematic, and it hits hard.

Why it works:

  • Big, recognizable, dramatic

  • Works for a groom who wants hype without going full club

  • Can be done with dhol + brass + shehnai-style melody

2) “Srivalli” (Pushpa)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcMzwMrr1tE

This one is a modern crowd-pleaser, especially for South Indian or pan-India weddings.

Why it works:

  • Instantly recognizable beat

  • Great for a confident, swagger entry

  • Easy to build a short “walk-in” edit

More groom entrance song options (high energy)

  • “Malhari” (Bajirao Mastani)

  • “Tattad Tattad” (Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela)

  • “Zinda Banda” (Jawan)

  • “Jai Jai Shivshankar” (War)

  • “Aarambh Hai Prachand” (Piyush Mishra)

  • “Kar Har Maidaan Fateh” (Sanju)

  • “Apna Time Aayega” (Gully Boy)

Groom entrance options that still feel “ceremony appropriate”

If you want hype but not “dance floor”:

  • “Shubhaarambh” (Kai Po Che!)

  • “Navrai Majhi” (English Vinglish) (depending on region/family vibe)

  • “Heer Ranjha” (instrumental sections)

Guest arrival / seating (15–30 minutes)

Keep it light, instrumental, and elegant.

  • Soft Bollywood instrumentals

  • Classical-inspired melodies

  • Romantic covers

Shehnai-friendly vibe: anything with a clear melody line and gentle tempo.

A quick note on live music vs DJ tracks (so it doesn’t feel messy)

If you’re using a DJ plus live ceremony music (like Shehnai), the cleanest approach is:

  • Use live Shehnai for the emotional, sacred moments (entrances, pheras, key transitions)

  • Use DJ tracks for the high-energy moments (baraat, reception, dance floor)

It keeps the ceremony elevated and avoids the “playlist whiplash.”

Final tips (so your song choices feel personal)

  • Pick songs you both actually like, not just what’s trending.

  • Trim songs to 60–90 seconds for entrances (your ceremony will thank you).

  • If you want live music, share special requests in advance so the arrangement feels intentional.