While the modern day Hindu and Sikh groom may not need to travel a full week to arrive at his bride’s home (thanks to modern transportation), this celebratory procession is still an important tradition in South Asian weddings. Today, the baraat begins with a dramatic entry that kicks off a procession of dancing and celebrating.
PartySlate reached out to Brittany Ellis, Owner and Lead Event Director of Eventrics Indian Weddings, to learn more about this age-old custom. “Depending on what state of India the family is from,” she tells us, “the traditions will vary.”
While a traditional baraat involves the groom’s friends and family, celebrations are changing. Nowadays, “The bride’s family, bridesmaids, and even the bride herself may join in on the fun towards the end,” Ellis shares. Many South Asian LGBTQ+ weddings are also incorporating baraats into their pre-wedding rituals.
We searched through thousands of real weddings found on PartySlate to find the best baraat entry ideas ranging from traditional to one-of-a-kind. Keep reading to bookmark your favorite and share it with your wedding planner. With PartySlate, planning your South Asian wedding has never been easier.
Step Inside This Stunning South Asian Wedding
1. Baraat Entrance on Horse
photo courtesy of & posted by: Weddings by Vara
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photographer: Ray Antoni | posted by: Karma Events
See More2. Baraat Entrance on an Elephant
photographer & posted by: Duke Images
See More3. Baraat Entrance In a Luxury Convertible
photographer: Karin Hill Photography | posted by: The Wedding Plan & Company
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photographer: Verus Films | posted by: Anaïs Event Planning & Design
See More4. Golf Cart Baraat Entrance
photographer: Alex & Cammy | posted by: Eventrics Indian Weddings
See More5. Baraat Entrance by Scooter
photographer: Ryan Nortega Photography | posted by: Eventrics Indian Weddings
See More6. Motorcycle Baraat Entrance
photographer: Gabriel Harber Photography | posted by: Hand+Heart Weddings and Events
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photographer: Richard Bell Photography | posted by: Yoj Events, a Semper Signature Co.
See More7. Baraat Entrance on a Rickshaw
photographer: Sona Photography | posted by: Eventrics Indian Weddings
See More8. Baraat Entrance by Boat
photographer: Haring Photography | posted by: Eventrics Indian Weddings
See More9. Helicopter Baraat Entrance
photographer: Weddings by Shootings Stars | posted by: Pearls Event and Co
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photographer & posted by: L’Atelier Lumière International Photography
See MorePeople Also Ask…
What are some traditions that occur during the baraat?
Ellis of Eventrics Indian Weddings tells us, “Most baraats will conclude with a welcoming from the bride’s family. There is usually a milni or ‘garland exchange’ between the main family members — or there is an aarti where the pundit and family will officially welcome them to signify their ‘arrival’ to the bride’s home.”
Where can I find a wedding planner for my South Asian wedding?
Ellis shares, “A planner who specializes in Indian weddings has vast experience with South Asian culture. Hiring a seasoned planner is key to ensuring the overall success for the weekend. I always tell clients that every wedding is different, because every family, and the fusion of their cultures and traditions, all have different steps and meanings. Hiring a planner that knows the right questions to ask is truly what makes the investment well worth it.”
PartySlate is your go-to resource for finding the best wedding vendors in the industry. Head to our curated directory to find everything from full-service planning to destination planning services. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your search by location, services, and more. You can also reach out directly to our expert planner contributor.
Eventrics Indian Weddings
Brittany Ellis, Owner & Lead Event Director
We love how this Florida-based wedding planning company values personal relationships and a custom-planning process to create a bespoke experience for their clients. Eventrics Indian Weddings creates wow-worthy South Asian and Indian weddings through meticulous planning, minute attention to detail, and limitless creativity.
Lastly, use the diversity filter to find South Asian-owned businesses. Make sure to click into a potential planner’s PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and make sure their style corresponds to your own. Or reach out to even more wedding planners by clicking the button below:
Where can I find a wedding venue?
Once you’ve hired your wedding planner, it’s time to tackle the next big ticket item on your to-do list. Whether you are interested in a resort with multiple event spaces or multiple venue spots for a weekend celebration, you’ll find the best vetted venues on PartySlate.
Head to our curated venue directory to find your perfect fit. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, guest count, and amenities. You can also search for specific venue types like ballrooms, museums, rooftops, and more.
If you see a potential fit, make sure to click into their PartySlate profile to see real events hosted at their event space. You can also scroll to the bottom of the page to see which wedding vendors routinely work with the venue.
Where can I find more inspiration for my South Asian wedding?
You’ll find the best wedding inspiration on PartySlate, whether it’s the latest wedding trends or classic ideas that stand the test of time. Click on the following to browse stunning South Asian wedding designs — from gorgeous mandaps to colorful sangeets.
featured design & floral
Yanni Design Studio
We love how this bespoke floral and décor production company — specializing in everything from South Asian weddings to grand galas — can transform any venue with their exquisite floral designs, wow-worthy lighting installations, and innovative backdrops. With a prolific inventory of décor pieces and some of the most talented minds in the industry, Yanni Design Studio works closely with their clients to create dream celebrations. photographer: Maha Studios