top of page
  • Writer's pictureAjay Manaktala

Baraat Ideas | Creative American Indian Weddings (2023-2024)

Updated: Dec 10, 2022

Ajay Manaktala is founder of Special Occasions DJ & Lighting, the company that revolutionized the mobile baraat system many years ago. In this post he tells you the best way to come to your Hindu wedding in style, and the pros and cons of each way. These are trends we see every week, and each have their own ups and downs!


When I was getting married, I had so many choices for my baraat. Should I dance and walk in with my gang, jump on someone else's BMW (hey, one day!) or try the whole elephant thing? So now that I've DJ'd and worked over 500 baraats, I know what works and what doesn't.


And why.


How do you have an Original and Unique Baraat?


The baraat is the groom's grand entrance at Big Fat Indian weddings, and it's a tradition that has only got crazier and bigger with each passing year. It used to simply be a horse or elephant to marriage hall, and now it can go up to skyscrapers, helicopters and jet skis.


While I don't recommend you miss half your pre-wedding festivities to drive to a helipad 20 miles away only to get a 3 second glamorous photo, I do advise the following.


Ok helicopter maybe.




1. Horse





Cost: $1200-$3000

Pros: Easy to find, most hotels will allow it, not insanely expensive

Cons: Horse might boop, you can't get off and dance. Horse might get freaked out with all the dancing .



2. Elephant




Baraat Indian wedding Tips usa



Costs: Upwards of $5,000

Pros: The traditional baraat by definition. Insane photos.

Cons: These days with all the laws (by good measure) it's not really advised. Maybe 5% of California weddings have an elephant. Also you can't dance. Could scare the elephant too!




3. Luxury Car with Carnival Girls (If wifey is ok with it)






Cost: Maybe $400 or borrow someone from the family circles car. $200 to dress it up with stuff.

Pros: Variety of options.

Cons: You might not be able to get out and dance.



4. Simply Walking with your Gang




baraat entrance usa 2019 ideas just walking
Sabya grooms don't need no vehicle bro!


Cost: Nothing really.

Pros: You can dance, it's exciting, you're the groom and the hypeman.

Cons: Not coming in with much fan fare, you will sweat from all the dancing .


But to be honest a lot of grooms opt for this and it's ends up being a LOT of fun as people lift him up and go mad. (People are usually shy from big things like elphants or parade floats).



baraat tips america 2019
If you're going to be a dancing machine, 100% please wear a kurta during your baraat and change before the mandap.


5. Boat



Boat baraat
Bangkok Boat baraat we did! Perfect also for Chicago and other river cities!

Cost: $1400 per hour of boat, overall cost around $2500 with snacks and drinks for one hour boat.


Pros: Awesome if you can find one and hotel is by a river. Honestly one of the coolest things to do. You can dance on the boat, not restricted by an Animal, not too expensive if getting married in India or Thailand or Mexico to rent a boat for 2 hours. Rock to music on the boat. !

Cons: Very hard to get an entire groom's gang ready and in the boat, on time. Will always run late.



6. Carriage





Carriage Baraat
Ok that looks cool too, but nobody can join you dancing up there except the lady who operates it.

Cost: $1000 to $1500 with Mule or Donkey or Horse or Car

Pros: Reasonable price, heavily customizable.

Cons: Little slow, still need a horse or something to pull it.



7. Parade Float



baraat usa ideas new jersey
Ok that might be worth it if you can extend your baraat for an hour!


Cost: $4500-$5500 to make one and get the vehicle or trailer.

Pros: Unique, not many do it, can customize it however you want, even get yoru friends and family on board.

Cons: Hard to find, takes a lot of space, expensive, you need to be a bit more creative about the design. Possible issues in hotel grounds with turns and parking lots and insurance.



8. ATV



atv baraat
OF course this dudes face is so Delhi LOL.



Cost: Maybe $300-650

Pros: Don't need to balance like a motorcylcle

Cons: Not many can join you, you might ditch it just to dance.


9. Motorcyle or Scooter





Cost: Maybe $200 for the rental(s) and $100 for decoration and insurance.

Pros: You can be seated and still enjoy the festivities at eye level with your friends and family.

Cons: Not everybody can use a bike or scooter. Bit small. But cool if you can coordinate or if you're a biker already! (Imagine the bikes revving like a loud Harley to pump up the crowd!)


10. Helicopter





Cost: $4000 to $6000

Pros: Get in the chopper! Amazing video and photo opportunity

Cons: Expensive, can also blow your decoration out of the way, and there is a large lead time to being ready and meeting Helicopter guy far away, and not really being a part of your baraat until it's almost over. Flashy but probably least enjoyable.




11. Tractor Trailer





Pros: Perfect for the country Groom!

Cons: Hard to use on many properties. Could be little tacky if not done with decoration properly. Also hard to find a spotless trailer!


12. Tuk Tuk or Rickshaw



auto rickhsaw baraat usa
In Los Angeles you can get folks like LA Rickshaw who are very popular for this.


Pros: Easily accessible in Los Angeles and other major metro's that have Baraat's at weddings. You can also get off easily and/or add one or two people.

Cons: A bit small when you actually see it life. Done many times. But a classic choice nonetheless.







WHATEVER YOU PICK, ENJOY YOUR BARAAT!

Remember, the priority as we always say over the flashiness with Indian weddings (even though we rely on that) is to enjoy the experience.


So don't get too caught up in spectable, it's about you dancing with all your friends because they have all come from across the world to SPEND IT WITH YOU!


So whichever lets you be stress free and have a good time hugging and dancing with all of that, that's what you pick!!!!



baraat ideas california
https://www.sodjla.com/contact-us


Want any of these for your Baraat in North America? Do contact us today as we serve California, Arizona, Nevada, Mexico and more!


3 comments

3 commentaires


Ashley Jaz
Ashley Jaz
11 sept.

And for tendy dresses for lady's here are some commense coupons you can use

J'aime

Quintan Barnes
Quintan Barnes
01 mai

Looking for unique wedding ideas? Consider incorporating a touch of vintage charm by arriving in style with a beautifully restored Isuzu vehicle from https://www.autobidmaster.com/en/search/salvage-cars/isuzu/! Whether you're opting for a traditional baraat or a modern fusion celebration, arriving in a classic car adds an unforgettable element to your special day. Plus, with AutoBidMaster's wide selection of salvage cars, you can find the perfect vehicle to match your style and budget. Explore their inventory today and make your wedding entrance one to remember!

Modifié
J'aime

Hanna Ovr
Hanna Ovr
19 août 2022

Your car needs to be safe. That’s why it’s important to check it for breakdowns in good time. Visit the fabrication shop, here you will find only quality materials for your car!

J'aime
bottom of page