Dhol players for Asian weddings in Birmingham

Where dhol fits into an Asian wedding

The dhol is a large, double-sided drum, played with sticks and worn on a strap, and it is closely tied to Bhangra and Punjabi celebrations. Many families, Punjabi and otherwise, want dhol for at least one moment of the wedding. The most common are:

• The baraat. Leading the groom’s procession as he arrives, with family dancing in front.
• The jaggo or mehndi. Keeping a lively pre-wedding night going, often at home or in a hall.
• Entrances. Bringing the couple, or each family, into the reception.
• The doli. Some families like dhol as the bride leaves with her new family; others prefer that moment quieter. It is entirely a family choice.
• On the dance floor. Playing over the DJ’s Bhangra tracks at the high point of the night.

Customs vary a lot. Some families have dhol at every event; others keep it for one. Some religious settings ask for no dhol at all, so it is worth checking each one before you plan.

DJ and dhol together

Dhol works best when it is planned with the DJ rather than added on the day. When the two work together:

• the DJ plays tracks that suit live drumming, at the right tempo
• the dhol players come in at a planned moment, so the energy peaks rather than fading
• entrances are cued together, with confident announcements from the DJ
• the DJ brings the volume of the recorded music down so the dhol is heard clearly

Some DJs regularly work with the same dhol players, which makes this easier. Tick dhol players in the form and we will factor it into the match. If Bhangra is the heart of your night, our Punjabi and Bhangra DJ page explains how a specialist builds a set around dhol.

Practical points

Volume

A dhol is loud without any amplification. In a small hall, a house or a room with a low ceiling, that can be overwhelming for older guests and young children. Plan dhol for short, high-energy moments rather than long stretches indoors.

Sound limiters

Some venues use sound limiters that cut power to amplified equipment when the level goes too high. A dhol is not plugged in, but it adds to the overall level in the room, so check the venue’s rules and ask the DJ how they manage it. Our guide on what a DJ needs from your venue covers limiters and curfews.

Venue permission

Never assume. Ask each venue, including the gurdwara, temple, mosque or hall, whether dhol is allowed, where it can be played and at what times. Some venues are happy with dhol outside but not inside, or the other way round.

Outdoor baraat timing

An outdoor baraat needs planning:

• agree the start time and length with the ceremony venue, so the ceremony is not delayed
• think about neighbours, roads and parking, especially in residential streets
• have a plan for rain, such as moving the dhol to the entrance or foyer if the venue allows
• make sure the dhol players know exactly where to meet the groom’s party

Home events

For a jaggo or mehndi at home, keep dhol to a sensible time of evening and a short spell. A word with neighbours in advance goes a long way.

Planning the whole wedding

If you want dhol at several events, list each one with its date and venue. Our Asian wedding DJ page explains how we match you for a multi-event wedding, and our mehndi and sangeet DJ page covers the nights where dhol is most often booked.

How we match you

Tell us every moment you would like dhol, from the baraat to the dance floor, with dates, venues and any rules you already know about. We pass your enquiry to the one Birmingham DJ who specialises in Asian weddings and can plan dhol into the day. They contact you directly to confirm the details.