Considering that "Monsoon Wedding" is primarily based around preparing for a wedding, it's no surprise that love is major theme of the film. The movie examines love from multiple standpoints through the exploration of relationships between various characters. For example, Aditi, the bride, is expected to fall in love with the fiancé who has been selected for her. However, Aditi has been having a secret affair with a television host who is married to another woman. These angles examine the complications of love and the seeming inability to choose who it is that you do or don't fall in love with.
Throughout the film, Aditi is forced to live her life in a manner that she feels will please her father. This family dynamic causes Aditi to disregard her desires in an effort to appease her family. As presented to viewers, the situation requires them to consider what a healthy family relationship is and how the role of family differs in various cultures.
Although "Monsoon Wedding" is set in modern times, one of the central events, the arranged marriage of Aditi, is a seemingly dated practice. By examining Aditi's intent to enter an arranged marriage while engaged in an extramarital affair, viewers are introduced to the theme of cultural differences and difficulties that lie within an attempt to balance modern culture with historically accepted cultural practices. While it is important to recognize one's heritage, the characters in the film also find that it is imperative to mold practices to better fit modern times.
The theme of disparities among different economic and social classes is primarily displayed through the development of a relationship between the Aditi's family's maid and Aditi's high-profile wedding planner. An unexpected attraction forces both parties to consider the potential relationship difficulties created by their differing social and economic statuses. On a more subtle level, the viewer is also introduced to the theme of class distinction in India as Aditi's upper class family is shown living their lives surrounded by impoverished individuals outside of the confines of their neighborhood.