Occasion guide

What to wear to an Engagement

Formal but not bridal — somewhere between sangeet and reception.

The engagement (sometimes called roka or sagai) is the formal announcement of the marriage, usually held weeks or months before the wedding. It's a smaller, more family-focused event than the wedding itself, with ring exchange, gift presentation, and a celebratory meal. Dress code reads formal-festive — heavier than everyday, lighter than the wedding day.

What it is

A formal event with religious or family ceremony elements (varies by community).
Smaller guest list — typically immediate family and close friends.
Ring exchange, sometimes blessing by elders, gift presentation.
Often held at home or a small function space rather than a large venue.

What to wear

By who you are.

If you're a woman

A sangeet-tier lehenga or formal saree — festive but not full bridal.
A heavily embroidered anarkali in silk for a more wearable register.
Avoid red if you're not the bride — leave it for her.

If you're a man

A bandhgala suit or short sherwani.
A formal silk kurta with churidar if the event is at home.

Dress code · do & don’t

· Choose formal-festive fabrics: silk, chanderi, organza.
· Coordinate with the family if you're close to them — they may want a colour theme.

Don’t

· Don't wear red (bride's colour in most North Indian traditions).
· Don't wear too dressed up if the event is at someone's home — read the venue.

What we’d suggest

Curated for an engagement.

Placeholder atelier image — commissioned photography arrives before launch

Midnight Sapphire Sherwani

From $1,750.00

Limited

Emerald Banarasi Sangeet Saree

From $950.00

Sapphire Bandhani Fusion Gown

From $1,450.00

Festive Banarasi Anarkali

From $1,220.00

Common questions

Things we get asked.

Is roka the same as engagement?

Similar — roka is a north Indian / Sikh family ceremony marking the beginning of the engagement period. Sagai is the formal ring exchange. They may be held together or separately depending on family tradition.

Still unsure what to pick?

Message Ketki on WhatsApp with the event date, the venue, and what you usually wear. She’ll suggest two or three pieces.

Message Ketki Read the first-time guide

By who you are.

If you're a woman

A sangeet-tier lehenga or formal saree — festive but not full bridal.
A heavily embroidered anarkali in silk for a more wearable register.
Avoid red if you're not the bride — leave it for her.

If you're a man

A bandhgala suit or short sherwani.
A formal silk kurta with churidar if the event is at home.