New beginnings are always special, aren’t they! The announcement of your wedding- with an official engagement ceremony is a moment to rejoice, a day when you’d want to put your most stylish foot forward. And, being a soon-to-be bride and groom, surrounded by an enthusiastic circle of family and friends, is a call for dressing up well. The current pandemic situation may have drastically brought down the scale of wedding and engagement festivities, but the trend of flaunting pictures on social media continues- making it even more necessary to have the perfect engagement look.
Choose Your Perfect Engagement Outfit
An Occasion of Legacy
The engagement function, Roka, tilak, or the ‘sagai’ is one of those pre-wedding moments when one inclines to create a strong first impression as an individual and as a couple. The world had its eyes on Isha Ambani’s neutral palette evening gown as she walked towards the patio for her dream engagement at Lake Como.
Over the years, the cultural essence of Indian rituals has made space for several global nuances, especially in ceremonial clothing and cuisines, yet traditions hold their significance even for most of the modern couples. And that explains why heavy brocades, silk lehengas, and ornamental groom kurtas are still ruling as preferred engagement outfits for the mass of Indians across the globe.
The men’s wear segment too has seen the traditional sherwani and kurta-set getting dapper with panel det
ails, asymmetric edges, and novel prints. But even as the demand for indo-western outfits continues to rise, the garments are crafted to keep their ancestral feel in place.
What should you wear for your engagement?
The question can haunt you for days- or even while you’re walking into the ceremony venue, contemplating your choice. After all, every bride and groom would want to hold the limelight! However, your choice of outfit should focus on the vibe of the occasion.
Culture-oriented families still hold a traditional ceremony, and if religious rituals are going to define your day, then you’d better stick to ethnic authenticity with a golden zari woven silk saree or a printed/light embroidered lehenga choli and an ornamental dupatta.
From reds and vibrant pinks, natures green to lemony yellows- the ethnic palette is just right for a celebration. Keep the accessories congruous with the theme of the ceremony; a few lines of pearls or a modest traditional golden set should suffice for the occasion.
The men can don a silk kurta pajama set layered with a brocade jacket and a pair of coordinated shoes embroidered to match the jacket. If you’re not keen on the layer detail then a stole add-on can complete your Indian look for the engagement ceremony.
A Contemporary Fashion-Forward Engagement Look
It’s a pervasive trend among Indian families to have a contemporary dress code for the engagement party. And if the big day is going to be a modern-style socializing party or an evening ball, then it’s time to unleash the fashion-addict in you and make an entry in the most impressive statement outfit.
Scroll down for contemporary outfits ideas for men and women:
For an evening engagement gala with a ‘dance and dine’ agenda, we’d vote a high octane gown as the best choice of outfit. Top it up with diamond earrings for a perfect princess feel!
Stylish cuts and subdued palettes, a layered fusion set is an absolute yes if you prefer to wear a dressy yet comfortable outfit. Choose a jacket suit with frills and flares- bouncy details will always make you look upbeat!
The Indian version of evening gowns- a floor-length Anarkali suit is bound to give you a voluminous look minus the inconvenience that comes along with other elaborate ethnic silhouettes. You can pink one in Banarasi silk for imperia or one with sheer details for some graceful sensuousness.
Get dapper points with asymmetrical edges and fusion highlights! It’s your time; stand out with a designer indo-western suit. After all, you’d love to leave an impact on your guests!
The men can also zero in on the Indian royal suit- a crisp, silk-crafted Jodhpuri suit with moderately bright, neutral, or pastel colors to wear while officially announcing their relationship.
No questions about its significance- your engagement is a big day! Your attire ought to be like a pre-bridal or a pre-groom, that means, a little dressy but not too indulgent. As a couple, you can even coordinate your look with customized outfits, which you can easily procure through online shopping over high-quality video calls.
To conclude, I would say that no matter what trends dictate, choose an engagement outfit that appeals to your individual choices and makes you feel comfortable and confident- for that is from where a lasting impact rises!