Pyaar & Prema

Indian wedding events, explained

3 min read Updated October 14, 2026

A couple laughing as family smear them with turmeric at their Haldi

An Indian wedding is usually a series of events over two to five days. Traditions vary a lot by region, community and family, so treat this as a starting point, not a rulebook. If you are a guest, the couple’s website should tell you which events you are invited to and what to wear.

Engagement (Roka, Sagai or Nischayathartham)

A newly engaged couple embracing in front of flowers

The families formally agree to the match, and the couple often exchange rings. It can happen months before the wedding or as the first event of the wedding weekend.

Mehendi

Henna artists draw intricate designs on the bride’s hands and feet, and on guests who want it. It is relaxed, with music and food, and usually for women in the family and close friends, though many modern Mehendis are for everyone. Guests often wear bright colours, frequently green or yellow.

Haldi

Family members apply a turmeric paste to the bride and groom for blessings and a glow before the wedding. It is messy and joyful. Wear yellow, and wear something you do not mind getting stained.

Sangeet

Friends performing a dance on stage at a Sangeet

An evening of music, dancing and performances, often with both families preparing choreographed dances. It is one of the biggest parties of the wedding. Dress up: think festive Indian wear or cocktail attire.

Garba or Dandiya

In Gujarati and many other families, a night of circle dancing with decorated sticks (dandiya). Guests wear bright chaniya cholis and kurtas.

Baraat

The Baraat procession, with guests in colourful outfits under parasols

The groom’s procession to the wedding venue, traditionally on a horse, with his family and friends dancing in front to a dhol or band. Guests on the groom’s side join the dancing. It can run long, so it is a good moment to have comfortable shoes.

The wedding ceremony

A floral mandap set up for the wedding ceremony

In a Hindu ceremony the couple exchange garlands (Varmala or Jaimala), then marry under a mandap in front of a sacred fire, led by a priest. Key moments include Kanyadaan, the Pheras or Saptapadi (seven steps or circles around the fire) and the Mangalsutra or Thaali. South Indian, Bengali, Sikh, Muslim, Christian and other ceremonies each have their own rituals, and many weddings blend traditions.

Ceremonies can last from one to several hours. Guests can usually come and go quietly, and a livestream lets family abroad watch too.

Vidaai

The emotional farewell as the bride leaves her family home with her new spouse. Expect tears.

Reception

The biggest and most formal party, often with the widest guest list: colleagues, family friends and everyone else. Dinner, speeches and dancing. Wear formal Indian or Western attire.

Planning a wedding with all of these?

Each event has its own guest list, dress code, timeline and headcount. A wedding website with a page for every event keeps guests clear on where to be and what to wear, and per-event RSVPs keep every headcount right.

Frequently asked questions

Commonly three to six: for example Mehendi, Haldi, Sangeet, the wedding ceremony and the Reception. Some families add an engagement, a welcome dinner, a Garba night or religious ceremonies.

Not necessarily. Smaller events like the Haldi are often for close family. Your invitation or the couple’s website will list the events you are invited to.

Bright, festive colours are welcome. Many couples set a dress code or colour for each event. Avoid all white or all black unless the couple asks for it, and check whether the bride’s colour (often red) should be avoided.

Anywhere from about an hour to several hours, depending on the tradition and the family.

Tools for this

Keep reading

All 12 guides →

Give every event its own page.

Create your eventSee a demo wedding