The Right Bridal Jewellery Style for Each Event

August 5, 2025

Different events, different styles, different jewellery! Know how to pick the right bridal jewellery pieces for each event of your wedding.

Jewellery is more than just adornment for a bride—it’s storytelling. Every piece, from a dainty maangtikka to a sculptural choker, adds character and charm to her wedding look. But bridal jewellery isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Different wedding events come with different vibes, moods, and outfits. And your jewellery should enhance, not overpower, your overall look.

Here’s a guide to choosing the right bridal jewellery style for each major event, only from Team Wedding Affair. Whether you’re opting for classic red lehengas, contemporary pastel saris or experimental silhouettes, this breakdown will help you pair the perfect pieces with every celebration.

Engagement: A Touch of Elegance

The engagement is often the first big event that sets the tone for the wedding journey. It’s all about making a statement without going overboard.

For the bridal jewellery at your engagement party, keep it classy and refined. Think diamond sets, minimalist chokers, or delicate polki necklaces. If you’re wearing an outfit in soft hues or metallics (like champagne, rose gold, or ivory), opt for jewellery that complements that palette.

Best picks:

Solitaire or halo diamond earrings
A single-line diamond or emerald necklace
Matching bracelet or sleek bangles
Statement ring (apart from your engagement ring)

Haldi: Bright and Breezy

Haldi ceremonies are usually intimate, messy, and filled with sunshine, both literally and figuratively. Your bridal jewellery for haldi should reflect that lightness.

Go with the classic choice of fresh floral jewellery as it remains a top choice. Dried flower or shell jewellery is an equally stylish alternative. Think dainty and charming, rather than polished and regal. Avoid heavy earrings or necklaces—haldi will likely end up on everything!

Best picks:

Fresh marigold or baby’s breath accessories
Lightweight earrings (studs or hoops)
Delicate shell maangtikka
Simple bangles or bracelets in yellow, ivory, or pastel tones

Mehendi: Lightweight and Playful

The mehendi ceremony is all about colour, comfort, and celebration. You’ll be moving around, dancing, and getting your hands beautifully hennaed—so your bridal jewellery should be as functional as it is fun.

Go for lightweight and fuss-free options. Floral jewellery, gota-patti accessories, or oxidised silver pieces work well with breezy outfits and vibrant colours. This is the one event where you can ditch the gold and diamonds completely—go quirky and experimental. Keep your hands empty for the mehendi.

Best picks:

Floral or fabric maangtikka and haathphool
Jhumkis or chandbalis
Mirror-work chokers or layered beaded necklaces
Payal (anklets) with ghungroos

Sangeet: Sparkle and Glam

The sangeet is your red-carpet moment. It’s the glitzy, high-energy prelude to the big day. Your jewellery for sangeet should match the dazzle of your moves and your outfit.

Go bold but modern. Think contemporary pieces with bling—American diamonds, uncut stones, or layered fusion pieces. Don’t shy away from mixing metals or going asymmetrical. Balance is key—either highlight the neck or ears, not both. Keep it light if you are planning to dance the night away.

Best picks:

Crystal statement earrings or ear cuffs
Cocktail rings and stacked bracelets
Sleek diamond chokers or modern collar necklaces
Maathapatti or a sleek headband-style accessory

Wedding Ceremony: Regal and Timeless

This is the ultimate moment. All eyes (and cameras) are on you. Your jewellery needs to be rich, statement-making, and deeply aligned with your bridal aesthetic.

For your wedding jewellery, go all out—layered necklaces, heavy jhumkas, ornate maang tikkas, and statement naths. Traditional materials like kundan, polki, temple jewellery, and antique gold shine here. Your bridal jewellery should match the grandeur of your bridal outfit but not clash with its embellishments, especially at the neckline.

Best picks:

Rani haar layered with a choker
Heavy polki or temple-style earrings
Nath (nose ring) with a chain
Mathapatti or borla-style headpieces
Kadas or chooda (depending on your tradition)

Reception: Glamorous and Sophisticated

The reception is when you turn up the drama one last time. It’s your post-wedding fashion moment, and it often leans more contemporary.

Think elegant and fashion-forward. Diamonds, emeralds, and statement designer jewellery work beautifully with gowns, contemporary saris, or Indo-western ensembles. Let your jewellery shine, but keep the look cohesive and polished. This is where “less is more” truly applies.

Best picks:

Diamond chandelier earrings
Statement cuffs or bangles
A bold neckpiece if your gown is strapless or off-shoulder
Sleek hair accessories or a crystal headband

Every bridal event is an opportunity to express a different facet of your personality, and your jewellery can be your loudest (and most sparkling) statement. Whether you’re a maximalist who wants heirloom pieces stacked from head to toe or a minimalist experimenting with clean lines and modern silhouettes, choose jewellery that complements you, not just your outfit.

After all, styles change, but the way you feel wearing those pieces will stay in the photos and your memories forever.

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