Bridal jewellery checklist: every piece, day by day
What to wear for the haldi, mehendi, sangeet, wedding and reception, and how to keep every piece ready on the day.
Plan by function, not by piece
Most Indian weddings run over several days, and each one has a different mood. Plan the wedding look first, then pick lighter pieces for the days around it so nothing repeats in the photos.
Haldi and mehendi
Light, playful and easy to move in: a ring bracelet (haath phool) for the hand photos, small jhumkas and a fine necklace. Skip anything delicate near the haldi paste, and keep your best set away until it is washed off.
Sangeet
Something that catches stage lights: statement earrings, a choker with AD stones or coloured stones, and bangles that move when you do.
The wedding
The full set: a choker with a long necklace or haaram below it, matching jhumkas, a maang tikka, bangles on both wrists, and a waist chain if you want the complete traditional look. Match metal tones across every piece: antique gold-tone with antique gold-tone.
Reception
Usually lighter than the wedding: one statement necklace or choker set with its earrings, a cocktail ring and a bracelet.
On the day
Try everything on a week before. Put the pieces for each function in their own labelled pouch. Carry a few bobby pins for the tikka and a soft cloth to wipe pieces between photos.
More guides
- Anti-tarnish jewellery: what it means and how to care for itWhat the anti-tarnish coating does and doesn't do, how to choose anti-tarnish earrings and bracelets, and five habits that keep them bright.
- Daily wear earrings: how to choose a pair you'll wear every daySize, weight, style and care: a simple guide to earrings that stay comfortable from morning to night.
- What jewellery to wear with a silk sareeHow to match antique gold-tone jewellery to Kanjivaram, Banarasi and other silk sarees, from the necklace to the bangles.