Indian Wedding Functions Explained: From Roka to Reception

A typical Indian wedding is a series of functions over two to five days: pre-wedding ceremonies such as the Roka, Haldi, Mehndi and Sangeet; the wedding ceremony itself (Pheras, Nikah, Anand Karaj, Muhurtham or a church wedding); and the Vidaai and Reception afterwards. Customs differ by region and religion, so treat this as a friendly guide rather than a rulebook.

Roka, Sagai and Engagement

What it is: the families formally agree to the match. A Roka is usually small and at home; a Sagai or engagement adds a ring exchange and can be a large party.
On the invitation: close family only for a Roka; a separate or combined invitation for a big engagement party.

Haldi

What it is: turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom (usually separately, at their own homes) for blessings and glow. Expect laughter, yellow outfits and a lot of mess.
When: the morning of the wedding or the day before.
Dress code: yellow or other bright colours — and clothes you don't mind staining.

Mehndi

What it is: henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, often with the groom's name hidden in the design, while family and friends sing and dance. Guests often get mehndi too.
When: one or two days before the wedding.
Dress code: green, pastels or festive casual.

Sangeet

What it is: a night of music and dance where both families perform — the most fun function for many guests.
When: the evening before the wedding.
Dress code: glamorous — lehengas, sherwanis, Indo-western.

Baraat

What it is: the groom's procession to the venue, traditionally on a horse, with a band, dhol and dancing guests. The bride's family welcomes them at the door (Milni in Punjabi weddings).
On the invitation: give the baraat's start time and meeting point, separate from the ceremony time.

The wedding ceremony

• Hindu wedding (Pheras): the couple circle the sacred fire, making vows, with the Kanyadaan, Jaimala (garland exchange) and Sindoor. The auspicious time (muhurat) sets the schedule.
• Sikh wedding (Anand Karaj): held in the morning at a gurdwara; the couple walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times (laavan). Guests cover their heads.
• Muslim wedding (Nikah): the marriage contract is signed with the couple's consent before witnesses, often followed by a meal. The Walima is the reception hosted by the groom's family.
• South Indian wedding (Muhurtham): centres on the tying of the thaali or mangalsutra at an auspicious time, often early morning, with nadaswaram music.
• Christian wedding: a church ceremony with vows and rings, followed by a reception — common in Goa, Kerala and the North-East.

Vidaai

What it is: the emotional farewell as the bride leaves her parents' home, throwing rice over her shoulder as a blessing for the house she's leaving.
On the invitation: usually not listed — it follows the ceremony.

Reception

What it is: a dinner party where the newlyweds meet guests — often the biggest function, and sometimes the only one for colleagues and friends.
Dress code: formal or festive evening wear.

A typical order of functions

1. Roka / Engagement (weeks or months before)
2. Haldi
3. Mehndi
4. Sangeet
5. Baraat → Wedding ceremony
6. Vidaai
7. Reception

How to invite guests to different functions

Not every guest comes to every function — the Haldi is often family-only while the reception is open to all. The simplest way: one invitation that lists every function you're inviting that guest to, with its own date, time, venue and dress code. On PixerInvite each day and function gets its own card in the schedule, with a "Get directions" button and "Add to calendar", and the dress code for each shows under "Good to know". See the themes, or read our guide to digital wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the order of Indian wedding functions?

Usually Roka or engagement, then Haldi, Mehndi and Sangeet in the days before the wedding, then the Baraat and wedding ceremony, the Vidaai, and finally the Reception.

How many days does an Indian wedding last?

Most last two to four days, depending on how many pre-wedding functions the families hold. Destination weddings often fit everything into two or three days.

What is the difference between Mehndi and Sangeet?

Mehndi is when henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, usually in a relaxed daytime gathering; Sangeet is an evening of music and dance performances by both families.

What should guests wear to a Haldi ceremony?

Yellow or other bright colours, in comfortable clothes you don't mind getting turmeric on.