What to Wear to an Indian Engagement (Roka or Sagai) in Melbourne

By Abhishek Arora · Style World, Aintree · Updated 4 Nov 2026 · 1 min read

Wedding season starts after Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Saturday 21 November in Australia), and many families hold the roka or sagai (engagement) in the weeks before. It’s a smaller, family event than the wedding – so the outfits are festive but lighter.

For the bride-to-be

• A light lehenga in pastel, peach, mint or red ($130 in our Diwali offer), or
• A silk saree – Kanjivaram and Banarasi-style silks from $80, or
• An Indo-western sharara set with jacket for a modern look.

For the groom-to-be

• A silk kurta pyjama ($80) or a jacket kurta ($145) – matching or complementing her colour.

For family and guests

• Women: a silk saree, sharara set or festive suit (suits 1 for $45, 2 for $60).
• Men: a cotton ($75) or silk ($80) kurta pyjama.
• Kids: boys’ kurta pyjama 1 for $40, 2 for $60, and girls’ sets 1 for $65, 2 for $80.

Tips

• Ask the family about a colour theme – many rokas now coordinate.
• Don’t outshine the couple – guests should go a little lighter than the bride.
• Indoor events: lighter fabrics like georgette and chinon stay comfortable for hours.

Going to the wedding too? Read what to wear to an Indian wedding in Melbourne and mehndi, haldi and sangeet outfits.

Visit Style World at 251 Frontier Avenue, Aintree – open every day 11am to 8pm, with a trial room – or WhatsApp 0450 649 304. Pick-up is free, and we ship Australia-wide (WhatsApp us your address for the cost).

Quick answers

What does a bride wear for roka?

Usually a light lehenga, silk saree or sharara set – festive but lighter than the wedding outfit.

What should guests wear to an Indian engagement?

Women: a saree, suit or sharara set. Men: a kurta pyjama. Go a little lighter than the couple.