Jachega › Guides › What to wear to a reception
What to wear to a reception
The reception is the most formal and the most photographed evening of the wedding: indoor lights, a stage, a queue to meet the couple and a long buffet. Dress up, but stay comfortable for three or four hours on your feet.
For women
- An evening saree in silk, organza or georgette with a structured blouse is the classic. Deep jewel tones and metallics hold up well under indoor lights; see the [sarees, above ₹4,000 page](/women/sarees/above-4000) for richer weaves and the [₹2,000–4,000 page](/women/sarees/2000-4000) for lighter ones.
- A rich kurta set or an anarkali with heavier work on the yoke and a sheer dupatta: the [kurta sets, above ₹4,000 page](/women/kurta-sets/above-4000).
- A gown or an elegant maxi dress for a cocktail-style reception: the [dresses, above ₹4,000 page](/women/dresses/above-4000).
For men
A dark suit or a bandhgala is the formal choice; a silk-look kurta with a brocade Nehru jacket is the festive one. See [men's kurtas](/men/kurtas) and [men's jackets](/men/jackets).
Colours for indoor light
Wine, emerald, navy, deep teal and gold all hold their colour under warm indoor light. Very pale colours can look washed out on stage; if you choose one, pick a fabric with sheen.
See it on you first
Add one photo of yourself on Jachega, full length or a selfie; it stays on your phone, and every outfit opens on you in about ten seconds (a selfie puts your face on the preview). The preview shows the look, not the fit: the brand's size chart decides the size. Prices are the stores' own.
Style notes only: what suits whom is a matter of taste, and the fit of any garment is the brand's size chart's business, not ours. Written by Jachega, 2026-11-01.