7 Ideas for Desi Indian Engagement Look

Finalised the day of your engagement..? Planning that enchanted moment when your forever starts and you officially enter a new chapter of life..? Butterflies already? One of the most beautiful moments. Besides embracing enjoyment along with all the people you love, there comes a slightly overwhelming part, deciding on the epic engagement look for bride that makes you feel like the total queen that you are.

Okay, let’s face the real dilemma. You must be scrolling through Instagram for hours, saved around a hundred and fifty outfit ideas on Pinterest, asked your cousins for their opinions, and still feel like you're nowhere close to finding "the one." But the best part is that we have been there, and we get you.

with Meera, the Plus Size Store, we have shortlisted seven gorgeous engagement dresses for the bride that go from eternally classic to stunning modern. So no matter what your forethought is, there must be something that seamlessly speaks your language and stunningly stands with you.

Trendy Engagement Dresses Every Bride Will Love

Salsa - Red Sequin Embroidered Attached Cape Dress

Can we start with the colour that's practically synonymous with Indian celebrations? This red sequin-embroidered cape dress is everything your engagement dreams are made of. The attached cape adds contemporary drama to the classic red, creating movement and elegance that photographs like an absolute dream. What makes this perfect for engagement party dress occasions is how the sequins catch every bit of light, from professional photography flashes to your uncle's enthusiastic phone camera. The cape style is particularly standout because it provides coverage while allowing you to move freely during all those rituals and photo sessions.

Heera Mahal - Regal Navy Duotone Sequin Embroidery Anarkali Set

"Heera Mahal" means "Palace of Diamonds," and this navy sequin embroidered Anarkali Set truly does its name justice! The duotone sequin embroidery gives depth and dimension that's totally mesmerizing. Navy, besides being an underrated option for weddings, is royal, elegant, and captures the most beautiful pictures. For brides, a lavish Anarkali is surely a perfect option for your cocktail or engagement. This one design gives traditional silhouettes with modern colour options, ideal for the bride who honors tradition but will not hesitate to put her own contemporary spin on things.

Bournville - Black Georgette Paisley & Sequin Embroidered Anarkali Set

Yes, we are in sense, black for an engagement! This is not one of those little black dresses; this is a georgette Anarkali with paisley and sequin embroidery that's modern and yet classy. Black has also become hugely popular for contemporary Indian engagement ceremonies because it makes such a gorgeous background for heavy jewellery. The paisley designs give traditional touches while the colour selection keeps it modern. This is great for the bride who desires to be different from the typical pastels and pinks, and make a bold and trendy statement.

Engagement Anarkali Suits for Traditional Brides

Khwaab - Dreamy Prussian Blue Viscose Tissue Sequin Embroidered Anarkali Set

"Khwaab" is a dream, and this Prussian blue embroidered anarkali set  is just that dreamy! Viscose fabric carries this gorgeous drape and natural luster that photographs beautifully. The sequin work provides celebratory glitter without overpowering the classic blue foundation. Prussian blue is luxurious enough for formal occasions yet unique enough to make you different. Such anarkali suits for engagement are perfect as they provide grandeur and regal sophistication with their natural cut that makes the attire a complementing fit for every figure.

How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Lehenga

Honestly, it is an utterly personal choice, but here are some suggestions related to the shades, style, and situation. Hopefully, this may help you make a better decision. 

Traditional Engagement Dresses to Celebrate Your Culture 

Noorani - Wine Georgette Sequin Embroidery Slit Anarkali Lehenga Set

Wine is so big in bridal fashion right now, and hence, it's getting all the hype that it deserves. This Anarkali lehenga fusion is ideal for brides who can't choose between the flowing beauty of an Anarkali and the grand drama of a lehenga, but we say, why choose? The slit detail provides a modern edge while still keeping ancient grandeur. Wine, too, is beautifully versatile. This hue looks stunning in natural daylight as well as under evening lights. And the best part is, it looks lovely with all skin tones. The georgette fabric with sequin embroidery is an ideal combination of comfort and luxury. 

Tango - Black Shine Stretchable Sequin Embroidered Lehenga Set

Since black is setting trends in bridal wear these days, this shiny sequin lehenga is absolute magic in this regard! The stretch material is a genius idea for engagement ceremonies where you'll be seated, standing, welcoming guests, and maybe even dancing. Lehengas tend to restrict sometimes, but this one glides with you. The sequin embroidery gives that festive glint, while the black base keeps you looking elegant and unforgettable. This engagement lehenga option is ideal for nighttime weddings also where you desire maximum glamour with supreme comfort. 

Engagement Party Dresses for Those Who Love Indo-Western

The beauty of modern Indian engagements is that they welcome fusion wear with open arms. Indo-Western attire is perfect for brides who respect tradition but want to showcase their modern flair at the same time. They're also amazingly convenient for weddings that change from traditional ceremonies to trendy parties. 

What makes Indo-Western perfect for engagements:

• Free movement during numerous wedding ceremonies

• Modern styling that comes across as organic to modern brides

• Distinctive silhouettes that pop in photos

• Flexibility that suits both small and big parties 

Consider cape dresses, blazer lehengas, or fusion Anarkalis that combine traditional embroidery with modern cuts. These styles are particularly brilliant for destination engagements or intimate home ceremonies where you want elegance without excessive formality. 

Stunning Saree Styles for Your Engagement Day

Sarees have been Indian brides' pick for generations, and there is so much meaning in wearing one on your engagement day. If you have ever been daunted by the idea of draping a saree, especially when searching for plus-size sarees, then trust me, you are not alone. But innovations today, like drape sarees, have made the classic outfit universally accessible.

Why drape sarees work brilliantly for engagements:

• Pre-draped sarees perfection that lasts all day

• No worry about draping or pleats coming undone

• Easy to wear, comfortable to move in

• Traditional appearance with modern convenience

• Flattering for all body types

• Colour choices for engagement sarees:

• Traditional reds and maroons: Timeless and always appropriate

• Jewel tones: Bottle green, navy, Prussian blue for contemporary elegance

• Pastels: Blush, mint, lavender for daytime ceremonies

• Metallics: Gold, silver for evening glamour

Olivia - Bottle Green Georgette Cutdana Embroidered Drape Saree Set

For brides who've always dreamed of wearing a saree but worry about draping hassles, drape saree sets are your best friend! This bottle green beauty with cutdana embroidery offers all the elegance of a traditional embroidered engagement saree for bride with the convenience of a ready-to-wear outfit. Bottle green is elegant and looks stunningly beautiful in photographs under natural light as well as artificial light. The cutdana work gives a delicate shine that's sophisticated and not overpowering. This is perfect for more formal or traditional engagements where you want to honour cultural expectations whilst maintaining your comfort.

Styling Your Engagement Look

Now that we've covered outfit options, let's talk about pulling together that complete engagement look for bride that'll make you feel absolutely unstoppable.

Jewellery choices:

• Heavy outfits pair best with statement earrings and delicate necklaces

• Simpler outfits can handle elaborate jewellery sets

• Don't forget haath phool (hand harnesses) for that bridal touch

• Maang tikka adds traditional elegance to any look

• Hair and makeup:

• Align your makeup intensity to your outfit's embellishment level

• Consider the ceremony timing, softer for daytime, bolder for evening

• Hair should complement your outfit's neckline

• Fresh flowers add romantic, traditional charm

• Footwear wisdom:

• Comfort is non-negotiable; you'll be standing and posing for hours

• Block heels offer height with stability

• Embellished flats are elegant and practical

• Most essentially, wear and check your shoes before the big day!

Finally, It’s Your Engagement, Your Style

An engagement outfit isn't just another dress; it's the first impression of your bridal journey that'll be immortalised in countless photos. Above all, the outfit needs to make you feel confident enough to handle all those congratulatory hugs and posed photographs! And here's the wonderful secret about picking your engagement outfits  for bride, there is no single "perfect" or "right" thing. Whether you find yourself taken with the dynamic drama of the Tango black lehenga, the classic grace of the Olivia drape saree, or the modern chic of the Heera Mahal navy Anarkali, the most important thing is how you feel when you step into it. Don't select an outfit because it is fashionable or because someone else believes you should. 

Meera, The Plus Size Store

At Meera's Plus Size Store, we specialize in making every bride's dream come true, no matter what size. Our specially designed collection of engagement anarkali suits provides many fabric options and design variations, all created with love, considering the requirements of contemporary women for special days. From XS to 10XL sizes and customisation available, we make sure your engagement day is the one you've always imagined. Since every bride should feel like a queen, we're committed to making that happen.