Bridal Reception Jewellery: What to Wear for a Second Function

For a reception or any second function after the wedding, a bride can wear a different necklace set from her wedding-day haar: usually a little lighter or a different shape, with matching earrings and one maang tikka, chosen to suit the second outfit. There is no fixed rule, and some brides re-wear their wedding-day earrings or tikka with a new necklace. This guide is written by Sirini, a Mumbai maker of gold-plated imitation (fashion) jewellery, not solid gold or diamond. Prices below were read from the live catalogue on 25 October 2026 and can change.

How the reception look differs from the wedding-day look

The wedding-day look is built around the ritual pieces and the heaviest outfit: a full haar, passa or sheeshphool, nath, hathphool and the bridal bangles. A reception is often an evening event, and a bride may change into a gown, a lighter saree or a lehenga in a new colour, so the jewellery changes with it. The ritual head and hand ornaments are usually not repeated, and the second necklace is chosen to sit well with the new neckline. Our Indian bridal jewellery checklist lists every piece function by function, and the Indo-western and fusion jewellery guide covers gowns and co-ords.

Choose the second necklace by the outfit

Start with the neckline and the necklace length it suits, then pick the set. Four easy starting points:

• Saree or lehenga with a deep neckline: a long haar. The Dulhan Antique Kundan Long Haar is Rs 9,640. Its listing says it falls to mid-chest, comes with matching earrings and an adjustable dori tie, and is best for the wedding day, reception and sangeet.
• High-necked or plain blouse: a layered necklace, so the layers show. The Dulhan Kundan Layered Set is Rs 5,960 with matching earrings, and its listing names the reception among its best uses.
• A fitted, collar-length look: the Puja Polki Bridal Set is Rs 4,520, a collar-length necklace with matching earrings and an adjustable dori tie. Its listing says it is best for the wedding day, reception and engagement.
• Gown or Indo-western outfit: a slimmer pendant or choker style is easier to carry. Browse pendant sets and choker sets, and read the necklace and neckline guide.

If the wedding-day set was long, a choker can make the reception look feel new in photographs, and the other way round. For the differences between a haar, a rani haar and a long set, see this guide, and browse necklace sets, long sets and bridal jewellery.

Pick the colours from the second outfit

A wedding outfit is often a deep red or a similar rich colour, while a reception outfit can be anything from ivory to emerald, so choose the stones from the new outfit rather than repeating the first set. White, clear and pearl stones sit beside most colours, while green, ruby and pink add colour of their own. Keep the whole look to one metal tone, so the necklace, earrings and tikka read as one set. The colour guide shows which stones suit which outfit colours.

Earrings and tikka: re-wear or change

Earrings sit next to the face in photographs, so they are the easiest place to make the second look feel new. Large jhumkas work best with a fitted choker rather than a long haar, as the Bridal Lavish Kundan Jhumkis listing suggests. They are Rs 3,360, sold and worn as a pair, and the listing names weddings, receptions and sangeet. If the necklace is the statement, keep the earrings smaller. See all jhumkis and the bridal earrings guide.

One maang tikka is enough. The White Stone Bridal Maang Tikka is Rs 1,440 and the Sirini Golden Kundan Maang Tikka is Rs 1,320; both are single tikkas that hook into the hair at the crown. If you wear your hair open or in a low bun, try the tikka with the outfit first, and skip it if it competes with the earrings. More are in maang tikka, and the maang tikka guide shows how to wear one.

Bangles and hand jewellery

The chooda and kalire are usually part of the wedding ceremony, and the kalire guide explains them. For a reception, a few matching bangles or one kada in the same gold tone are usually enough, so the hands do not compete with the necklace. See bangles and the bangles and kada guide.

Changing between functions

If you change outfits at the venue, pack the second set in its own pouch so it does not rub against the first, and ask someone to help with the dori tie. Sirini's care notes on its bridal set listings say to keep the jewellery away from water, perfume and sweat, to put it on last and take it off first, and to wipe it with a dry soft cloth. The care and storage guide has the full routine. Try the whole look with the outfit a few days before the event, and read when to order bridal jewellery online, and how to carry it for a timeline.

Before you order

Sirini's jewellery is gold-plated imitation jewellery: 18-22K gold plating over a brass or copper base, not solid gold, silver or diamond. Orders are packed in 1 to 2 business days and usually arrive in 5 to 8 business days after dispatch, so order well before the reception. Shipping is Rs 200 on orders below Rs 2,999 and free from Rs 2,999. Cash on delivery is available with a Rs 50 fee, and international orders ship for a flat Rs 1,400 to 28 countries. Sirini does not give refunds or accept change-of-mind returns; defective, damaged or wrong items are replaced free if reported within 7 days of delivery. You can see pieces in person at the showroom in Hi Life Mall, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; see the Mumbai showroom page. For help choosing, message us on WhatsApp at +91 98331 14467 or +91 90040 73041 or email sirinijewellery@gmail.com.

Common questions

What can a bride wear at the reception?

A necklace set with matching earrings and one maang tikka, in a shape and colour that suit the reception outfit. It is usually lighter than, or different from, the wedding-day haar.

Should the bride wear the same jewellery at the reception as at the wedding?

Not necessarily. There is no fixed rule. Some brides re-wear their earrings or tikka with a new necklace, and others choose a fresh set. The second outfit and its neckline are the best guide.

Which necklace suits a gown at a bridal reception?

A slimmer pendant or choker style is easier to carry with a gown. Choose one statement piece and keep the rest quiet. See the pendant sets and the Indo-western jewellery guide.

Can a bride wear a long haar at the reception?

Yes, especially with a deep neckline on a saree or lehenga. The Dulhan Antique Kundan Long Haar listing names the reception among its best uses. With a high neckline, a choker or layered set is easier to wear.

Does a bride need a maang tikka at the reception?

No. One tikka is enough and it is optional. Skip it if it does not suit your hairstyle or if large earrings are the statement of the look.

Is this real gold jewellery?

No. It is gold-plated imitation jewellery, 18-22K gold plating over a brass or copper base, with Kundan-style and Polki-style stones. It is not solid gold, diamond or precious stone.

How early should I order jewellery for a reception?

Order early. Orders are packed in 1 to 2 business days and usually arrive in 5 to 8 business days after dispatch, so leave extra days to try the set with your outfit. Defective, damaged or wrong items are replaced free if reported within 7 days of delivery; there are no refunds or change-of-mind returns.