2027 Engagement Trends: Intimate Ceremonies, New Colors and Digital Invitations

The engagement is the night two families celebrate their decision to marry in front of everyone. In Turkey it follows kız isteme (the traditional visit to ask for the bride’s hand) and the söz (a small promise ceremony), and it marks the moment wedding preparations officially begin. In 2027, the nişan (engagement ceremony) is moving away from big banquet-hall productions toward more intimate, more personal gatherings that reflect who the couple really are.

First, a quick refresher on the key steps of the engagement ceremony. Then, on to the trends shaping 2027.

Kız isteme, söz and nişan: what comes first?

Customs vary from region to region, but the usual order goes like this:

1. Kız isteme: the groom’s family visits the bride’s family with flowers and chocolates to ask for her hand. The bride serves coffee she has made herself.
2. Söz: a small ceremony, usually with close family only, where the families make their decision official. Some families hold the söz on the same day as the kız isteme.
3. Nişan: a larger gathering where the rings are exchanged. Traditionally, in most regions, the bride’s side hosts.
4. Kına gecesi (henna night) and the wedding: once the engagement is done, wedding preparations begin.

How does an engagement ceremony work?

The heart of the engagement is the ring moment. The couple stand side by side, their rings tied together with a red ribbon. Once the rings are on, a family elder gives a short speech and cuts the ribbon. Then come the gifts of jewelry, the congratulations, and the party.

2027 engagement trends

1. Small, intimate engagements

In 2027, many couples are skipping the big banquet-hall engagement in favor of smaller gatherings with close family and friends. An engagement in a garden, on a terrace, at a boutique restaurant or at home feels warmer and gives you more room to play with the budget. Whatever is saved often goes toward the wedding.

2. Pastel and earthy decor

Blush pink, sage green, champagne and cream lead the palette. Think lush arrangements of peonies and roses with very little greenery, candles and elegant table settings. String lights draped through the trees and personalized welcome signs are must-haves for outdoor engagements.

3. The engagement dress and the groom’s look

Engagement dresses are stepping away from white toward color: sage green, blush, lilac, champagne and silver. Satin and silky fabrics, draped necklines, and midi or floor-length styles you can move in comfortably all night are the favorites.

For the groom, softer tones are replacing the classic dark suit. A beige, taupe or light gray suit with a white shirt and no tie looks relaxed yet polished. Many couples plan their outfits together, and echoing the color of the dress in the groom’s pocket square or boutonniere ties everything together beautifully in photos.

4. Personalized ring tray and ribbon

Ring trays are now personalized with the couple’s names and engagement date. Names are embroidered on the ribbon, and the tray is dressed with flowers and candles. For many couples, the cut ribbon becomes a keepsake they hold on to for years.

5. Acoustic music and string ensembles

Instead of loud music, couples are choosing acoustic guitar, violin or a string ensemble to play through dinner and conversation. A song picked especially for the ring moment becomes the most emotional part of the ceremony. When it’s time to dance, the DJ takes over.

6. Polaroid guestbook

Polaroid corners, where guests have their photo taken, stick the print in a guestbook and write the couple a note underneath, are one of the best-loved details of 2027 engagements. After the night, you’re left with a deeply personal book filled with your guests’ handwriting.

7. Engagement cake and dessert table

Rather than one large cake, couples are opting for a small but elegant engagement cake alongside a dessert table of macarons, mini desserts and chocolates. Chocolate, a must at the kız isteme, keeps its place on the engagement table too.

Photos in guests’ hands before the night is over: PhotoMea

An engagement is a night when family and friends take a lot of photos. But those photos usually stay on the photographer’s camera or on a handful of guests’ phones.

With PhotoMea , guests scan a QR code and take a selfie. Thanks to face recognition, every photo they appear in lands in their own gallery in about two seconds, and new ones arrive as the photographer uploads. Guests can share their photos while the engagement is still going, and everyone leaves with their own photos as a lasting gift from the night.

With the host feature, the couple can also filter the photos by any guest they like. PhotoMea processes face data only with the guest’s explicit consent and is designed to comply with KVKK (Turkey’s data protection law) and GDPR.

Invitations, RSVPs and seating: Eventora

For an engagement too, the most time-consuming job is managing the guest list. With Eventora , you can send your engagement invitations by WhatsApp or SMS and collect your guests’ replies on a single screen. The Eventora Virtual Assistant calls guests who haven’t replied on your behalf and collects their RSVPs (LCV in Turkish), and any questions guests ask during the call are recorded for you. You can upload your venue’s floor plan and seat guests at whichever table you like. For details, take a look at the Eventora RSVP service page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between söz and nişan?

The söz is a small ceremony, usually with close family only, where the families make their decision to marry official. The nişan is the engagement ceremony: a larger gathering where the rings are exchanged. Some families combine the two into a single ceremony.

Who cuts the ribbon at an engagement?

Traditionally, a family elder does it, often the bride’s or groom’s father, or the most respected elder in the family. Whoever cuts the ribbon usually gives a short speech and offers the couple their best wishes.

Who hosts the engagement?

Traditionally, in most regions, the bride’s side organizes it. Today, many couples share the costs and the planning between both families.

What color should an engagement dress be?

There’s no hard rule, but in 2027 sage green, blush, lilac, champagne and silver are leading the way. White is usually saved for the wedding dress.

How long after the engagement is the wedding?

That’s entirely up to the couple and their families. Many couples plan the wedding anywhere from a few months to a year after the engagement, depending on venue and date availability.

How do you get engagement photos to your guests?

With a face-recognition photo sharing app like PhotoMea. A guest scans the QR code, takes a selfie, and the photos they appear in arrive in their own gallery within a few seconds.

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Still planning? Take a look at our 2027 henna night trends and 2027 wedding trends too.