Google “wedding outfits for men” and you'll find no shortage of guides dedicated to deciphering the inscrutability of every dress code under the sun. But when it comes to ‘Indian’ wedding attires for men, it gets tricky and frankly dazing. Lashkaraa has put together a guide to help men get through the challenges of deciding which Indian wedding attire to go for this wedding season!
Different Wedding Attire Options
Gear up for the many functions at the upcoming wedding festivities by choosing from a range of options including royal sherwanis, smart kurta and Bundi jacket sets or printed bandhgalas. Indian wedding fashion for men is incredibly diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country. The choice of attire depends on factors like regional customs, personal preferences, and the specific events within the wedding. Some popular and traditional Indian menswear options include styles like sherwanis, achkan, Jodhpuri suit and Bandhgala suit.
A classic choice for grooms is the sherwani – a long, tailored coat with intricate embroidery and embellishments. It is worn over a kurta and churidar or dhoti and often paired with a matching dupatta and traditional footwear like Mojaris. This style is perfect for the groom or even close relatives of the groom like father, brother, or anyone else in the close circle. Similar to the sherwani but shorter in length is the achkan, a regal jacket that comes with a straight cut. It is paired with churidar pants or trousers and a kurta and can be heavily embroidered or adorned with royal embellishments. The Jodhpuri Suit is a classic and a dapper choice of ensemble that classifies as both ethnic and indo-western style for men’s Indian fashion. Inspired by the royal attire of Jodhpur, this suit includes a jacket with a distinctive cut and is often paired with fitted trousers or churidar and a kurta. Add a pocket square to it and you have yourself the perfect wedding attire for men. The Bandhgala Suit on the other hand is known for its high neck and closed collar and exudes sophistication. It is often worn with trousers or churidar.
A classic and comfortable choice for various wedding events is the kurta pajama. Featuring a long tunic paired with pajama-style trousers, this one is versatile and suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions. Dhoti Kurta style is a traditional choice for men, especially in South India, where the dhoti replaces regular trousers. The dhoti is wrapped around the legs in a distinctive style and is perhaps a more suitable choice for the warmer months. This one however is often worn for ceremonies with a more traditional theme.
Current Wedding Trends for Men
Modern grooms often opt for fusion outfits that blend Indian and Western elements. This could include a contemporary sherwani, a kurta with Western trousers, or a jacket paired with denim. Grooms and guests both are embracing change, whether it is in silhouette or color palette. Men today, are increasingly choosing pastel shades such as blush, mint green, powder blue, and lavender as their outfit choices. These softer tones add a contemporary touch to traditional attire. Traditional sherwanis with rich embroidery, intricate patterns, and luxurious fabrics continue to be a popular choice for grooms. Velvet and silk sherwanis, adorned with zardozi work, are particularly in vogue.
However, the fusion of Indian and Western styles remains a key trend. Indo-Western outfits like bandhgala suits, Jodhpuri suits, and asymmetrical kurtas with trousers were favored for their modern appeal.
Another wedding trend today is accessorizing. Grooms and guests alike, prefer to pay attention to accessories as a way to make a statement. This includes ornate turbans, bejeweled brooches, stylish footwear, and coordinated pocket squares. For a minimal and sophisticated look, the trend may remain the same but the intensity of the embroidery or the shades of color may tone down. Customisation and personalisation is also on the rise. Contemporary grooms are incorporating elements into their outfits that hold a sentimental value, such as personalized embroidery or symbols.
Like the bride, many grooms are opting for multiple outfit changes for different wedding events. Case in point: a traditional ensemble for the ceremony, a contemporary outfit for the reception, and perhaps something more casual for pre-wedding functions. While solid colors remain classic, there is a resurgence of incorporating unique prints and patterns in men’s ethnic attire. Floral prints, geometric designs, and abstract motifs are incorporated into various ensembles. In 2023, considering comfort is an equally important parameter to pinning down on the perfect wedding look. Lightweight fabrics such as silk blends, Banarasi georgette, and cotton silk have gained popularity.
Western Influence on Indian Wedding Attire
The influence of Western fashion on Indian wedding attire has been a notable trend, reflecting a fusion of cultural aesthetics. From suits and tuxedos for grooms to pre-wedding functions and receptions, where both the bride and groom often choose outfits that blend Western styling with Indian craftsmanship, consumers today are inclined towards silhouettes and styles that allow for more freedom of movement and are well-suited for lively celebrations. Incorporating western accessories like cufflinks to complement traditional attire certainly adds a touch of Western glamor to the overall look.
Further, grooms are opting for suits and tuxedos, drawing inspiration from Western formalwear. This departure from traditional sherwanis and kurta-pajamas is particularly popular in urban settings. Couples are also choosing Western-style outfits for pre-wedding photoshoots. This includes casual, trendy attire that aligns with global fashion trends. With the rise of destination weddings, couples are often drawn to attire that suits the locale. This might include beach-friendly dresses, resort-style outfits, or outfits inspired by the cultural nuances of the destination. While traditional attire continues to hold immense cultural significance in Indian weddings, the infusion of Western elements adds diversity and a fresh perspective to bridal and groom fashion. This fusion allows individuals to express their style in a way that reflects both their cultural roots and contemporary influences.
Wedding Attire Etiquette: Daytime vs Evening
Wedding attire etiquette can vary based on whether the event is during the daytime or evening. During the day, it is advisable to wear light-colored suits, such as gray or tan. Some options that work during the day are the Light Grey Hand Embroidered Velvet Jodhpuri Set and the Light Green Hand Embroidered Velvet Jodhpuri Set. Pastel shades of kurta pajama, ivory or cream sherwanis and other such light hue silhouettes can be great choices for a daytime wedding. Evenings however, require dark shades like the Teal Green Embroidered Raw Silk Sherwani, Black and White Silk Sherwani and wine colored sherwani. For cocktail parties in an Indian wedding, grooms and guests today often opt for crisp white shirts and dark shades of blazers like black with perhaps gold embellishments. Bow ties are often preferred for more formal evening affairs.
Additionally, one must check the invitation for the formality and dress code of the event. Consider the venue as well as it will provide cues about the formality of the event. A beach wedding might be more casual, while a ballroom event like a cocktail party or a reception may lean towards formal. Different cultures may have specific attire expectations for weddings. It's a good idea to be aware of and respect any cultural norms. Lastly, remember that these are general guidelines, and the specific dress code can vary based on the couple's preferences and the overall theme of the wedding. When in doubt, it's always appropriate to ask for clarification or advice from the couple or wedding organizers.