The Ultimate Guide to Groom and Groomsmen Attire for Every Indian Wedding Ceremony

In Indian weddings, attire is as crucial for the groom and his groomsmen as it is for the bride. From vibrant sherwanis to classic bandh galas, each outfit is selected to reflect the essence of the occasion. With multiple events leading up to the wedding day, understanding what attire best suits each ceremony can help the groom and his entourage look effortlessly coordinated and stylish.

Here’s a guide to making the perfect sartorial choices for every wedding event, ensuring the groom and groomsmen look cohesive, polished, and ready to celebrate!

1. Engagement Ceremony: Elegant and Understated

For the Groom:

• Outfit: opt for a classic, tailored suit in a neutral or dark color (navy, charcoal, or black) or go traditional with a well-fitted bandh gala or Nehru jacket in a subtle color like beige or ivory.
• Accessories: Pair with a pocket square, a sleek wristwatch, and polished shoes to complete the look.

For the Groomsmen:

• Outfit: Coordinated suits or traditional jackets in a shade that complements the groom’s attire. Colors like navy blue, grey, or deep green work well for a cohesive yet slightly more subdued look.
• Accessories: Add a tie or pocket square in colors matching the groom’s for a unified appearance.

2. Mehendi Ceremony: Vibrant and Playful

The Mehendi ceremony is all about color and joy, where the groom and his friends can experiment with bright and festive hues.

For the Groom:

• Outfit: A kurta set with a light jacket or a short sherwani in colors like mustard, teal, or even floral prints can be perfect. Fabrics like cotton-silk or linen allow for comfort while adding elegance.
• Accessories: Jutties or embroidered loafers and a statement watch or bracelet add a stylish touch.

For the Groomsmen:

• Outfit: Consider light, colorful kurtas in pastel shades or bold hues to match the festive spirit. Groomsmen can also wear floral prints or light jackets to add variety without overpowering the groom.
• Accessories: Casual footwear like mores or leather sandals pairs well with Mehendi attire.

3. Sangeet Night: Glamorous and Traditional Fusion

The Sangeet is an evening of dance, music, and glamor. This event calls for an outfit that’s bold yet functional, allowing the groom and groomsmen to participate in the festivities with style.

For the Groom:

• Outfit: A brocade or velvet sherwani in deep hues like royal blue, burgundy, or emerald green adds a touch of royalty. Alternatively, a stylish fusion ensemble, such as a draped kurta with a jacket, offers comfort and a contemporary edge.
• Accessories: Embellished footwear, a pocket square, and perhaps a turban or stole if it matches the decor can complete the look.

For the Groomsmen:

• Outfit: Traditional bandh galas or sherwanis in complementary colors such as charcoal, navy, or maroon. Groomsmen can opt for lighter fabric or simpler designs to subtly differentiate from the groom.
• Accessories: Coordinated stoles or pocket squares can help tie their look to the grooms, while comfortable footwear is a must for dancing.

4. Wedding Ceremony: Regal and Traditional

The wedding day is where traditional attire truly shines. This is the most significant event, so the groom’s look should be grand and distinct, while the groomsmen complement his attire without overshadowing it.

For the Groom:

• Outfit: A heavily embroidered sherwani in ivory, gold, or deep maroon is ideal for this occasion. Pair it with a matching turban (pagri), stole, and a well-crafted, intricate Safa for added elegance.
• Accessories: A layered pearl or emerald necklace, traditional Morris, and a regal sword (kirpan) for Sikh weddings complete the traditional look.

For the Groomsmen:

• Outfit: Matching or color-coordinated sherwanis or kurtas in shades like beige, light gold, or pastels to create a harmonious look alongside the groom. Lighter fabrics and simpler designs are best to keep the focus on the groom.
• Accessories: Stoles in the wedding color theme, Morris, and turbans can create a cohesive and ceremonial appearance.

5. Accessories

 Accentuate your look with traditional accessories like ornate cufflinks, embroidered shawls, or statement necklaces. Ensure groomsmen’s accessories complement the groom’s attire for a cohesive look.

Accessories play a vital role in elevating the groom’s and groom’s looks, adding character and a touch of personal style to their outfits. For the groom, key accessories like a turban (Safa) and a stole can add a royal flair, especially when coordinated with the wedding color palette. Jewellery such as a layered necklace, a brooch, or a subtle pocket square offers a sense of grandeur, while a well-chosen watch can bring in an element of timeless sophistication. Groomsmen can complement the groom by wearing coordinated stoles, turbans, or matching pocket squares, keeping their accessories simpler to allow the groom to stand out. Footwear, too, is crucial; options like embroidered Morris or leather loafers add polish and blend well with traditional Indian attire. Thoughtfully selected accessories not only enhance each outfit but also bring a cohesive look to the wedding party, tying together the overall theme and ensuring everyone looks stylishly united.

5. Reception: Sophisticated and Contemporary

For the reception, a polished, modern look is the goal. This is the time to move away from traditional wear and embrace sleek, elegant attire.

For the Groom:

• Outfit: A well-tailored tuxedo or a three-piece suit in black, navy, or charcoal exudes sophistication. Velvet blazers or a statement bow tie can add a touch of luxe to the ensemble.
• Accessories: Polished black shoes, cufflinks, and a classic wristwatch complete the formal look.

For the Groomsmen:

• Outfit: Coordinated suits in shades that complement the groom’s attire, such as grey, navy, or even dark green for a unique touch.
• Accessories: Matching ties or bow ties and pocket squares that reflect the groom’s color scheme ensure a coordinated and stylish look.
• Coordinate but Don’t Match Exactly: The groom’s attire should stand out subtly from the groomsmen. For instance, if the groomsmen are in solid colors, the groom can wear embroidered or embellished attire.
• Choose Comfortable Fabrics: Indian weddings are lengthy, so select breathable fabrics like silk, cotton-silk blends, or light brocade to stay comfortable through ceremonies and celebrations.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: While accessories add elegance, be cautious of overdoing them. The groom might opt for a statement watch, necklace, or brooch, while groomsmen can stick to minimal accessories like pocket squares or turbans.
• Think of the Season: For summer weddings, opt for lighter fabrics and colors, while rich fabrics like velvet and brocade work best for winter weddings.
• · Consider the Theme and Venue: Align attire with the wedding’s theme and setting. For example, beach weddings may call for lighter, more casual attire, while palace or grand ballroom venues suit more traditional, opulent outfits.
• Plan Ahead: Finding the perfect attire for multiple events takes time. Start early to allow for fittings, alterations, and customization, ensuring everyone looks impeccable on the big day.

Conclusion

accessories are the finishing touches that complete and elevate the groom’s and groom’s wedding attire. These small but impactful elements—from a classic turban and a statement necklace to matching pocket squares and stoles—add personality, tradition, and style, creating a cohesive look across the wedding party. Thoughtfully chosen accessories not only highlight the groom’s unique role but also bring a sense of unity among the groomsmen, reflecting the beauty and harmony of the celebration itself. With the right accessories, the groom and his party can look refined, coordinated, and ready to celebrate in style.