Deborah Chan
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and vibrant colours, with celebrations lasting multiple days and each event carrying its own dress code. For men, the options are endless, from the regal bandhgala suit to the minimalist kurta pyjama. The key is to embrace the Desi heritage and opt for colours that complement your personality. For the sangeet or reception, you can combine traditional Indian styles with Western looks. It's also important to pay attention to the invitation and understand which events you are invited to, as some may be reserved for close friends and family.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Embrace colour, but avoid red, white and black
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the dress code for male guests is no exception. While you may be used to blending into the crowd in a dark suit at Western weddings, Indian wedding guests are encouraged to embrace colour—but there are a few shades to avoid.
Red is a sacred colour in Indian culture, and it is traditionally reserved for the bride, who wears it as a symbol of love, commitment, prosperity, joy, and luck. Wearing red as a guest could be seen as trying to upstage the bride, so it's best avoided.
Black is also considered inauspicious in Indian culture, linked to loss and mourning rather than the fresh start and celebration of a wedding.
White, too, is a colour to avoid, as it also symbolises mourning in many Indian communities.
So, which colours should you opt for? Well, you could take your cue from the event you're attending. The Sangeet, for example, is a dance-off with stage performances from the bride and groom's families, and guests are often instructed to wear sparkly outfits. The Haldi ceremony is a purifying ceremony for the bride and groom, and the colour yellow is key for guests, as "haldi" means "turmeric" in Hindi. For the Mehendi night, green is often the suggested colour.
If you're attending multiple events, you'll need a different outfit for each, and you'll want to dress progressively more elaborately as the celebrations go on, saving your most formal ensemble for the reception.
If you're wearing Western attire, keep it modest to be respectful of elder relatives and other cultures.
If you're wearing traditional Indian clothing, you could try a sherwani, jodhpuri bandhgala suit, or kurta pajama paired with a jacket.
The Cost of Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wear a kurta pyjama
If you're attending an Indian wedding, you'll want to dress the part and immerse yourself in the culture. One way to do this is to wear a kurta pyjama, a symbol of Indian heritage and style.
The kurta pyjama is a subtle yet rich and regal duo that is perfect for lovers of minimalism. It is a traditional Indian outfit that is also comfortable and stylish. You can opt for a simple kurta pyjama set or choose more ornate designs with rich fabrics like silk or velvet, embellished with intricate embroideries or zari work.
For a truly traditional and unique look, a dhoti kurta is a great choice. You can also accessorise your kurta pyjama with a turban, stole, dupatta, and coordinating footwear. When it comes to colours, it's important to wear bright, festive colours to an Indian wedding. You can choose from a wide array of colours for your kurta pyjama, from rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and maroon, to earthy tones like rust, olive, and mustard, or soft muted hues like mint green, blush pink, and sky blue. Just be sure to avoid red, as that's usually worn by the bride, and black, which is considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures.
Booking Your Dream Wedding Dress: Appointments
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choose a sherwani
The sherwani is a traditional Indian outfit for men and a popular choice for weddings. It is a long coat buttoned to the neck and extending below the knee. When choosing a sherwani, there are several factors to consider, such as fabric, colour, style, and fit.
Firstly, the fabric of your sherwani will depend on the season. For winter weddings, velvet sherwanis are a luxurious choice, providing warmth and a bold, sophisticated look. Brocade sherwanis, with their intricate patterns and opulent appearance, are also suitable for winter and are available in classic gold or vibrant hues. If you're attending a summer wedding, opt for a lighter fabric like silk, which will be more comfortable in the heat.
Colour is another important consideration. For daytime weddings, pastel colours are a popular choice, while evening celebrations call for deeper hues such as rust or elegant black. You may also want to consider colour-coordinating with your partner or choosing a colour that complements the bride's outfit. Red and gold is a common Indian colour combination, but bolder options like emerald green or pink are also eye-catching choices.
The style of sherwani you choose can range from traditional to modern designs. The Jodhpuri sherwani, with its rich fabrics and intricate detailing, is a regal option. If you prefer a more contemporary look, Indo-Western sherwanis blend traditional Indian elements with modern trends, such as sleek cuts, mirror work, and sequins. The Nehru Jacket is another modern-traditional fusion that is perfect for pre-wedding functions. Embroideries and embellishments can add a unique touch and make your sherwani stand out.
Lastly, ensure that your sherwani has a flawless fit. Give accurate measurements and consider getting it tailored for a perfect fit. A well-fitted sherwani should have shoulders that align perfectly, and its length should complement your height.
The Court Train's Length: Wedding Dress Style Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Go for a jodhpuri suit
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the dress code is no exception. As a male guest, you'll want to look your best and respect the traditions of the culture. One way to do this is to go for a Jodhpuri suit.
The Jodhpuri suit is an Indo-Western creation, merging elements of British tailoring with Indian sensibilities. It is a popular choice for weddings and can also be worn for other formal occasions. The suit is crafted from fine fabrics, often with intricate embroidery, and embodies the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style. It is a great option if you want to stand out while still adhering to the cultural dress code.
When choosing a Jodhpuri suit, you can opt for classic colours like black, navy, and maroon, or go for a more modern look with pastel hues like peach, pink, cream, or mint green. If you want to add some sparkle to your outfit, consider a suit with beadwork or stonework. For a lightweight and breathable option, blended rayon Jodhpuri coats are ideal, especially for daytime events or outdoor ceremonies.
To complete the look, pair your Jodhpuri suit with conventional or contemporary footwear. For a formal look, Oxfords or brogues are a good choice. If you want to lean more into the Indian aesthetic, embroidered juttis or mojaris are a great option. Typically, a crisp white dress shirt is worn under the Jodhpuri coat, but you can also experiment with complementary colours or subtle prints to make it your own.
Essense of Australia Wedding Dresses: What's the Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$71.99
$79.99 $99.99
Dress for the season
Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, and the attire is no exception. When deciding what to wear, it's important to consider the season and choose weather-appropriate clothing.
For summer weddings, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton. A cotton kurta pajama is a perfect choice for male guests. You can pair it with a Nehru jacket to add a layer and create a refined look. Nehru jackets are typically made from lightweight fabrics such as jacquard, making them ideal for summer. If you want to stand out, you can choose a kurta with a bright, festive colour or a floral print.
For winter weddings, you can go for more luxurious and heavier fabrics. Velvet Bandhgalas and Sherwanis are perfect choices for male guests during the colder months. These outfits offer a sophisticated and elegant look while keeping you warm. You can also experiment with bulkier fabrics like brocade or silk to add volume to your frame.
As a general rule, it's best to avoid wearing black, white, and red to Indian weddings, as these colours can be considered inauspicious or reserved for the bride. Instead, embrace the vibrant and colourful nature of Indian weddings and choose outfits that reflect the celebratory atmosphere.
Additionally, don't be afraid to accessorize. Add a turban, stole, dupatta, or coordinating footwear to enhance your ensemble and make it truly unique. Remember to pay attention to the dress code specified by the couple and try to incorporate the specified colours or themes.
Seal the Deal: Perfect Wedding Dress Sales Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Traditional Indian wedding outfits for men include the sherwani, jodhpuri bandhgala suit, kurta pajama, dhoti kurta, and jodhpuri suits.
Bright, festive colours are always in style for Indian weddings. You can opt for pastels during the day and jewel tones at night. Avoid wearing red, as this is usually the colour worn by the bride. Black and white are also traditionally considered inauspicious colours.
For the Sangeet, you can wear a suit, blazer, or a traditional kurta pyjama.
For the Haldi ceremony, it is customary for men to wear a yellow kurta with pajamas or shirts.
For the Mehendi ceremony, it is customary for men to wear green.
