What Does a Man Wear to an Indian Wedding? A Complete Style Guide

Indian weddings are grand events filled with bright colors, cultural customs, and days of celebration. Suppose you are invited to an Indian wedding for the first time, particularly as an attendee in the USA. In that case, you are probably wondering: what does a man wear to an Indian wedding? With multiple ceremonies, cultural customs, and various dress patterns, it is easy to become overwhelmed!

This complete guide defines what to wear for every Indian wedding from Haldi to Reception, and gives you advice on accessories, materials, colors, and etiquette. Whether you are a groom or a guest, this style guide will help ensure you look culturally aware and stylish.

Understanding Indian Wedding Functions

Before we discuss clothing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the timeline of an Indian wedding. Most weddings occur over several days, and each wedding event offers something different in terms of the vibe/dress code. Below describes the key ceremonies:

• Haldi: A daytime ceremonial ritual where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
• Mehndi: A pre-wedding ritual where henna is applied. It typically includes music and many colors.
• Sangeet: An evening of music, including a dance performance and festive atmosphere with singing and dancing.
• Wedding Ceremony: The formal religious ceremony. This is traditional, sacred, and spiritual.
• Reception: The celebration to conclude the celebration of marriage.

All of these events will call for different attire. Let’s see what will fit best for each event.

What to Wear to Each Indian Wedding Event

Haldi Ceremony: Go Light & Breezy

At Haldi, comfort and tradition should be your top priorities. Choose a simple cotton kurta-pajama in colours such as yellow, cream, or off-white. These colours are auspicious and traditional for this occasion. This is a messy event because of the turmeric paste, so do not wear anything too expensive or tight.

Style Tip: Choose breathable materials such as cotton or cotton-silk blends that make you feel comfortable. Avoid synthetic bright colours or decorations and go for simple with some comfort.

Mehndi Ceremony: Add Prints & Personality

The Mehndi ceremony is colourful, fun and casual, usually taking place during the day or early evening. Men have the most entertaining options for this event. You can select printed kurtas, floral prints, or short kurtas worn with churidars or straight pants. If you want to dress it up a little bit, I recommend wearing a Nehru jacket with some contrast or complementary colour.

Style Tip: This is a chance for you to show some personality using prints, earthy tones or soft pastels. Lightweight cotton-silk or linen fabrics are a great choice for the fun and celebratory function.

Sangeet Night: Bring on the Glam

The Sangeet is all about music, dance, and celebration. Think of it as the Indian version of a cocktail party. If you’re a man, Indo-western outfits, bandhgala suits, or even embellished kurta sets are what you want. You should look festive, polished, and slightly glamorous.

Style Tip: Consider incorporating some embroidery or sequin details, and pick out deeper tones like royal blue, emerald green, and burgundy. If you’re going to be dancing, just be sure to wear an outfit that is comfortable and has the flexibility to move.

Wedding Ceremony: Go Traditional & Regal

This is the most important event and therefore, the most traditional dress code. Typically, the grooms will wear sherwanis, dhoti-kurtas, or even very heavily embroidered, jodhpuri suits. As a guest, you can opt for a kurta-pajama with a Nehru jacket or a minimal sherwani.

Style Tip: For a more royal regal touch, add a safa (turban) and embroidered mojris/juttis. Choose luxurious fabrics like silk or brocade, and rich colours like ivory, maroon, or gold, which are usually the classic Indian wedding colours.

Fusion Styling Ideas for the Contemporary Indian-American (Man)

For Indian weddings in the USA, many men tend to incorporate Western tailoring with an Indian perspective (fusion is where it works). Think about structured bandhgala jackets with slim-fit trouser style pants or asymmetrical kurtas with leather sneakers. Indo-western styles provide the versatility to attend separate functions, while not having to change your wardrobe fully.

The best part about this is that if you are traveling for a destination wedding or are at an Indian wedding for the weekend and you cannot or do not want to change outfits too often (we have seen people change all day, but know that isn’t for everyone), the Indo-western styles create easy and simple coordination options. You can simply layer a blazer over your kurta, wear Indian pants with a mandarin-collar shirt, or have dhoti trouser pants with a tailored waistcoat.

Style Tip: Soft neutral colors (beige, steel grey, olive green) work easily to mix and match across different events while still having an elevated style with the right accessories.

What to Wear for Destination Indian Weddings (Especially in the USA)

Today, Indian-American couples opt for a destination wedding in Las Vegas, Cancun, Florida, or Napa Valley, in fact, anywhere but the traditional church or venue. When researching options for contemporary wedding destinations, feel free to incorporate your traditional styling, but still consider the elements.

For a beachside wedding or tropical ceremony, consider linen kurta sets, soft pastel colors for your Nehru jackets, or open-collar tunics with cotton finishes in high-silk blends. Don’t forget about Indian clothing for mountain venues or in the winter; in these locations, heavy is better, like dupion silk or heavy jacquard. Jackets can be made of wool or cashmere blends, depending on the climate. Make sure the fit is right, as always, we suggest layering with wraps or shawls.

Style Tip: Take the venue, time of year, and local weather conditions into consideration when creating looks! Indian weddings involve an incredible amount of detailing, so comfort and elements will be just as important as fashion.

Couple and Groomsmen Outfit Coordination Guidelines

If you will be attending with your partner or part of the groomsmen group, you may want to coordinate your outfits to achieve that neat Instagram “look.” Matching color themes, for example, royal blue with silver or pastel pink with ivory, maintains cohesion when in group photos and during the actual ceremony.

If you are part of the groomsmen group, check with the couple to see if there is a theme or expected outfit guideline. Often, you will be asked to wear a particular color kurta or jacket. Couples can coordinate together using the same patterned embroidery, designs, or accessories (such as a matching dupatta), or even wearing matching prints on their outfits.

Style Tip: Subtle coordination is sophisticated! Unless otherwise stated, you should not wear identical outfits. Instead, use the coordinating color or similarity in the common design.

Best Fabrics & Color Combinations

The fabrics and colors you select will affect not just your comfort level, but also how appropriate you will feel for every event. Read on for the best practices:

Best Fabric Selections

• Brocade, Silk: Most suitable for wedding ceremonies and receptions
• Cotton, Cotton-silk: Best for Haldi and daytime events
• Velvet: Ideal for winter weddings and evening receptions

On-trend Color Suggestions

• Pastels: Soft pink, mint-green, and lilac are all great choices for daytime events
• Jewel-Tones: All dark shades, emerald green, maroon, blue, and gold really pop for nighttime events
• Monochrome Looks: Matching color coordinates the kurta, jacket, and bottom to make a great and crisp, modern look.

Where to Shop or Rent Indian Wedding Outfits in the USA

If you’re attending an Indian wedding in the USA, you have plenty of options to shop or rent Indian ethnic wear:

Top Online Stores

• SilverBin
• Manyavar USA
• Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop
• Utsav Fashion
• CBazaar
• Amazon (Ethnic Clothing section)

Rental Services

• Borrow the Bazaar
• The Saree Room
• Rent An Attire USA

Conclusion:

When meaning to attend an Indian wedding — especially in the USA — your attire is more than clothing; it is a cultural and celebratory tradition of joyous happenings. You may be the groom in a beautifully designed sherwani, or you could be a guest in a stylish kurta or suit, but whatever the case, your outfit is important. Respect the dress code, be colorful, and don’t forget to have fun while celebrating.

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