Style Guide For Indian Grooms For Different Ceremonies

Indian wedding ceremonies are absolutely fun to attend. The celebrations start days and sometimes weeks before the Big Day. Various ceremonies such as engagement, haldi ceremony, mehendi ceremony, baarat, wedding and receptions are again followed by post - wedding functions. Indian weddings are no longer the conventional ceremonies dating back to time immemorial, they have moreover drastically changed and have become stylish affairs like never before. 
Hence, here is a guide to help you dress right for each ceremony including your Wedding :)

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE SANGEET CEREMONY?
Sangeet has now become a major entertainment factor at the Indian weddings. The sangeet is a traditional dance and music party, so ensure you wear outfits that will let you enjoy this event to the fullest.

Bandi :
A sleeveless ethnic jacket which is also known as Nehru Jacket or Modi Jacket. Pair it up with a kurta-trouser or a kurta-pyjama set for THAT traditional look and you are good to go. Either keep it simple and crisp with silks or glam it up with jacquards and embroideries.

Indo - Western :
Indo-western clothing, as the name suggests, is a fusion of Western style and South Asian clothing. It's the smooth infusion of  western style of clothing with Indian elements giving rise to various forms of garments, patterns and styles. For a more traditional look, pair it up with a dhoti or patiala. To keep it simple and western, wear a trouser instead. Do not forget to accessorize with a pair of good Mojaris and pocket squares.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR MEHENDI?
Mehndi is yet another traditional yet exciting pre wedding ceremony. Mehandi is one of the sixteen adornments of the bride and her beauty is incomplete without it. Held before a couple of days before marriage, this function is lit up by the colorful dresses, vibrant music, enthusiastic dance and pulsating instrumentals that make it all the more charming.

Kurta :
Borrowed from Hindi, and according to many, from Sanskrit, the word Kurta implies a traditional piece of attire. It can be a loose fitting shirt, usually of knee-length or longer. Characterized by its comfort, Kurta is a known traditional wear and popular all over South Asia. 
Go with a simple cotton/silk kurta- pyjama for a subtle look or get experimental with the textures, embroideries and prints for a more personalized style statement. It is traditionally worn with dhoti, pyjama, salwaar or churidaars. You can also wear it with a pair of trousers.

WHAT TO WEAR ON THE DAY OF YOUR BARAAT ?
Need I say anything? 
This is your day! Get out there and show the world what you got! 


Sherwani :
Rise and Shine with royalty!
Traditionally associated aristocracy, the Sherwani for men was considered as an outfit of the royals of the Mughal Empire. A Sherwani is typically a long coat that is buttoned up from the front and has a Mandarin collar.
The last thing you would want is to disappear in the crowd. The only way you can stand out is by wearing bright colors and the right amount of surface ornamentation. If you are not the bright color type, keep it simple with subtle colors and just throw a nice shawl on. That will do the job for you.
Accessorize it up with Saafa and Brooches and a pair of Mojaris.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE RECEPTION (POST WEDDING CEREMONY)?
This is a celebration time for both the families as they rejoice over their new accord. The reception ceremony also serves as an opportunity for the bride to know the acquaintances and associates of the groom's family. This is the time when the bride finally represents herself as an important member of her new family. Reception ceremonies are therefore arranged from the groom's side to make the world know that they have a new member and they celebrate her arrival. It is an extension of the marriage celebrations.

Tuxedo :
The primary physical difference between a tuxedo and a suit is the presence of satin. Traditionally tuxedos have satin facing on the lapels, buttons, pocket trim, and a satin side stripe down the leg of the trousers. The truth is, you can wear a nice suit and feel very dapper and dressed up, but so can everyone else in attendance.  Besides, you can wear that same suit to work and feel very well put together any other day of the year.  
But for your wedding, you’ll want to wear something that sets yourself and this day apart from the rest.  That’s exactly where a tuxedo comes in!
A few elements of the jacket have multiple accepted styles:
* The Lapels — The classic tuxedo style is nailed with a shawl and a peek collar that gives you sleek and dapper look. But you could go for a notch collar for a poised and yet sophisticated look.  
* The Facing — Satin silk provides a smooth, high-luster surface that emphasizes the lapels. Grosgrain, with its ribbed texture, is subtler and less reflective.
* The Vents — For the slimmest silhouette and strictest formality, an unvented jacket is preferred. However, double vents (twin slits up the back) are also acceptable, and are more comfortable and allow easier pocket access. 
Complete the look, with a nice bow - tie and a pair of polished leather shoes.

Three Piece Suit :
Fix up and look sharp for the occasion with a stylish three piece suit. Effortlessly stylish and contemporary. Standing out in a crowd is as simple as adding a waistcoat – and when a simpler look is called for the vest can always be removed, unlike the equally striking but less flexible double-breasted jacket.
Suits have gone colorful now. Gone are the days when a suit appeared only in blues and blacks. Beautiful wines, greens and corals have taken a toll this season. 
The designs have gone more playful now, for instance, checkered waistcoat with a plain suit or vice-versa.  

Bandhgala :
If you want to go a little unpredictable, the Bandhgala come to the rescue. A Bandhgala also widely known as a Jodhpuri Suit or Prince Coat is a very elegant ethnic jacket with closed buttoned neck. The class of the bandhgala is not to fade anytime soon. If you too are contemplating wearing it, here is how you can style it like a boss.
* Pocket square:  If your bandhgala is on the simpler side, add a contrasting pocket square to it. It will up your game by several notches.
* Prints : Print are a go go this season! Florals, ethnic prints  or even checks will help you achieve the party look.
* Kurta : This new trend of wearing the bandhgala over your kurta is fresh and will set you apart in the crowd.
* Jodhpuri Pants : Another classical styling option is to pair them with Jodhpuri pants. We agree that this combination has been around for a while, but somehow, it manages to be relevant till today. This is something that can never go wrong.
* Velvets: This adds class without much effort. A well-crafted bandhgala jacket, when paired with a smart pair of trousers, is good enough for the night. Stay away from too many embellishments, though.
* Last but not the least A

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE COCKTAIL PARTY?
The Cocktail Attire :)

Conceived in the twenties and thirties, cocktail attire emerged as the dress code that stipulated quasi-formal apparel for events. This attire should always be balanced, offering a refined nod to the past but also portraying a contemporary sartorial story. Maintaining a balance between formal and casual aesthetics should not prove too difficult and the staples needed for cocktail attire are adaptable and can be worn countlessly. Be more daring than with your business wardrobe and pay attention to accessories such as cuff links, tie bars, pocket squares, boutonnieres… but don’t overdo it and only use two accents at the most.

Keep it simple by just wearing a Vest and Trouser to look sharp or to look different. You can keep all of you formal suits aside please. Invest in a nice tailored printed blazer to stand out. Velvets and Laces are the other options. Top it up with a bow tie and a lapel pin and you are done. 

                        Fusion Blazer                Printed Tuxedo                    Waistcoat                       Laced up Blazer


5 IMPORTANT RULES TO SWEAR BY:

1. Get it Tailored : There is nothing like a well tailored man in a well tailored suit. 
2. Well Coordinated : Your attire should coordinate in terms of color and style with hers so that you compliment each other well. Don't get too identically matching though, that'll ruin the effort you just made.
3. Accessories: Your accessories should set you apart. Spice things up and wear a special boutonniere or a bow tie, vest, tie, lapel pins, tie pins, cummerbund or cuff links in a different color or style.
4. Shoes aren't an afterthought: You can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he chooses to wear. A quality pair will make a positive statement, so plan to put some extra budget towards them.
5. Time of the Day : Where and when the occasion is talking place plays an essential role in selecting you outfits. Prefer lighter shades in the daylight and rock it with dazzling colors at night. 

RAJASHREE PATRA
Fashion Stylist