Dressing the Groom: Sherwani, Bandhgala and the Sikh Groom's Look
The groom's outfit is often the last thing to be decided and the first thing to look dated in twenty years. It is worth thinking through carefully, which means knowing what the options actually are.
The Sherwani
The sherwani is the most formal and traditional choice for Indian grooms across Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities in North America. It is a long coat-like garment, structured and embellished, typically reaching mid-thigh to knee length, worn over a kurta and churidar or salwar.
A classic bridal sherwani in cream or ivory with gold embroidery is timeless. A sherwani in a colour that coordinates with the bride's outfit reads very put-together in photos.
Sherwani embroidery ranges from very minimal (just a border and a few motifs) to heavily worked. The choice depends on the groom's personality and the formality of the event. For the Anand Karaj or the Hindu pheras, a more embellished sherwani is appropriate. For a Sangeet or a more relaxed pre-wedding event, something simpler works.
The Bandhgala
The Bandhgala (also called the Nehru collar suit or the Prince coat) is a structured jacket with a mandarin collar, worn over a kurta or a full suit. It is more contemporary and slightly less traditionally bridal than a sherwani.
Bandhgala suits in deep navy, charcoal, or jewel tones are very popular with North American grooms who want something that looks modern. They can be worn to the reception or to pre-wedding events like the Sangeet.
The Kurta-Pyjama
For pre-wedding events, a well-made kurta-pyjama in a festive fabric is both culturally appropriate and more comfortable than a full sherwani. Many grooms choose a simple kurta for the Mehndi or Sangeet and save the sherwani for the main ceremony.
The Sikh Groom's Look
For a Sikh groom at the Anand Karaj, the dastar (turban) is a central part of the look and often carries more cultural significance than the outfit itself. The dastar colour choice typically involves the groom's family, and it is coordinated with the bride's outfit colour.
Sikhs have a specific tradition of dastar tying, and the wedding dastar is typically tied with more care and formality than everyday wear. Family elders are often involved.
The sherwani or kurta-pyjama worn with a Sikh wedding dastar is usually in a colour that complements the dastar: if the dastar is deep red to match the bride, the sherwani might be in ivory or cream. If the dastar is in a coordinating colour, the sherwani can match more closely.
The Sehra
A Sehra is a veil of flowers or strings of pearls and floral pieces that hangs over the groom's face and is worn during the baraat (the groom's procession to the wedding venue). It is a North Indian tradition (both Hindu and Muslim) and is also worn by many Punjabi Sikh grooms.
The Sehra is typically tied to the turban or pagri and removed at some point during the ceremony. It is a beautiful ceremonial piece that photographs wonderfully during the baraat procession.
Coordinating with the Bride
Groom and bride outfits do not need to match, but they should work together in photos. Share reference photos with each other early. If the bride is wearing deep red with gold embroidery, the groom in a cream sherwani with a red dastar is a classic pairing. If the bride is in dusty rose, the groom in champagne or gold tones works well.
Book a Bridal Consultation and bring both of your outfit questions. We dress brides and can advise on how the full couple look works together.
FAQ
Q: Can a groom wear a Western suit to an Indian wedding?
A: For pre-wedding events like the rehearsal dinner or an engagement party, a well-tailored suit works fine. For the main Hindu or Sikh ceremony, most families expect traditional attire. An Indo-Western hybrid, like a bandhgala suit worn with a kurta, splits the difference.
Q: How far in advance should the groom order his sherwani?
A: For a custom sherwani with embroidery, four to six months. For a semi-custom or ready piece from a South Asian menswear retailer, two to three months for alterations.
Q: Does the groom need to wear gold jewellery?
A: Not required, but a simple chain or a kara (steel or gold bangle, for Sikh grooms) adds an appropriate finishing touch. Groom jewellery tends to be much more minimal than the bride's.
