STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY

Lifestyle
The Cultural Significance of Indian Groom Outfits: An Inside Look
Date 18 May 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Shaadi ka season is here, and ladke wale are on the hunt for the perfect Indian groom outfits. But hold on—before you go on an online shopping spree or raid your local Manyavar store, let's talk about the real significance of what you'll wear on your big day. Your wedding attire isn't just about looking dapper (though that's definitely a plus!). It's a reflection of your cultural heritage, your personal style, and the legacy you'll carry forward into married life.
The Role of Cultural Wedding Fashion in Expressing Identity
In the grand theatre of an Indian wedding, fashion plays a leading role. The outfits donned by the bride and groom are more than just clothes; they're statements of identity, culture, and tradition. For the groom, his Indian groom outfit is a powerful medium to express his roots, his values, and his unique personality.
Your wedding outfit is more than just a garment—it's an expression of your identity, your heritage, and your personal style. In a culturally rich country like India, traditional attire carries deep symbolism and meaning. What do you want your outfit to say about you? Are you a classic man who values timeless traditions? A trendsetter who's not afraid to mix and match styles? Or a bit of both?
Exploring Groom Outfit Ideas from Various Cultures
India is a land of diversity, with each region boasting its own unique customs, traditions and fashion sensibilities. Let's take a closer look at some popular groom outfit ideas from different parts of the country:
- North Indian Weddings: Sherwanis, achkans and bandhgalas are popular choices for North Indian groom outfits. These regal outfits are often crafted from rich fabrics like silk, velvet or brocade and adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins or metallic threadwork. Pair your sherwani with a matching safa, a floral mala and footwear for a truly royal look.
- South Indian Weddings: South Indian grooms often opt for elegant white or off-white dhotis paired with a silk kurta or shirt. The attire is usually accessorised with a traditional dupatta draped over one shoulder and a gold brooch or pin. For a contemporary twist, you can also opt for a stylish kurta jacket set in a light, breathable fabric like cotton or linen.
- East Indian Weddings: Bengali and Assamese grooms often wear traditional silk dhotis paired with kurtas in bright hues like red, pink or yellow. These Indian groom outfits are usually accompanied by a topor (a traditional headgear) and a uttoriyo (a stole-like accessory). For a modern take, opt for a stylish bandhgala suit or nehru jacket in a rich, luxurious fabric.
- West Indian Weddings: Maharashtrian grooms usually wear a classic kurta-dhoti set, often in shades of cream, gold or saffron. Gujarati grooms, on the other hand, opt for colourful kurta jacket sets adorned with mirror work, embroidery or appliqué. Complete the look with a dashing safa and mojaris.
The Importance of Men's Wedding Attire in Different Cultures
While we're on the topic of Indian groom outfits, let's take a moment to appreciate the diversity of men's wedding attire across Indian cultures. From the vibrant Kanjeevaram and Pathan suits of South India to the regal sherwanis of the North, each region has its own unique traditions and styles.
For example, in a traditional Marathi wedding, the groom may wear a silk dhoti and kurta, often in shades of cream or gold. In Rajasthan, grooms often opt for an achkan or angarakha, which are long, flared coats worn over churidars. And in a Sikh wedding, the groom may wear a Punjabi achkan with a turban and a kirpan (ceremonial sword).
No matter which part of India you hail from, cultural wedding fashion is a way to honour your heritage and celebrate your roots. So don't be afraid to embrace different groom outfit ideas—be it western or traditional elements, even if you're going for a more contemporary overall look.
Understanding Indian Groom Outfits
Of course, choosing the perfect Indian groom outfit involves more than just picking a style. There are a plethora of other elements to consider, such as:
- Fabric: From luxurious silk and brocade to lightweight cotton and linen, the fabric of your outfit can make a big impact on both style and comfort. Consider the weather and the level of formality when making your choice.
- Colour: While ivory and gold are classic groom colours, don't be afraid to branch out. Rich hues like maroon, navy, and emerald green are becoming increasingly popular among fashion-forward grooms.
- Embroidery and embellishments: Many Indian groom outfits feature intricate embroidery, beadwork, or metallic accents. These details add a touch of opulence and can make your outfit truly one-of-a-kind.
- Accessories: No groom look is complete without the right accessories. A well-chosen safa (turban), pocket square, stole/dupatta, brooch, and footwear can elevate your outfit and show off your personal style. Don't forget the finishing touches, like a mala or a watch.
When putting together your wedding attire, consider working with a trusted brand like Manyavar, which offers a wide range of men's wedding accessories and outfits to suit every taste and budget. Their experienced stylists can help you create a look that's uniquely you.
The Cultural Significance of Wedding Attire
At the end of the day, your men's wedding attire is more than just a fashion choice—it's a reflection of who you are and the cultural legacy you're a part of. In India, weddings are sacred occasions that are steeped in tradition and symbolism. Every element of the ceremony, from the décor to the food to the clothes, holds deep meaning.
For the groom, his outfit is a way to honour his heritage and pay respect to the significance of the occasion. By exploring different groom's outfit ideas, he can choose cultural wedding fashion that reflects his background. He's not just dressing for himself; he's dressing for his family, his community, and the generations that came before him.
At the same time, your wedding attire is also a way to express your individual style and personality. Whether you opt for a classic sherwani or a trendy Indo-Western look, considering groom's outfit ideas can help you find the perfect style that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and true to yourself. After all, this is your big day; you deserve to look and feel your best.
Styling Your D-Day Outfits
In the end, the cultural significance of your Indian groom outfits goes far beyond just looking good in photos (although that's definitely a plus). It's a way to connect with your heritage, honour your family's traditions, and express your unique identity as you embark on this new chapter of life.
At Manyavar, we understand the cultural significance of wedding attire and offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary options for Indian grooms. From classic sherwanis and kurta pajamas to stylish Indo Western outfits and dapper accessories, we have everything you need to make a statement on your big day.