The groom is also the center of attention on the wedding day. He needs to plan his outfit and his look with care. Here are the key steps in a groom’s wedding preparation.
Bridegroom Suits
Many grooms choose a suit for their wedding. Popular styles are the Jodhpuri suit and the Indo-Western suit. First, decide the color of your suit. Cream, ivory, grey, blue and beige are good choices. Pick a fabric that suits the weather, such as silk, velvet or light wool. You can buy a ready-made suit, but a tailor-made suit gives the best fit. Try to match your suit with the color of the bride’s outfit. Make sure you can sit, walk and dance in it with ease. Book your tailor early and finish all the fittings a few weeks before the wedding.
Sherwani
The sherwani is a long coat that is buttoned up to the neck. It usually comes down to the knees. It is very popular as a wedding outfit for the Indian groom. The sherwani has its roots in the Mughal courts, and it looks royal and grand. It is worn with churidar or trousers. Ivory, cream, gold and maroon are popular colors. Many sherwanis have rich embroidery on the collar, front and sleeves. Some grooms add a dupatta over the shoulder. Choose a fit that lets you move easily, and try it with your shoes before the wedding.
Bridegroom Accessories
The right accessories make the groom’s outfit look complete. The turban, also called pagdi or safa, is the most important one. Some grooms add a brooch or a kalgi to the turban. In some traditions, the groom also wears a sehra, which is a veil of flowers or beads. Cufflinks go well with a suit or a Jodhpuri coat. A stole or dupatta and a pearl or gold necklace add a royal touch. A waist belt called kamarbandh is also worn with a sherwani. Some grooms, especially in Rajasthan, carry a sword. Choose accessories that match the color and style of your outfit.
Bridegroom Shoes
Shoes are the last part of the groom’s outfit, but they are very important. The traditional choice is a pair of mojari or jutti. These are handmade leather shoes, often with embroidery. They go very well with a sherwani. With a suit, polished formal leather shoes look best. Pick a color that matches your outfit. Comfort matters, because you will be standing and walking for a long time. Wear your new shoes at home for a few days so they are not tight on the wedding day. In many weddings, the bride’s sisters hide the groom’s shoes and ask for a gift to give them back. This fun tradition is called Joota Chupai.