Dear grooms, here’s your answer to “what the hell am I going to wear?”

Here’s a timeless truth: in the captivating spectacle that is an Indian wedding, the bride reigns as the heart and soul of the affair. Her influence is not just felt, but revered in every discussion, decision, and delightful detail—from the invites to the flowers to, of course, the attire, with everyone scouring for the most distinct bridal finery for her.

But, what about the groom? 

Conventionally, grooms have mostly been restricted to looking the part, showing up, and smiling for the cameras. While there's no denying the flattery of being a dashing accessory to the bride, let us tell you that wearing your personality out loud and curating a unique wedding wardrobe is just as important. After all, this occasion will be etched in your heart (and in your guests’ minds) for years to come, so why not dress to the nines for it?

Herein lies your indispensable guide to navigating the daunting waters of wedding dressing, ensuring you emerge as a beacon of style and sophistication. Read on, for the secrets of sartorial finesse await.

Don’t be picky about palettes 

Allow us to impart a perennial piece of advice: when it comes to craft and colours, dare to be daring. As classic as your go-to monochrome look might be, there's an undisputed charm of wearing heritage hues that match the day's sentiments. While earthy tones and pastel picks are must-haves for daytime rituals, go beyond and explore unconventional shades that add a touch of drama and individuality—striking emeralds, luxurious golds, and vibrant saffrons, to name a few. 

When it comes to evening attire, we are inclined to agree that blues and blacks add a classy layer. However, don’t be afraid to bling it up. And if you’re a seasoned statement maker, red is the colour of passion that will have you rooted in tradition, yet positioned as a trendsetter of the now. A one-stop haven for it all? Kunal Rawal—a certified celeb-favourite designer, offering creations that make your wardrobe a standout affair. Explore a variety of options, from finely detailed traditionals to distinct blazers and shirts, available in striking reds and other bold hues.

Embellishments are the ultimate oomph factor

Still living in the illusion that embroidered and encrusted apparel are reserved solely for women? The fact is, dear men, couture is for everyone. And the appeal of handcrafted outfits is inimitable—especially if you’re an uncompromised enthusiast of the finer things in life. Whether it's the mesmeric zardozi work, intricate resham embroidery, or shimmering sequins, Kunal Rawal is known to champion the artisanal legacy of the country through his work, resulting in pieces that stand the test of time and trend. 

Consider bandhgalas with delicate needlework for pre-wedding events, or layer them with sheer shirts for added flair. Sequins are perfect for after-parties, while ornately embellished sherwanis from Kunal Rawal capture the regality of the wedding ceremony in all glory.

Yes, say it with us, ready-to-wear is not the same as made-to-measure

We get it. The ease of simply buying off the rack is unmatched. However, good things don’t (and shouldn’t) come that easy, and for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we suggest aiming for the haute. Needless to say, exquisite tailoring is as much a part of your look as the outfit itself, and some things are best left to the experts. Once you’ve taken your picks, be rest assured that the team at Kunal Rawal will exclusively craft the ensembles as per your measurements, ensuring a flawless fit for your special day.

Bring back the statement dupatta 

If you're aiming to capture the retro cool of the silver screen, the ever-savvy dupatta—a cherished staple sported by our beloved Bollywood heartthrobs—remains an iconic fashion flex for the ages. Layer it over your sherwani or drape it to enhance your kurta (also perfect for performing that classic dance number, of course), this accessory is sure to exude unparalleled charm.

Reminder: dress according to the season

If there’s one piece of advice you need to take to heart, it’s this. You may choose to ignore it, but we’re sure you will regret it later. We all have those little checklists in our minds when it comes to wedding wear: Is it lightweight? Is it versatile? Is it vibrant enough? But, the one thing that quite often slips through the mind is to account for the weather. 

If you’re hosting a winter wedding, choose from soft velvets, rich brocades, jacquards and even tweeds to keep yourself warm and en vogue. Embroidered linens, soft cottons and even chikankari do amazingly well for summer soirees. Thankfully, Kunal Rawal works wonders with an expansive range of textiles, ensuring you’ll be spoiled for choice, no matter the season.

Leave your work shirts at home

Don’t even think of disguising your formal wear as makeshifts. Instead, embrace your cultural roots and invest in breathable kurtas that you can wear in between events. Especially with your beloved decked up in traditional wear from head to toe, simply wearing a shirt and pants no longer makes the cut. Whether it's a pre-wedding brunch, a swift change for a family gathering, or the morning after your vows—step away from the done-and-dusted, ditch the western formals, and leave a lasting impression in ethnic choices.

For those concerned that the timeless kurta may not provide enough sartorial variety, worry not—there are numerous ways to personalise this classic piece. Consider pairing it with printed bandis for a casual yet chic look. Textured Nehru jackets, crafted from hand-woven silks and adorned with jewelled buttons and tone-on-tone embroidery, add a luxurious touch. If you're looking to play with silhouettes, experiment with asymmetric kurtas or angrakha overlaps, which offer a splendid nod to vintage fashion.

And please…no sneakers with your sherwani.

Explore the latest Kunal Rawal collection at The Wedding Collective.