Weddings today are no longer just obligatory, banquet hall events that the bride, groom, and their respective families hold to announce a new partnership. Now more than ever they’re seen as a joyful expression of the couple’s personality, a chance to bring everyone together to take some great Instagram pictures and celebrate their unique form of love. Which means that whether you’re the groom or a plus one, a wedding is your chance to rock a truly top-notch fit. Rather than panic buying from your nearest Fabindia, spend some time thinking about things like dress code, location and number of events to chart out an action plan. These should give you some guidance to start. After that, consider our list of trends in menswear for more nuptials-related wardrobe inspiration.
A canvas of embroideries
Mirrorwork, chikankari, resham or dori—an array of embroidery techniques breathe new life into classic sherwanis and kurta sets. This season, designers have used fabric as a canvas for a host of patterns. They range from geometric shapes embedded with crystals at Shantnu and Nikhil, to abundant blooming flowers and vines by Manish Malhotra. Malhotra told us that his latest Kashmir-inspired collection, “captures the state’s rich artistic traditions and natural beauty”. Embroideries are also a nifty way to bring some shine as Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla do through gota work on sheer, Chanderi silk or Kunal Rawal’s uses of oversized mirrored accents.
Updated tuxedos
A wedding is your chance to invest in a timeless tux but why not up the ante with something truly special. The versions we’ve seen this year are far from ordinary. Take Gaurav Gupta’s line of black tuxedos that feature the designer’s signature sculpting technique on the labels or come covered in shiny, onyx-black crystals. Designers Shantnu and Nikhil as well as Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna have all sent out opulent, Swarovski-frosted jackets that are perfect for cocktail nights or sangeet parties.
Sweet pastels
Subtle tones of blush pink, candyfloss blue or sage green are on point for an al fresco affair. Designers such as Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla have all favoured this palette for sherwanis and kurtas and added all-over embroidery in a similar tone for outfits that are quiet, but undeniably glamorous at the same time.
Storytelling through fashion
This one is particularly for the groom. Hidden messages or personalised notes are de rigueur now and offer a way to make your wedding wardrobe a true keepsake. Malhotra has plenty of suggestions, “Customisation is actually a common request from our clients. For both brides and grooms, we have integrated personalised touches such as inscribing their names, depicting baraats, incorporating heartfelt messages or vows onto their ensembles, and even commemorating a beloved pet dog who has passed away on a bride's lehenga.”
Playful details
One of Rawal’s most requested looks is a sherwani with embroidery that glows neon green when the lights go out. The designer believes the appeal lies in that it’s, “unique, different and has an element of surprise which is always fun for anyone.” Surprising touches like these bring a little extra zing to dressing up for weddings. Look to Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla’s short kurtas with retro, oversized collars, Shantnu and Nikhil’s androgynous, draped kurtas or Anita Dongre’s hand-painted pichhwai looks for more inspiration.
