Indian weddings are no less than a chaotic rollercoaster. With all the preparations, planning and execution, the process can get a bit overwhelming. But with all this chaos comes the best part, getting dressed up in elaborate outfits and celebrating your heart out.
However, there is one person who gets seriously caught up in the wedding preps and is always the last one to decide and shop for his wedding outfit. You guessed it. It is the bride and groom father.
While dads may not say much or let their emotions flow freely, when it’s their little girl or boy big day, they turn into an emotional mush. There is so much riding on their shoulders with no scope for any slip-ups. This is all the more reason to ensure that they are appropriately dressed in the best wedding attire for the father of the bride and groom, looking just as fabulous.
If you’re the father of a soon to be bride or groom, or someone who wants their father to look impeccably stylish on the big day, here is a quick guide to help you navigate wedding dressing dilemmas with ease.
Most Popular Indian Wedding Dresses for Fathers
As the bride and groom father, you have numerous dressing options to explore. From classic traditional Indian wedding wear for men to stylish formals, you can choose any option to match the occasion, as well as your personal preferences.
Sherwani:
If you want to go all out for your daughter’s or son’s wedding, a sherwani for men is the perfect dress for bride’s father. It is a regal yet classic choice for the main wedding ceremony. Opt for luxurious fabrics like silk, brocade, and jacquard in colours like beige, ivory, mint green, navy, and gold to match the occasion’s vibe.
Achkan:
If you think a sherwani is a bit too overwhelming for you, but you still want a similar vibe, go for an achkan. It is similar in structure to a sherwani, but is lighter and slightly shorter. Achkans have a timeless appeal and can be worn and styled for many more occasions seamlessly. Ideal for summer weddings, these are best explored in subtle tones and textured fabrics.
Kurta Pajama Set:
This one is more apt for pre-wedding rituals like mehendi, haldi or a puja, rather than the actual events. Look for refined designer men’s kurtas tailored from fabrics like cotton-silk, tussar silk, linen-silk and raw silk with threadwork embroidery, crystal detailing or chrome applique work.
Bandhgala/Jodhpuri Suit:
A great semi-formal Indian wedding dress for the father to wear on the wedding day or other key events like the engagement or reception. It offers a polished and sophisticated appearance, especially in fabrics like velvet, silk blends, and textured suiting materials. Stick to deeper hues like black, charcoal, midnight blue, wine and emerald to create an impactful look.
Nehru Jacket Set:
A more elevated take on the classic kurta pajama, a Nehru jacket or bandi for men is perfect for day events, like haldi and mehendi. Opt for bright colours or pastel hues that match the theme of the occasion. For a simpler look, pair the Nehru jacket with a shirt and trousers, or with a dhoti to make it more traditional.
Classic Pantsuit:
For the reception party, a dapper pantsuit is the ideal choice. Opt for a custom-tailored suit in classic hues like black, charcoal, or navy for a chic and sophisticated look.
Best Wedding Outfit Ideas for Fathers by Ceremony
Wedding
The wedding day has a more traditional vibe, and it is crucial to dress in classic traditional attire. A brocade or silk sherwani in auspicious colours such as cream, gold, and ivory makes for a regal choice. For a simpler yet dressed-up look, a tailored bandhgala in black or navy is also a great wedding dress for the father of the groom or bride. Don’t forget to accessorise with a safa, mojaris, a pocket square and some jewellery pieces to conclude the wedding look.
Reception
The reception outfit should be in sync with the theme of the event. In most cases, the reception almost always has a formal and modern vibe compared to the wedding. You can never go wrong with a classic tuxedo or a well-tailored suit in nighttime-appropriate colours, like black, grey, navy, etc. Asymmetrical kurtas or draped jackets with trousers offer a contemporary take on a marriage dress for the father. Finish off the Indo-Western father’s dress for the wedding with leather shoes, a sleek watch, and cufflinks to keep it sleek and minimal.
Mehendi
For a colourful daytime event like the mehendi ceremony, comfort is key. Choose kurta pyjamas in breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk in bright or pastel hues with subtle prints to match the playful vibe of the event. For added oomph, an embroidered bandi or Nehru jacket made from luxurious fabrics like silk or brocade can also be added. The bride’s father’s outfit can be styled with comfortable, embellished mojaris or open sandals to complete it.
Sangeet
The sangeet ceremony is a semi-glam, lively event, perfect for experimenting with fashion. For this occasion, the father can opt for a stylish kurta set featuring embroidery and ornate embellishments, paired with a churidar or straight pants. An Indo-Western outfit, like a jacket-style kurta or a draped kurta, is also a modern, Indo-Western wedding outfit for the bride’s father or the groom’s father.
Wedding Dress for Father of the Bride vs Wedding Dress for Father of the Groom
CEREMONY | FATHER OF THE GROOM | FATHER OF THE BRIDE |
Wedding Ceremony | For a more royal and prominent look, a heavy sherwani or rich bandhgala in wedding hues like ivory, gold, and maroons is ideal. | For an elegant and understated look, a light sherwani, bandhgala or achkan in softer tones like light gold, beige or a pastel hue is suggested. |
Reception | Opt for a more modern and sharper look with a well-tailored suit or tuxedo. | A formal suit or an Indo-Western outfit in subtle colours is better suited. |
| Mehendi/Haldi | A bandi jacket paired with a kurta set in a matching or contrasting colour to create a playful daytime look. | A light kurta-pyjama set made from a cotton-silk blend to create a striking yet subtle look. |
Sangeet | An embroidered kurta, a lightweight bandhgala or an Indo-western creation in deep hues or jewel tones. | A structured achkan, which is a long coat typically worn in Indian weddings, with minimal embroidery in deep hues or jewel tones. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Dress for Father
Wedding theme and colour palette:
The outfit needs to be in sync with the theme and colour palette to ensure a cohesive look. The colour should complement the bride and groom’s outfits, without overshadowing or clashing. Aim for subtle coordination and not an exact match.
Role in the wedding:
As the father of the bride and groom, you have a key role to play in the entire wedding. From welcoming the guests to the kanyadaan, there is a lot riding on your shoulders. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an outfit that is dignified and appropriate for this level of involvement.
Comfort and mobility:
Comfort is a major factor when picking an outfit for the groom and bride father. Not only are Indian weddings insanely long, but there will also be never-ending rituals and fatherly duties that need to be taken care of. Go for fabrics that look luxurious and are easy to carry, like silk, cotton-silk and other silk blends.
Season and Venue:
One of the key factors when choosing the wedding attire for the father of the bride and groom is considering the season and the wedding venue. Is it a beachside resort? A palace in Udaipur? Or a castle in the Scottish wilderness? Each venue requires different attire. Similarly, a winter wedding outfit cannot be the same as for a summer wedding.
FAQ’s
What should the father of the bride wear to an Indian wedding?
The father of the bride is one of the most important male members from the bride’s side and needs to be dressed both appropriately and extravagantly. A sherwani with lightweight embroidery and minimal embellishments or a sleek, tailored bandhgala with crystal detailing in deeper hues are the best outfit choices for the father of the bride.
What is the best groom’s father’s wedding dress?
The father of the groom should be dressed in extravagant attire for his son’s special day. An elaborate open-front sherwani (not as elaborate as the groom’s) or a bandhgala in rich hues like navy, deep green, or maroon will be an ideal pick for the groom’s father.
Is a sherwani a good father’s dress for a daughter’s wedding?
Yes, a sherwani is a good choice of attire for the bride’s father, combining traditional flair with modern sophistication.
What colour should the father wear at the wedding?
The colour should be in sync with the wedding’s theme and time. If it is a daytime wedding, bright hues and pastels would be a better choice. For nighttime weddings, deeper colours and jewel tones create a bold and striking look.
Can a father wear a suit to an Indian wedding?
Yes, you can wear a suit to the wedding if the theme allows it.