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’s father.
While dads may not say much or let their emotions flow freely, when it’s their little girl’s 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, looking just as fabulous.
So, if you are the father of a soon-to-be-bride or you’re a bride who wants her father to look like a million bucks on her special day, here is a little guide for you to navigate through the dressing dilemmas swiftly.
Most Popular Indian Wedding Dresses for Fathers
As the bride’s 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 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.
Importance of coordinating with the bride’s wedding colours/theme
There are some key reasons explaining the importance of coordinating the father’s outfit with the bride’s wedding colours/theme.
Creates a cohesive family look:
Wearing clothes in a similar colour palette to the bride ensures a unified aesthetic, beautiful pictures and a sense of family identity.
Highlights the father’s special role:
Wearing a coordinated outfit with the bride creates a subtle alignment that is both thoughtful and respectful.
Reflects respect for the couple’s vision:
When the bride’s father chooses to match the theme or colour scheme of the event, it shows support and appreciation for the couple’s vision and choices.
Enhances wedding photography:
It is crucial for all key family members, including the bride’s father, to look coordinated, as it ensures well-synced-up wedding pictures and videos.
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, 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 bride’s 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 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.
Tips for Accessorising the Dress for the Bride’s Father
It is recommended to add some final touches to your attire to make it look more cohesive and put-together.
- Steam iron all your outfits to ensure a polished look.
- Add statement pieces, like an heirloom watch or a striking brooch, for a sophisticated touch.
- For a traditional look, consider a beaded necklace, a vibrant safa or an elaborate shawl to amp up the ensemble.
- Pick an appropriate pair of shoes to match your attire. For a traditional outfit, go for juttis or mojris. Formal shoes are best if you are wearing a pantsuit.
- Personal grooming is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
In the end, the perfect outfit for the father of the bride blends tradition with personal style. The goal is to feel confident, comfortable, and truly a part of the celebration.