What should the groom wear to an Indian wedding?

Short answer

The groom should wear traditional Indian wedding attire, such as a sherwani, kurta or bandhgala, often in rich colours like red, gold or ivory. If you are not Indian, it is respectful to wear what the couple asks, and many grooms choose Indian dress for the main ceremony.

Indian weddings vary by region, religion and family tradition, so the best first step is to ask the couple or their families what they expect. For the main ceremony, a sherwani is a classic choice: a long coat worn over a kurta and churidar trousers, often in rich fabrics with embroidery. A bandhgala, a high-collared jacket, is another smart option. Many grooms also wear a turban, especially in Sikh weddings, and a stole or sash.

Colour matters. Red, gold, ivory, maroon and deep green are common and festive. Avoid black or white unless the couple says otherwise, as these can be reserved for mourning in some traditions.

If you are not Indian, you can still wear a sherwani or kurta, and most couples will be delighted. Alternatively, a formal suit in a rich colour works for some ceremonies, but check first. For the reception, a smart suit or a lighter kurta is often fine. Always confirm the dress code for each event, because Indian weddings often have several ceremonies with different outfits.