In the ever-evolving world of Indian weddings, modern men are no longer silent participants. Today’s groom and every man around him understands that what he wears isn’t just about fabric or embroidery. It’s a reflection of culture, values, personality, and legacy.
But here’s the dilemma, how do you stay stylish without straying from tradition? Especially when you’re expected to dress distinctively for multiple events each with its own vibe, aesthetic, and cultural depth?
The key lies in balancing style and tradition, and The Rajwada has perfected that equation. From the engagement all the way to the reception, here’s your complete wardrobe guide that marries legacy with individuality, occasion with originality.
The Engagement: A Gentle Introduction to Elegance
The engagement ceremony is often the first formal event that sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s where families meet, blessings are exchanged, and the journey toward union begins. You want to appear polished, respectful, and subtly stylish.
Style Objective: Semi-traditional. Clean. Cultured.
This event calls for tailored elegance, but not extravagance. You want to wear something that speaks of tradition without overwhelming it.
Recommended Look: Indo-Western Kurta or Light Bandhgala
Explore pieces from The Rajwada’s Kunwar collection, which features Indo-Western kurtas in subdued pastels and elegant textures. Look for detailing like pin-tucks, asymmetric hemlines, and minimal embroidery. For men who prefer more structure, a Light Grey Textured Bandhgala Suit layered over a crisp kurta offers refinement with personality.
Pair with tapered trousers or ivory churidars, and complete the look with classic tan or black mojaris.
The Haldi: Subtle, Soothing, and Festive
This ceremony is steeped in ritual and playfulness. While it may seem casual, the Haldi is full of emotion, laughter, and symbolism. Comfort is key, but so is presentation—after all, you’ll be in dozens of photos, smeared in turmeric but still expected to look composed.
Style Objective: Lightweight. Culturally vibrant. Photogenic.
Recommended Look: Cotton-Silk Kurta with Tonal Embroidery
Choose a kurta Set from The Rajwada’s Raabta collection, known for its light fabrics and soothing hues. Soft yellows, creams, or pastel greens work beautifully in outdoor haldi setups. Subtle threadwork or tonal embroidery keeps the look festive without being flashy.
Add simple cotton pyjamas and open footwear, allowing ease of movement. A coordinating stole (pre-halditime) can be worn for family photos and removed when the rituals begin.
The Mehendi: A Canvas for Expression
The mehendi night offers room to be playful and expressive. This function is often infused with music, color, and a casual-yet-vibrant energy. Think statement silhouettes, rich prints, and experimental layering.
Style Objective: Bold. Comfortable. Creative.
Recommended Look: Draped Indo-Western Kurta or Printed Short Jacket
The Rasm collection from The Rajwada has precisely the kind of fashion-forward Indo-Western pieces ideal for mehendi. Think kurta sets with asymmetric cuts, printed short jackets, or side-button styles. Deep greens, rust, wine, or teal shades feel festive and contrast beautifully with mehendi tones.
Layer with dhoti pants or narrow-fit trousers. Don’t be afraid to style it with embroidered loafers or a quirky pocket square—this is your moment to break away from formality.
The Sangeet: Spotlight-Ready Sophistication
The sangeet is where the line between performance and presence blurs. It’s glitzy, high-energy, and designed for the stage—whether you’re dancing or commanding attention from your seat.
Style Objective: Sleek. Statement-making. Regal.
Recommended Look: Embroidered Bandhgala or Layered Indo-Western
The Rajwada’s Bandhgala collection was built for evenings like this. Choose a richly embroidered Bandhgala in jewel tones like midnight blue, maroon, or bottle green. For something layered, go with a three-piece Indo-Western look featuring a jacket, kurta, and tapered bottoms.
The Noir Edge ReshamCutdana ensemble, for instance, makes a dramatic impact with its structured silhouette and subtle shimmer. Accessorize with an elegant brooch or layered chain—just enough detail to catch the light as you move.
The Wedding Day: Tradition at Its Most Majestic
No day is as symbolically and emotionally charged as the wedding. This is where tradition takes precedence, and your outfit should reflect heritage, depth, and reverence.
Style Objective: Regal. Rooted. Ceremonial.
Recommended Look: Classic Sherwani with Hand Embroidery
For this moment, The Rajwada recommends the Sangam collection. Richly crafted sherwanis in silk and brocade with intricate Resham or Zardozi embroidery evoke timeless grandeur.
Look for hues such as ivory, beige, or gold for daytime weddings, and deeper tones like maroon, wine, or emerald for evening ceremonies. The ReshamCutdana Three-Layer Indo-Western piece is an excellent example of ceremonial luxury. Pair with a draped stole, jadau buttons, and traditional juttis. For grooms, a handcrafted safa with a kalgi completes the look.
The Reception: The Grand Finale in Modern Elegance
The reception is where cultural formality gives way to personal style. It’s the perfect occasion to bring in subtle western elements or lean into minimalism.
Style Objective: Sophisticated. Balanced. Modern.
Recommended Look: Structured Suit or Clean Bandhgala
While a suit might be appropriate, many still prefer ethnic silhouettes. A clean Bandhgala from the Kunwar collection, with micro detailing and a tailored fit, provides just the right mix of structure and softness.
Opt for charcoal, steel grey, or deep navy tones. Pair with formal shoes and minimalist accessories like a lapel pin or metallic brooch. This look photographs exceptionally well and makes a smooth transition from tradition to trend.
Accessorizing for Impact
Each event offers a distinct opportunity for well-chosen accessories to enhance the outfit. Here’s how to keep it aligned with your evolving look:
- Engagement: Leather mojaris, a metal cuff, and a clean watch
- Haldi: Printed stole, tinted sunglasses
- Mehendi: Embroidered loafers, playful pocket square
- Sangeet: Statement brooch, velvet loafers
- Wedding: Safa, kalgi, draped stole, ornate buttons
- Reception: Sleek lapel pin, pocket square, formal shoes
Keep your accessory choices intentional less is more, and each piece should reinforce your personality.
Tips for a Cohesive Wardrobe Journey
Balancing style and tradition across multiple events isn’t about collecting garments—it’s about curating experiences through clothing. Here’s how to ensure cohesion across your looks:
Plan Around a Central Theme
Decide on a broad visual story: Are you going for pastels? Jewel tones? Monochromes? Let this guide your fabric and color choices.
Mix Statement with Subtle
If your sangeet outfit is bold, let your mehendi look be understated. Balance creates visual memory.
Repeat Silhouettes Smartly
A Bandhgala can be reused in both engagement and reception, styled differently. Use trousers for one event and ethnic bottoms for another.
Comfort is Non-Negotiable
No matter how grand the garment, if it doesn’t let you breathe, move, or smile—it’s not worth it.
Fit is the Foundation
Always have your pieces tailored and tested in advance. Trial rounds prevent last-minute regret.
Final Word: Walk the Journey, Don’t Just Dress for It
From engagement to reception, your wardrobe should not just follow the functions it should reflect your evolution. Each outfit should reveal something about your taste, your heritage, and your identity.
At The Rajwada, we create more than outfits we help men craft a narrative across every stage of their celebration. Whether it’s the traditional grandeur of a sherwani or the tailored poise of a Bandhgala, each garment is built with an eye for legacy and a heart for modernity.
Because a well-dressed man doesn’t just arrive.
He commands presence. He honors tradition. And he owns every moment beautifully.