For most Indian grooms in 2026, the smartest plan is a sherwani or heavy indo-western for the wedding ceremony, a jodhpuri or suit for the reception, and light kurta sets for haldi and mehendi. This guide compares every option, gives you an outfit for each function, the colours trending this season, and a fitting timeline so nothing goes wrong. Start browsing in our indo-western and sherwani collection for men.
The 2026-27 wedding season starts after Dev Uthani Ekadashi on Friday, 20 November 2026 and runs through February 2027. If your wedding is in that window, now is the time to plan your looks.
Sherwani vs Jodhpuri vs Indo-Western vs Suit: Which Should the Groom Wear?
| Outfit | What it is | Best for | Look | Re-wear value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwani | Long, knee-length or longer coat over a kurta and churidar | Main wedding ceremony (pheras, baraat) | Most traditional and regal | Low to medium |
| Jodhpuri / Bandhgala | Hip-length jacket with a closed high neck, with trousers | Roka, engagement, reception, winter weddings | Royal, sharp, understated | High |
| Indo-western | Modern long jacket or koti with kurta, often with asymmetric or open cuts | Sangeet, reception, modern wedding ceremony | Stylish, contemporary | Medium |
| Suit / Tuxedo | Western two or three-piece suit, or black tie tuxedo | Reception, cocktail, engagement party | Classic, global, polished | Very high |
Rule of thumb: go most traditional for the ceremony, most modern for the reception. That way your photos have variety and you get the best of both worlds.
1. Sherwani and Heavy Indo-Western for the Wedding Day
The wedding ceremony is your biggest moment, so this is where the most detailed outfit goes. In 2026 the favourites are ivory and off-white, maroon and wine for winter weddings, and gold and champagne for a festive, royal look. Silk bases with foil print, patola patterns or hand work are very popular right now.
- Fit: the shoulders must sit perfectly and the length should end at or just below the knee.
- Safa and stole: match the safa (turban) to the bride's lehenga colour for a coordinated look.
- Mojaris: gold, ivory or tan embroidered mojaris. Wear them in a few times before the wedding.
2. Jodhpuri Suits: Royal but Easy
A jodhpuri (bandhgala) is one of the best-value outfits a groom can buy. It looks royal at the roka or engagement, works brilliantly for a winter reception, and you can wear it again at every family wedding and Diwali party for years. Maroon, bottle green, navy and grey are the strongest colours.
3. Indo-Western Sets for Sangeet and Reception
For the sangeet you need to dance, so pick something lighter and more fun than your wedding outfit. Indo-western koti sets and foil print silk sets are perfect: festive, comfortable, and great under stage lights. Royal blue, teal, pink and peach are trending picks for 2026 sangeets.
Teal Green Silk Indo-Western
₹18,490
4. Suits, Tuxedos and Blazers for the Reception
More grooms are choosing a western suit or tuxedo-style look for the reception. A black double breasted suit or a deep wine suit feels glamorous at night, while dark green is a fresh choice for winter 2026.
Groom Outfit for Every Wedding Function
Roka or engagement
A jodhpuri suit, a silk koti kurta set in a soft shade like pink or sky blue, or a well-fitted suit for a hotel engagement party.
Haldi
Yellow, white or pastel kurta sets in cotton or light silk. Avoid anything expensive or heavily embroidered, because turmeric stains. For more ideas, see our haldi outfit ideas 2026.
Mehendi
Green, pista, mint or bright printed kurtas and koti sets. Mehendi is relaxed and colourful, so this is a good day to try a bolder colour.
Sangeet
Indo-western koti sets, mirror work kurtas, or a jewel-toned jodhpuri. Choose something you can dance in.
Wedding ceremony
Your sherwani or heaviest indo-western with safa, stole and mojaris. Ivory, gold, maroon and pastel pink are the top choices.
Reception
A suit, tuxedo, jodhpuri or a sleek indo-western. Darker, richer colours like black, navy, wine and bottle green work best for evening receptions.
Trending Groom Colours for 2026-27
- Ivory and off-white: still number one for the wedding day. Timeless and easy to coordinate with the bride.
- Maroon and wine: perfect for winter and evening weddings.
- Gold and champagne: festive and royal, especially with a red or maroon bridal lehenga.
- Navy and royal blue: modern and sharp, great for receptions and sangeet.
- Sage, olive and bottle green: the rising colour family for 2026, nature-inspired and elegant.
- Pastels (blush pink, powder blue, lilac, peach): ideal for day weddings and destination events.
- Black: now fully accepted for receptions and cocktails when done with rich fabric or embroidery.
How to Match Your Outfit with the Bride's Lehenga
- Red or maroon lehenga: ivory, gold or champagne sherwani, with a safa or stole in her colour.
- Pastel lehenga (blush, peach, mint): ivory or a lighter version of the same pastel.
- Jewel-tone lehenga (emerald, wine, royal blue): ivory or gold for contrast, or a deeper tone of the same colour.
- Ivory or gold lehenga: ivory, gold, or a bold contrast like maroon or navy.
- Tie it together: repeat one element from her outfit on your safa, stole, pocket square or buttons.
Groom Fitting Timeline and Checklist
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3-4 months before | Decide the look for each function, colours with the bride, and your budget. Start custom or designer orders now. |
| 2 months before | Order ready-to-wear outfits, safa, stole and mojaris. Groomsmen should order now too. |
| 4-6 weeks before | First trial and alterations. Check shoulder, sleeve length, trouser length and how it feels when you sit and dance. |
| 1-2 weeks before | Final fitting with footwear and accessories. Break in your mojaris. |
| 2-3 days before | Steam or press everything, pack each function's outfit in a separate labelled bag with its accessories. |
Groomsmen Outfit Ideas
Groomsmen should look coordinated but never outshine the groom. Pick one colour family and let everyone choose their own style within it, or give everyone the same kurta set in a lighter shade than the groom's outfit.
New Arrivals
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a groom wear for the wedding in 2026?
A sherwani or a heavy indo-western set in ivory, gold, maroon or pastel is the top choice for the main ceremony. Many grooms then switch to a jodhpuri, suit or tuxedo for the reception.
What is the difference between a sherwani and a jodhpuri?
A sherwani is a long coat that reaches the knee or below and is worn over a kurta and churidar. A jodhpuri (bandhgala) is a shorter, hip-length jacket with a closed high neck, worn with trousers or churidar.
How early should a groom order his wedding outfit?
Plan your looks 3-4 months ahead, order ready-to-wear outfits about 2 months before, and leave 4-6 weeks for trials and alterations.
Should the groom match the bride's outfit?
Complement rather than copy. Pick a neutral like ivory or gold, then repeat one colour from her lehenga in your safa, stole or pocket square.
What colour should the groom wear for haldi?
Yellow, white, cream and pastels are the most popular. Choose cotton or light silk and avoid expensive embroidered pieces, because turmeric stains easily.
Shop Groom Outfits at VJV Now
Find your wedding look in our indo-western and sherwani collection, explore jodhpuri suits for the roka and reception, and pick a sharp men's suit for the reception or cocktail. For haldi and mehendi, browse the men's kurta collection. Order early for the November 2026 to February 2027 wedding season.
