For years, Indian wedding fashion operated on a fairly predictable formula: the bride gets a wardrobe full of Pinterest boards, the groom gets a sherwani heavy enough to qualify as gym equipment, and everyone calls it tradition.

Thankfully, modern grooms are beginning to question the uniform.

Actor Ali Fazal recently brought attention to this shift as the showstopper for Tarun Tahiliani’s menswear showcase, featuring contemporary sherwanis, tailored jackets and Indo-Western silhouettes. The collection reflected a growing interest in groomwear that balances Indian craftsmanship with a more modern, versatile fit. 

For grooms planning their late-2026 weddings, the takeaway is simple: looking wedding-ready doesn’t have to mean wearing the heaviest outfit in the room.

The Sherwani Isn’t Going Anywhere. It’s Just Evolving.

The traditional sherwani remains a classic for a reason. It photographs beautifully, carries a sense of occasion and works particularly well for traditional wedding ceremonies.

But today’s groom has more options than choosing between a heavily embroidered sherwani and an equally heavy sherwani in a different colour.

Structured jackets, lighter Indo-Western outfits, bandhgalas and contemporary kurta sets offer alternatives for different functions. The trick is matching the outfit to the occasion rather than wearing the same level of grandeur from the engagement to the reception.

A traditional sherwani might suit the main ceremony, while a tailored jacket or a cleaner Indo-Western ensemble could work better for the cocktail evening.

Comfort Is Not the Enemy of Style

A groom may look spectacular in photographs, but those photographs rarely show him navigating a crowded venue, sitting through long ceremonies or attempting to dance after several hours in a restrictive outfit.

Fit, fabric weight and ease of movement deserve as much attention as embroidery.

Try sitting, walking and raising your arms while trying on the outfit. If the sleeves restrict movement or the layers become uncomfortable within minutes, reconsider the choice. A wedding outfit should survive the actual wedding, not just the first ten minutes of the photoshoot.

Coordinate With Your Bride, Not Her Exact Colour Palette

Matching outfits can look wonderful, but coordination doesn’t require both partners to look like a packaged festive collection.

Instead, agree on the overall mood. A bride wearing traditional reds and golds could pair beautifully with an ivory sherwani. A contemporary bridal outfit might work with a groom’s tailored Indo-Western look.

The objective is to complement each other without sacrificing individual style.

Build a Wardrobe, Not a Collection of Expensive Distractions

Before purchasing multiple outfits, map them to the functions you are attending. Prioritise the main ceremony, then choose looks that make sense for the engagement, cocktail or reception.

You don’t need a completely different fashion identity for every event. Different silhouettes, accessories and levels of formality can create variety without unnecessary spending.

Ali Fazal’s modern groomwear moment is a reminder that Indian menswear can respect tradition without being trapped by it. The best groom outfit isn’t necessarily the most elaborate one. It’s the one that feels personal, looks polished and lets you enjoy your own wedding.

Because the groom deserves to remember the celebration—not just how heavy his sherwani was.

If you want any help planning your wedding, reach out to us at (+91) 8800093444 or email us at info@getyourvenue.com or visit our website at www.getyourvenue.com