Most men go to an Indian wedding with one worry: what colour should I not wear? There is no single rulebook, because families, communities and cities differ. But there are patterns, and knowing them saves you from standing out for the wrong reason.
This is our counter's advice. Always check with the family or the invitation first, because their custom decides.
Read the invitation first
Many invitations now carry a dress code or a colour theme for each function: yellow for the haldi, pastels for the mehendi, jewel tones for the sangeet. If there is one, follow it. If there is not, ask a family member. A two-minute message saves a wrong purchase.
White, with care
White is common at pujas and daytime functions, but it is often kept for religious ceremonies, and in some communities it is linked with mourning. At the haldi it will be stained, and at a mehendi it risks henna. A cream or a pastel is a safer alternative. If you love white, keep it to a daytime function, and choose an off-white with a print or some work. Our white and off-white collection shows the options.
Black, in some families
Black is popular for evening parties, but many families avoid it at a wedding, and some at specific functions. At a sangeet or a reception it is often fine. For the wedding itself, a deep navy, charcoal or maroon is a safer way to get the same weight.
Red and bridal colours
Red, gold and heavy maroon are the colours of the bride and the groom's own outfit. A guest in full red can look as if he is competing. If you love maroon, choose a shade a step away from the bride's, and keep the work quiet. The Deep Maroon Scroll-Panel, ₹3,999, is a rich option for a close relative, not a distant guest.
Matching the groom
Never match the groom's colour exactly. If you know his outfit, pick a colour a step away. If you do not know, avoid the colour you would pick for him: bright red, gold or cream in a heavy work.
Too casual or too heavy
A plain, everyday kurta is fine for a haldi or a daytime mehendi, but looks underdressed at a sangeet or a reception. A heavy brocade at a morning function looks overdressed. Match the work to the hour: light by day, richer by night. See our guide to what men wear to the haldi, mehendi and sangeet.
Colours that are almost always safe
Navy, royal blue, teal, bottle green, charcoal and soft pastels suit every function and every family. The Navy Blue Solid, ₹1,950, the Royal Blue Solid, ₹1,850, and the Deep Teal Woven-Trim, ₹3,999, are three we suggest first. For a pastel, the Blush Pink Solid, ₹1,850.
If you are close family
If you are a brother, an uncle or a close friend, the rules loosen, because the family may ask you to wear a particular colour. Our groom's family collection is built for this. Online sizes run 38 to 44, and both our shops carry plus sizes up to 6XL, coming online soon. Message us on WhatsApp with the function and we will suggest options.
Questions we hear at the counter
What colour should a male wedding guest avoid?
Avoid matching the groom, avoid full bridal red and gold, and check whether white or black is acceptable for that family and that function.
Can men wear white to an Indian wedding?
For a daytime function, often yes, but it can be stained at a haldi and is linked with mourning in some communities. Cream or pastel is safer.
Can men wear black to a wedding?
At a sangeet or a reception, often. At the wedding itself, many families prefer other colours.
What is the safest colour for a wedding guest?
Navy, royal blue, teal, bottle green or a soft pastel. They suit almost every function.
Also see: blue kurtas.