Compared to the bride’s giant list of jewelry, makeup, and clothing, the groom’s list of necessary items is going to look a bit slim. Whatever, it’s all about the bride anyway, right?
{photo by IQ Photography via Alok and Venu’s Wedding}
Hindu Wedding: Introduction
Hindu Wedding Engagement
Hindu Pre-Wedding Traditions
Hindu Wedding Traditions
Hindu Post-Wedding Traditions
Hindu Bridal Attire and Jewelry
Hindu Groom’s Attire – You’re here!
Hindu Wedding Food and Desserts
Hindu Wedding Shopping List
The groom has only four absolutely required items and even these can be and are usually swapped out with more modern apparel. We’ll go from top to bottom on this too.
1. Safa
The safa, or wedding turban, is a piece of cloth that is wound around the groom’s head. Different regions of India will dictate different traditional looks – safas vary in color, fabric, and adornments. You can find them either pre-made (no tying required!) or as long lengths of fabric.
{photo by Lauren Reynolds via Neeraja and Timothy’s Wedding}
BONUS: Sarpech
The sarpech is a Mughal safa ornament that resembles a peacock feather. Mughal emperors used to fit them to the center of their turbans, sometimes with chunky jeweled chains extended around the turban. Today you can find them in a bunch of different sizes, colors, and styles.
{photo by Rahul Rana via Chhavi and Saurabh’s Wedding}
2. Sehra
Before all our newfangled weddings and upstart traditions, Hindu grooms were prohibited from looking at their brides before the actual wedding ceremony. To help with this, a small curtain of beads of flowers was tied to his turban, blocking everything from his view. At some point during the ceremony he’d be able to push it aside, but until then he can only hope a well-timed sway would let him catch a glimpse. Many modern groom’s don’t bother with the sehra, but some do. I think it’s sweet.
{photo by IQ Photography via Alok and Venu’s Wedding}
3. Sherwani
The sherwani is the traditional outfit for the Hindu groom. It’s basically a long-sleeved, dress-like top that extends to the groom’s knees. It’s worn over a pair of skinny churidar pants. It usually comes in pale gold, maroon, or brown with some embroidery. I guess neutral colors are better for showing off the bride. Modern grooms, of course, will and often do choose their own colors or prints.
{via Asifa & Nabeel}
4. Mojari
Mojari, or Khussa, shoes are like those Aladdin-type shoes you see a lot in Mughal art (and the odd, non-PC cartoon). They are leather flats that curl at the toes. They can be encrusted with shells, mirrors, and gems. Sometimes they sport heavy embroidery. It should be said that these shoes come from North India and Pakistan and are common to weddings from these regions (maybe not so much South India).
{photo by Day 7 Photography via Celia and Amit’s Wedding}
The groom is meant to be just as stylish and glitzy on his wedding day as his bride. There’s no way to do a Hindu wedding without enough sparkles for everybody.