Stop. Everything. Brides, Send This To Your Dad Immediately: The Ultimate Father Of The Bride Style Bible

There is a reason, dear readers, why the Indian wedding has long been christened “The Big Fat Indian Wedding” by admirers across continents. It is not merely a ceremony, might I add, but a week-long symphony of song, spectacle, and sartorial splendour as two families entwine their destinies. From the melodic crescendos of the sangeet to the kaleidoscopic mehendi, from heady cocktail soirées to exuberant DJ nights, every moment is stitched with joy, and occasionally, well-concealed chaos.

I, too, found myself drawn, quite without protest, into this glittering tempest when I said “Yes” to the love of my life and wed in a traditional Christian ceremony. Months of meticulous planning, minor(read MAJOR) emotional collapses, and many rounds of negotiations eventually ushered me to my dream wedding. Yet when I revisit that day in my mind, what lingers is not the décor nor the vendors nor the endless checklists; it is the walk. That walk.

There I was, daddy’s girl, my hand looped through my father’s steady arm. A heady blend of nerves and excitement fluttered in my stomach, made no easier by my four-inch heels. I remember glancing up at him – my hero – my eyes glowing with heartfelt emotion. What I saw then is etched in me with exquisite clarity: the faint lines at the corners of his eyes, deepened by years of laughter and sacrifice; the tender worry that crinkled his brow; the pride that softened his face as he whispered that he had my back and would deliver me safely to the man waiting ahead.

But woven through all that emotion was another fleeting realisation – how handsome he looked. His suit, a perfectly tailored grey paired with a powder-blue shirt, a grey tie and a boutonnière that matched my theme, had been chosen under my vigilant supervision. For a man famously fussy about clothes, one who dislikes suits, detests shopping, and typically resigns himself to whatever my mother procures – this effort was no small feat. I insisted on video calls during his suit-shopping expeditions, guiding colours, cuts, and combinations like a seasoned stylist. To his credit, he indulged every suggestion. Looking back at those photos, I know now: I did well. And my father did even better.

While I had only one ceremony to plan, countless brides across the country juggle multiple events, each demanding its own ensemble, sometimes leaving little room to consider what the patriarch of the family should wear. It is far more common than one might think for the father of the bride to be left to fend for himself in the aisles of menswear.

Sheetal Sharma, a writer, herself a recent bride, still wishes she had given her father’s outfit more thought.

“Honestly, we were all so busy with the wedding arrangements that we barely even thought about outfits. My dad ended up choosing his own clothes because everything was so rushed and emotional.”

He looked dashing, of course, as fathers so often do. Yet in hindsight, she admits she had a vision.

“But if I could go back in time, I think I would’ve loved to see him in a different colour…maybe a greyish shade. I know it would’ve looked so good on him.”

And so, dear brides, what if I proposed a simple solution? Share this article with your father. Allow him to be guided, gently, towards elegance.

Even in my own work circle, the issue persists. With a December wedding looming, soon-to-be bride Priyamvada Rana from our editorial team finds herself swept up in planning.

“Fathers have a tendency to always think about the whole family in wedding planning, neglecting themselves the most when it comes to picking their outfit…their selfless soul and always-giving nature prioritises everybody but themselves,” she tells me.

Priyamvada, too, knows precisely what she’d like her father to wear.

“For my wedding, I have chosen a golden embroidered lehenga with blush-pink dupatta… I would love it if my father were to wear a deep garnet green kurta over off-white dhoti… and layer it with a golden zari-work bandhgala jacket which would also complement when he walks with me.”

The significance of the father’s attire cannot be overstated. Long after the flowers wilt and the music fades, the photographs remain – future heirlooms to be shared with children and grandchildren.

One such reminder comes from Nagaland’s rising photographer, Qhevika Swu, who recalls a favourite father-daughter moment.

“One standout moment was a father wearing a classic suit with a soft pastel tie that matched the bride’s bouquet. It was a minute detail, but it tied everything together beautifully and made their photos feel heartfelt.”

Yet he offers a cautionary note.

“One common issue I often see especially with fathers who may not be accustomed to formal dressing is ill-fitting suits. Whether it’s too baggy or too tight, a suit that doesn’t fit properly can create awkward photos later on. It’s something that can be easily avoided with a little extra care and research.”

Fear not, dear Father of the Bride. In the spirit of a certain lady whose words once dictated the ton’s triumphs, and with whom, I confess, I share a certain mischievous editorial flair, I have taken it upon myself to curate a selection of wedding-day ensembles worthy of your daughter’s grand moment.

THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE LOOK BOOK

The Classic Gentleman

For the father who prefers sophistication without spectacle. The bandhgala carries a legacy that dates back to the courts of Indian royalty, where it symbolized stature and refined taste. Manish Malhotra brings that heritage into the modern world with meticulous craftsmanship and a focus on perfect structure. This piece lets its sharp tailoring, rich colour, and graceful silhouette speak for themselves. It’s just right for a moment as meaningful as your daughter’s wedding.

For The Flashy Father Of The Bride

Decadent, dramatic, and undeniably majestic! If you, or your father, should the bride be the one reading and taking notes – gravitate toward the flamboyant and dramatic, this glamorous black silk velvet hand-embroidered sherwani from Rohit Bal’s Kaaynaat collection is the ultimate choice.

Black, But Never Boring

For FOBs who prefer a minimalist approach, this Shantanu & Nikhil ensemble is a great choice. The tonal black textured kurta, matched with their classic S&N waistcoat, creates a look that’s sleek, stylish, and subtly suave without drawing unnecessary attention.

For The Man Newly Adventurous

If the bride has diplomatically nudged you toward something a tad hatke, this soft blush hue open bandhgala from Tarun Tahiliani is a great way to comply without compromising your comfort zone. The intricate Sujani-style motifs, delicate pearls, and neat French knots give it personality in the subtlest, sweetest way.

The Pastel Pioneer

For FOBs who’ve just discovered the magic of soft colours, here’s your moment. This look is gentle, regal, and practically made for an outdoor ceremony. And if you’re worried soft hues are too “delicate,” remember – Shah Rukh Khan wore it first. Manish Malhotra’s light olive open V-neck sherwani, teamed with a classic salwar and finished with a grand multi-layered haar, creates a look that’s stately. You’re giving your princess away – go ahead and dress the part of the king.

Pink Is the New Black

Staying within the pastel tribe, here’s a gem: a Matka Silk Bandhgala from Rohit Bal’s Kaaynaat collection, complete with intricate silk-thread embroidery. Team it with white or cream pants and consider yourself officially wedding-ready.

The Baddie Daddy Ensemble

And for the baddie daddies – yes, the tough, cool, super-stylish, gym-regular types – this Manish Malhotra ensemble is your moment. It’s edgy enough to feel on-brand but still perfectly wedding-appropriate. The cropped velvet tuxedo, draped shirt, cummerbund, and velvet trousers from Manish Malhotra’s Inaya cocktail collection bring all the drama in the chicest way. Top it off with a small regal touch, like a lapel pin or brooch, and you’re set.

The Regal Visionary

And finally, for the FOBs who love a dash of drama in their look, this Charnell Sherwani Set is the perfect pick. This Falguni Shane Peacock ivory sherwani, rich with intricate threadwork, paired with raw silk pants and a dupatta featuring a chrome appliqué border, is regal and effortlessly unforgettable.

Closing Notes From Your Humble Writer

Should any father find himself uncertain, overwhelmed, or tempted to dismiss his own attire as inconsequential, I urge him to reconsider. For on that day – when he holds his daughter’s hand, steadies her breath, and walks her towards her future – he too becomes part of the story. A visual companion to a moment that will be recounted for generations.

And as Lady Whistledown herself might say (were she to oversee weddings in our parts) – Fashion, much like love, rewards the brave.