Summer stands for many things: mangoes, beaches, chilled beers, tropical cocktails and, dare we say, neon green board shorts. In recent times, it’s also become the season of big-ticket weddings for folk who prefer taking their vows under sunny skies rather than what have now become smog-filled winters. While there’s enough out there to help you tackle year-end celebrations, we thought we’ll do you one and take on summer weddings. Here’s your fool-proof guide for the festivities that lie ahead, whether you’re taking centre stage as the groom or are one of the baraatis joining the party.  

The Rulebook  

Shades of summer: Forget deep red and all-over black, designers are telling you to show up in happy colours like baby blue, lavender and mint green. If you’re feeling adventurous take it up a notch in sherbet hues like peach and lemon yellow. And if you want to steal the spotlight and make sure all eyes are on you, bring in bold pops of coral or emerald into your look. Make sure to bring in prints, too, in your trousseau—from ajrakh, kalamkari, patola and bohemian patterns to micro florals.  

Uncompromised silhouettes: Let’s face it, men have never been more aware of what they like, don’t and how they want to put forth their personal style. And for many of them this means sleek, tailored sherwanis that hug their well-toned bodies; kurtas boasting sharp shoulders and clean lines that exude sophistication. Don’t be fooled, however, none of this translates as boring. Guys are experimenting with daring cuts and unexpected lengths to inject a dash of modernity into tradition.  

Breezy textiles: Opt for breathable champions like luxurious linen, featherlight cotton, and airy seersucker. If that feels too plain, bring in embellishment and embroidery on your fabric. Want to flex those muscles? Sport kurtas in sheer fabrics but preferably in shades of white for the day and black for the night to avoid looking tacky. For a visual reference, check out Ahan Shetty's look from Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul's reception.  

Tackling multiple occasions: Summer weddings often encompass various events –  the mehndi, sangeet, pool parties, brunches, the ceremony itself and a few dozen micro events – each presenting an opportunity to flaunt your sartorial versatility. The mehndi calls for vibrant colours; think emerald green or turquoise blue. Switch over to softer shades like ivory or off-white adorned with prints and embroidery for the haldi ceremony. Bring in deeper tones for the sangeet, like midnight blue or black but sans layers. A tailored black kurta with mirror work paired with aligarhi trousers is your template. For the groom and friends of the groom, pastels and shades of white are your biggest allies for the main ceremony. But only when worn with shine in the form of embellishment, embroidery and statement prints.  

Designers To Bookmark 

Raghavendra Rathore 
He’s one of India’s most formidable designers who for almost three decades has been redefining what elegant dressing means for the modern man. It’s possibly how he made Jodhpuri trousers a staple in any man’s wedding trousseau, besides tailored-to-perfection achkans and bandis. Rathore, who undoubtedly should be your go-to for understated menswear that exudes class and royalty (none of the loud, in-your-face stuff, here) tell us that, “A modern-day groom seeks ease in dressing, with attire adaptable to various destinations and ceremony spaces, while accessories serve to accentuate one’s look.” 

Shantnu & Nikhil 
For over two decades, this designer duo has carved a unique niche in Indian menswear, redefining ceremonial wear for the modern man with a distinctly masculine edge. You’ll see shoulders accentuated with badges akin to what elderly statesmen wore in a newly independent India; cummerbunds styled like armour belts; and asymmetrical silhouettes in abundance for a boho touch. Their designs resonate with the younger generation, offering a fresh perspective on traditional elements. It’s why their fusion Indianwear is a great sell for a sangeet or reception, even a wedding if you’re an alternative groom. Take the plunge.  

Osman Abdul Razak 
Designer Osman Abdul Razak is known for his second-to-none tailoring with his ensembles fitting the wearer like a second skin. His wares are also diverse, whether you plan to wear an achkan for a traditional phera ceremony or his jacket and shirt hybrid on the streets of Florence.  Razak’s creations effortlessly adapt to any occasion. “By embracing the artistry of sartorial craftsmanship and exquisite tailoring, we endeavour to offer the discerning gentleman a blend of tradition and modernity. Our achkan stands as a symbol of opulence, marrying premium fabrics with the authentic,” says the designer. For those intrigued by the allure of quiet luxury and understated elegance in their wedding attire, seeking Razak is imperative. 

Kunal Rawal 
Kunal Rawal is Bollywood’s menswear maestro, and with good reason. His deconstructed jackets, glow-in-the-dark bandhgalas, and cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing and zero-waste patterns consistently push the boundaries of men's occasion wear. It’s why everyone from Shahid Kapoor to Varun Dhawan and Vicky Kaushal are fans of Rawal’s work.  

Sarah & Sandeep 
India's bespoke tailoring tradition lives on with a contemporary twist thanks to design label Sarah & Sandeep. Their Mumbai boutique acts as a one-stop shop for any man looking for a personalised, custom-made look. And it all starts with selecting the right fabric, especially for a summer wedding. “A wool-linen mix is a perfect choice for slightly lighter fabrics, balancing comfort and style. It offers the benefits of worsted wool, a classic choice while incorporating the relaxed tailoring look associated with linen that many favour,” says Sandeep Gonsalves.  

Khanijo 
Gaurav Khanijo first drew his inspiration from his impeccably dressed grandfather who migrated to India from Pakistan, post-partition. It’s how Khanijo’s designs are deeply rooted in Indian culture, but are presented in an alternative, almost bohemian manner to appeal to the global local. This applies to his wedding wear as well that would be best suited on an informed man who doesn’t take himself too seriously. “It's all about the intricate language woven into the design ethos. From the silhouette of the garments to the choice of fabrics – be it silk, brocade, velvet, or jacquard – and even down to the subtle motifs used as brooches or design elements, every detail speaks volumes. Moreover, the bold play with colours, such as the timeless charm of traditional red or the regal charm of rani pink, adds an enchanting dimension to menswear, says Khanijo. 

Torani 
Torani isn’t just a fashion house; it’s a gateway to cherished memories and the vibrant tapestry of Indian heritage. Led by designer Karan Torani, the brand explores the lifelong affair between handlooms and the soul of Indian craftsmanship. From opulent silk sherwanis to Chanderi kurtas, Torani's designs transport us to a different era, where creativity reigns supreme. 

Tasva 
When couturier Tarun Tahiliani collaborated with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd to launch Tasva, a star was indeed born. “Our collection features a diverse selection of kurta sets, Indo-Western ensembles, kurta bundi sets, bandhgalas, and achkans, ideal for budget-conscious grooms and their friends,” says designer Tarun Tahiliani. “We focus on delivering exceptional value, ensuring our prices reflect the quality of our fabrics, which include premium blends of cotton, viscose, and silk.” 

Accessories Maketh the Man 

Selecting accessories that resonate with your personality is paramount. Inject sentimentality with a classic watch or personalised cufflinks, adding a touch of nostalgia to your ensemble. If you opt for an ivory or off-white Sherwani, bandhgala, or kurta, don't hesitate to embellish with a statement neckpiece. Embrace bold colours like emerald green or mustard yellow to infuse vibrancy into your look. While practicality is essential, ensure your accessories, such as a handkerchief and sunglasses, are not only summer must-haves but also stylish. 

Note: All products listed above are available at aza fashion online and in store.

If the Shoe Fits

In most Indian weddings, the groom pays twice for his shoes. You know, in case the first pair gets ‘lost’. So, selecting the perfect footwear to complement your outfit is doubly important. With a plethora of options ranging from open footwear like Kolhapuris to mojris and peshawaris, the choices are abundant. If you're wearing a bandhgala, a classic oxford or monkstrap might be the ideal choice, while juttis, mojris, peshawaris, and Kolhapuris pair seamlessly with kurtas. For a more badass look, leather boots can make a stylish statement when paired with a sherwani or kurta and churidar.

Jeetinder Sandhu 
Not every man can fill Jeetinder Sandhu’s shoes. With a quirky charm and undeniable allure, his footwear pieces are truly a work of art. Adorned with vintage textile pieces and tie-dye lace-ups, his collection even includes gender-neutral brogues. Beware, there’s a chance your sister-in-law may keep them for herself and give you the money instead. 

SKO 
When an investment banker transitions into a shoe designer, you can expect that the guy knows how to make his product sell. Nishant Kanodia does just that with SKO that’s rooted in Scandinavia’s minimalist ethos and exudes sophistication. From rhinestone-studded loafers to woven leather mules and mojris, SKO offers a range of options to pamper your feet on your big day or if you’re attending someone else’s. Best part? They’re versatile enough to wear all year round.  

Shutiq 
Shutiq's intricate embroidered mojris will add a touch of royalty to add any look, besides a ton of glamour. For evening festivities, opt for their black mojris with gold embroidery for an elevated look that says you’re the man of the hour (even if you’re not. To truly make a bold statement, sink in to their metallic or embellished loafers. 

 Grooming 101 

Hair 
While your bride may spend hours perfecting her hairdo, dedicating a few minutes to your grooming routine is essential. While many opt for a timeless crew cut or a laid-back textured style in the summer, groomsmen have an array of choices to complement the occasion's vibe. Sunil Jadhav, a senior trainer at Truefitt & Hill. “For Indian grooms wearing ethnic attire, a popular choice is to go for a classic and elegant look. Consider a well-groomed hairstyle like a sleek side-parted style, a neat pompadour, or a traditional slicked-back look. These styles complement traditional sherwanis or kurta-pajamas. Additionally, incorporating accessories like a traditional turban or a hair accessory can enhance the cultural appeal of the groom's hairstyle.” 

Skin 
The sun and heat pose challenges for a groom's complexion, but preparation is key. Traditional ceremonies like haldi can help, but establishing a skincare routine is crucial. We asked Dr Kiran Sethi, a prominent figure in the field of aesthetics, cosmetic dermatology, and wellness, about a go-to skincare routine for men leading up to their big day. 

1) The most important is sunblock—wear indoors and outdoors so you can reduce pigmentation and sun damage. 

2) A topical pore-refining product is great for reducing pore size and oil to prevent acne.  

3) Look for a scrub with brightening agents to do once a week. 

4) A good niacinamide mask will improve skin clarity. 

Captured on video

Your wedding day is a moving masterpiece—a symphony of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Amidst the multitude of decisions, choosing the right videographer to immortalize your story stands out as pivotal. And who better than The Wedding Filmer, who captured the union of Anushka and Virat, and Deepika and Ranveer. Led by Vishal Punjabi, a Bollywood and ad-film maker, The Wedding Filmer embarked on its journey in 2010 and has continued to roll the reels of love ever since.

But how do they get it right each time? “Having the right team, doing thorough preparation, and using the appropriate equipment to film contributes to achieving the ideal aesthetic for the summer weddings we aim to capture. When it comes to music, we prefer to align with current trends while infusing a timeless quality, prioritising depth over superficiality,” says Punjabi.

Destinations, Decor and Dummy Hacks

It takes a village to execute a wedding but luckily the Shaadi Squad founders Tina Tharwani and Saurabh Malhotra share their tips, tricks and trends that make yours a breeze to pull off. 

MW: What are the top trending destinations for summer weddings? 
Shaadi Squad: Andaman Islands, and Lakshadweep are great places to explore something unconventional. We recently executed an intimate wedding at Havelock in Andaman. Srinagar, Darjeeling, Shimla, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Manali, and Bekal are some other destinations which are not as tapped for weddings and can be considered for small, intimate gatherings. In the case of international weddings, London, Istanbul, Italy, and Thailand are ideal to explore. Each of these locations has its own unique charm and cultural significance, giving couples a variety of choices to make their wedding celebrations genuinely memorable. 

MW: What are some key considerations for couples planning a destination wedding in the summer? 
SS: Planning a destination wedding in the summer involves careful consideration of various factors beyond just the location. Monitoring the climate in the daytime is of utmost importance since a lot of Indian ritualistic functions happen in the daytime. Easy accessibility to the location; indoor spaces available at the venue; if there’s an already built-up marquee structure outdoors; how naturally covered the outdoor spaces are with trees; availability of mist fans, ACs and coolers across all the outdoor venues; the kind of food that can be curated keeping in mind the season; where will the guests be coming from and will they be able to cope with the weather; the kind of outfits that the guests, as well as the bride and groom themselves, need to plan are also some of the other points to keep in mind. 

MW: Can you suggest a few themes? 
SS: Summer weddings are meant to be colourful, allowing for a wide range of themes to create a festive atmosphere. Keeping that in mind, working around with tropical prints and themes is the best way to integrate a summer palette into your linen, decor, tablescapes, wardrobe etc. Soft pastels, a whimsical garden, and contemporary boho are some of the themes that work hand in hand with the vibe of the functions. 

MW: What are some of the innovative and unusual themes one can explore? 
SS: A fairy-tale theme; a masquerade ball theme; and a black and white theme to name a few. 

MW: Wedding hacks for summer 
SS: Hydration and detox water bars, old-school ice candy counters, and a small cart with handheld fans are some of the fun ways in which you can help beat the heat for your guests. Keep your itinerary as free flowing as possible and try to have more functions starting from sundowner to avoid outdoors in the daytime. Curate light and easy-to-eat to eat menus for daytime functions – it’s difficult to digest heavy food in the scorching heat. Use easy fabrics like linen, cotton etc as much as possible.