Think of them as the special ops team of wedding wear—they come in, clean up the unnecessary frills, and leave you looking like you just stepped out of a magazine (but can still sit down comfortably). This dynamic duo has carved their niche by infusing classic Indian silhouettes with sharp, Western-inspired tailoring. They've mastered the art of minimalist luxury, proving that sometimes the coolest statement is the one that doesn't shout.  

*Interview with Sandeep Gonsalves, Co-founder of Sarah and Sandeep
 

What according to you are three essential elements of Indian wedding wear for men? 
Minimalist luxury: where a piece has an understated elegance. It’s about refined details and quality materials. 

Fit, fabric, and form: The fit of wedding attire must be precise and tailored. High-quality fabric, like silk or velvet, elevates the overall feel, while the form ensures that the outfit complements the occasion. 

Contemporary styling to stand out: blending tradition with modern aesthetics including asymmetrical cuts, fabric manipulation and embroidery. 

How do you design cocktail menswear that can transition seamlessly across various wedding functions? 
Crafting outfits that aren’t too heavy, allowing them to be styled up or down. Versatility is key and outfits should have a timeless appeal that makes them suitable for different occasions. Neutral colours are essential as they provide adaptability. Shades like charcoal, navy, or ivory work across various settings and aren’t restricted to one type of event. 

How do you choose materials that enhance both structure and comfort in Western-style suits for Indian weddings? 
We prioritise materials like worsted wool, which is suitable for different weather conditions. The interior lining is equally important. Using natural fibres like Bemberg ensures that the suit remains comfortable for long hours. 

What trends are you noticing among grooms when it comes to cocktail menswear?  
They prefer classic yet elevated styles, like bandhgalas that have subtle yet striking embellishments, or clean silhouettes. In Western suits, grooms are opting to reimagine traditional suit styles. This might involve playing with fabric textures or adding personalised details like monogrammed buttons. Unique jackets are gaining popularity, with grooms favouring global blends such as Indo-western bandhgalas or safari jackets. 

What aspects of Western tailoring do you find resonate most with the modern Indian groom wear? 
Modern Indian groom wear places emphasis on a precise fit. Details like shoulder structure, chest shaping, and the exact length of jackets and trousers are crucial. A well-tailored outfit speaks volumes and highlights the groom’s physique perfectly. Colour choices are evolving too. Grooms are increasingly opting for darker jewel tones like midnight blue, deep grey, or classic beige, which add a touch of luxury while staying versatile.  

What are the biggest challenges you face when combining the sophistication of Western tailoring with the vibrant, celebratory nature of Indian wedding wear? 
The biggest challenge is achieving a harmonious balance where less truly becomes more. This involves careful silhouette reconstruction or making subtle modifications to classic Western cuts. Indian grooms are accustomed to heavily embellished designs, but the aim is to create outfits that remain sophisticated and can be worn beyond the wedding day. Current trends show that grooms from our clientele prefer darker tones for evening functions, opting for a sleek and refined look. To align with their partners’ attire, classic styles work cleanly and lighter daytime functions call for adaptable colour palettes. For a modern yet festive touch, we design bandi-kurta and trouser pairings that add freshness and versatility. 

How do you approach accessorizing Western-style cocktail attire for grooms? 
We draw inspiration from geometric elements, which influence our handcrafted jewellery pieces. This includes diamond-studded brooches and bespoke cufflinks that elevate a classic suit with a regal touch. Pocket brooches and uniquely designed bandhgala buttons add sophistication. To make the accessories eye-catching, we incorporate interesting shapes and subtle detailing.  

From your perspective, how has men’s cocktail and formal wear evolved in Indian weddings, and where do you see it heading in the next few years? 
Its evolved to include more experimental silhouettes. Grooms are stepping away from conventional designs, exploring options like safari jackets, asymmetrical hemlines, and modernised festive outfits. Looking ahead, we anticipate a trend toward even greater creativity, with grooms embracing fusion wear that blends Western tailoring with Indian craftsmanship. There will likely be a stronger emphasis on personalisation.