Fashion

How Should The Father Of The Bride Sherwani Dress?

The wedding day sees the couple as the stars of the show, not only because they are celebrating their union, but also in terms of their look. But there are other key figures "in the spotlight," and for them too, the outfit matters. If you fall into this category and are unsure how the father of the bride should Sherwani dress, this article is for you.

While men's clothing isn't as popular as women's (yes, any reference to wedding dresses is purely coincidental), Pakistani weddings are a significant moment for all family members. So, let's see what the father of the bride should wear to his daughter's wedding.

Made to exude dignity and class, these Pakistani sherwani suits are perfect for the modern man. Designed for elegance, comfort, and sophistication.

General rules for the father of the bride's look

Generally speaking, the father of the bride's Sherwani suit should generally match that of the groom and groomsmen. This doesn't mean everyone should be dressed the same, but they should somehow complement the overall style. Keeping this basic rule in mind, to make your choice easier, consider a few variables:

. The dress code indicated by the spouses (if there is one)
. The bride's dress
. The type of location
. The theme of the wedding (especially the palette)
. The time the ceremony takes place
. The season in which weddings are celebrated.

You can't go wrong with a classic sherwani suit or Suits, but it all depends on the level of formality and the variables just listed. For example, if the wedding is on the mosque, elegant Kurta trousers with just a shalwar kameez or possibly a waistcoat might suffice, but in lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and colors appropriate to the setting. Conversely, if the nikah ceremony takes place in the late afternoon or evening in a castle, a dark sherwani suit with a kurta pajama will be essential. 

But be careful: when choosing the father of the bride's attire, it's important to also consider the groom's look. Just as no guest should overshadow the bride on her special day, the groom should also be the center of attention. In short, his sherwani suit should be the most elegant or, at least, the one that stands out from all the others.

How To Choose The Color Of The Father Of The Bride's Sherwani Suit

We've seen the general guidelines for how the father of the bride should Sherwani dress, but now let's look at another key detail: What color to choose? Most fathers opt for black, dark gray, or navy blue sherwani suits, but why limit yourself to these two traditional choices? There are some interesting color options to consider for a wedding.

Burgundy, for example, is perfect for a fall wedding, especially if the ceremony takes place outdoors, perhaps in a vineyard. Green, in light or more intense shades, is also an excellent choice for fathers who want something different. And then there are beige and brown, two splendid shades to consider if they fit in with the theme and the season. Or, why not, patterns, embroidery, and other unique fabric designs.

Which Accessories To Choose For The Father Of The Bride

While fathers should take cues from the groom's look, that doesn't mean they can't add a touch of personality to their wedding day look through accessories. To do so, they can choose unique shawl, cufflinks, a turban, or a pocket square. In short, there are many ways to add a touch of personality to a formal look, as long as the accessory isn't too over the top.

How to Match the Father's Look to the Bride and Groom

As mentioned, the father of the bride's Sherwani suit should coordinate with those of the groom and groomsmen. For example, if all the groomsmen wear light-colored Sherwani suits, the father should opt for a Sherwani suit in a similar (but not identical) shade. If the groom and groomsmen wear suits, the father of the bride should also wear one. This helps prevent the father from overshadowing the groom, while also keeping his look consistent with the overall wedding aesthetic. And above all, he should coordinate with his daughter: if the wedding dress has a few small pops of color, the father could pick up on that in the shawl or accessories.

The Ideal Look for The Father Of The Bride

The father of a bride should wear a traditional Sherwani outfit that is majestic, regal, and respectful of the local culture, reflecting his status as the guest of honor on the wedding day. His attire should be elegant and refined, striking a balance that distinguishes him from the other guests without overshadowing the groom.
Since Pakistani weddings are multi-day celebrations, his wardrobe changes depending on the specific event.

1. The Main Event: Barat (Wedding Day)

The Barat is hosted by the bride's family, with the father taking the lead in the ceremony. Formal and dignified attire is required, befitting his daughter's special day.

The Sherwani: This is a traditional, top-class choice for those of high social standing. High-quality fabrics such as raw silk, jamawar, or delicate jacquard should be chosen.

Colors to Wear: Deep, rich colors such as charcoal gray, navy blue, deep maroon, and olive green exude exceptional elegance.

Embroidery: Unlike the groom's sherwani, which is often elaborately decorated, the father's sherwani should ideally feature subtle and elegant embroidery on the collar, cuffs, and buttons.

What to avoid: Avoid pure white, ivory, or heavily embroidered sherwani, as these are typically for the groom.

Alternative (Prince Coat): A modern alternative is a well-tailored prince coat or structured waistcoat paired with a fine, crisp white or off-white shalwar kameez.

2. The Religious Ceremony: Nikkah (Islamic Wedding)
The Nikah emphasizes Islamic tradition and modesty.
The Attire: Wear a high-quality designer shalwar kameez or kurta (Pakistani traditional clothing).
The Details: Choose clean, light colors such as ivory, beige, or light gray, and layer with a plain velvet or silk waistcoat. This creates a very devout, refined, and prayer-appropriate attire..

3. The Pre-Wedding: Mehndi / Mayoun
These are vibrant, joyful events filled with music, color, and tradition.
The Attire: Pair a light and comfortable cotton-silk or Chikankari embroidered kurta with traditional straight trousers or a loose shalwar.
The Colors: Bright and vibrant colors are perfect for the occasion. Mustard yellow, emerald green, and burnt orange are good choices.
The Style: A bright kurta paired with a simple, contrasting neutral-colored waistcoat creates a mature and sophisticated impression as a parent.

4. The Wedding Reception: Walima
The Walima ceremony is hosted by the groom's family, allowing the bride's father to relax a bit as a guest.
The Attire: Western-style formal wear is very common and preferred on this day. A perfectly tailored three-piece suit or a sharp tuxedo is standard.
Colors and Accessories: A dark navy blue, charcoal gray, or dark gray suit is most appropriate. To show family unity, the groom may match the color of his tie or pocket square to the color of the bride's mother's attire.

Styling Tips
Coordination is important, but avoid matching outfits: While the father should coordinate the colors of his attire with his wife (the bride's mother) for beautiful family photos, avoid wearing the exact same outfit as his wife or the groom.
Footwear: Traditional Khussas or Peshawari chappals (made of fine leather) further enhance traditional attire. For a walima (wedding reception) suit, polished leather Oxford shoes or loafers are recommended.
Hat (optional): In some traditional families and regions, the bride's father may wear a formal kullah (turban) or jinnah (karakul hat) when entering the wedding ceremony to signify his role as the head of the family.

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