Styling Guide: Best Reception Outfit Ideas for Men

When it comes to formal outfits for men, there's a common misconception that there aren't many options. That couldn't be further from the truth. Men's outfits come in a wide range of styles and can be customized in an infinite number of ways. If you're getting married soon and need some great reception outfit ideas for men, we've got you covered! The reception ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of any wedding because it is the couple's first public appearance after their wedding. You don't want to look shabby or boring at your own wedding reception! After all, you need some great photos with your lady as well. Whether you're a fan of Indian wear or prefer more modern looks, there's an outfit for everyone to look dapper on their wedding day. Continue reading to see all of the looks we've put together for you.

Here are some fantastic reception outfit ideas for men to consider:

A Classic Tuxedo for a Dapper Look

A tuxedo, also known as a dinner jacket, is one of the most traditional receptions outfit options. Because the reception is a formal event, wear a dark suit such as navy, black, or dark brown. You can choose between a two-piece and a three-piece tuxedo. If you want to wear a three-piece tux, you can choose between a waistcoat and a cummerbund. Tuxedos were traditionally worn with cummerbunds, and the pleats on them were intended to hold theatre tickets when pants did not have pockets. So, if you want to channel your vintage persona, opt for a cummerbund, but make sure you style it correctly.

It is not difficult to style a tuxedo if you accessorize it well. To complete the dapper look, pair your tuxedo with a bow tie, lapel pin, and matching pocket square. Suspenders are also a great way to go vintage. Wearing a white tie with a tuxedo is inappropriate for wedding ceremonies and should be avoided.

Formal Suit for a Conventional Look

When it comes to reception outfit ideas for men, formal suits are a popular choice. If you want to go for a more traditional, evergreen look, choose a dark blue, brown, or black coat suit. The most important aspect of styling a suit is that it fits you well and snuggly. As a result, it's always better to invest in a good tailor-made suit rather than buying off the rack. 

A suit, like a tux, can be accessorized in an infinite number of ways. A tie and a pocket square are a must-have. You could also accessorize the suit with a lapel pin and cufflinks on the shirt sleeves. When wearing a suit, your shirt sleeves should be exposed by half an inch. You'll look smarter and be able to show off your cufflings more easily this way. When it comes to accessories, one of the most important things to remember is to always match your shoes and belt to avoid a sloppy look.

Go Indo-Western With a Bandhgala

The Bandhgala, or Jodhpuri suit over cotton vest, was popularised by the British in 19th century Jodhpur, but it is now a popular choice in India for formal wear for men. If you want a more Indo-western look, go for a bandhgala made of raw silk, velvet, silk brocade, and so on. These suits look best when paired with band-collared shirts and designer pocket squares. To complete the look, pair them with straight pants or churidaar.

As the silhouette of this suit is meant to be snug, make sure the bandhgala fits you well. It should be body-hugging but not constricting in any way. Finally, if you're feeling daring, try styling your bandhgala with printed pocket squares or neck cravats for a fashionable look.

Sherwani for Grooms who Love Ethnic Wear

While most grooms wear sherwanis to weddings, this elegant ethnic attire is also appropriate for receptions. When dressing a sherwani for a wedding, it is typically paired with a stole and a safa. You can, however, forego any of these accessories for the reception. One of the most elegant ways to pull off this look is to wear an achkan in a dark, solid color with a pocket square. Achkans are similar to sherwanis but are slightly shorter and more tapered from the waist down for a compact, snug look.

Pair your achkan with dhoti pants and ethnic juttis for a more ethnic look. If you want to go for a dapper, modern look, pair your achkan with straight fit pants or churidaar or printed lungi and dress shoes. To complete the look, switch out a straight slit in the jacket for a diagonal one and add a brooch to make it dressier.

Nehru Jacket for a Small and Intimate Reception

Since Covid-19, large-scale Indian weddings have given way to smaller, more intimate ceremonies. For these types of receptions, you could wear light yet stylish outfits, such as a Nehru jacket and kurta set. This is a traditional option that is often used for mehendi or sangeet nights. However, if you want something minimalistic and movement-friendly, you can style it for a reception as well.

You can go for an all-black look or pair your kurta pajama with a contrasting Nehru jacket. For a reception, try metallic Nehru jackets with dark-colored kurtas, as bright-colored and printed kurtas are better suited for functions such as mehendi or haldi. Finish the look with a complimentary pocket square and dress shoes for your intimate reception party.

Experiment with these looks for your wedding reception!