For the groom's side, a kurta pajama suits most events and takes 7 to 14 days to stitch; a sherwani is the formal choice for the ceremony and should be ordered six to eight weeks ahead; a pathani suit is a smart middle ground. Order family kurtas four weeks before, and measure everyone in one visit.
The three main choices
| Outfit | What it is | Best for | From price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurta pajama | A long tunic shirt with straight or churidar-style trousers | Mehndi, sangeet, jaggo, gurdwara, family members | $75 |
| Pathani suit | A longer kurta with a shirt collar and cuffs, worn with salwar-style trousers | A smart, simple look for the groom or his brothers | $85 |
| Sherwani | A long, structured coat worn over a kurta and churidar or trousers | The groom at the ceremony or reception | $275 |
Add a Nehru jacket or waistcoat ($120) over a kurta pajama and you have a sharper look for the reception without the weight of a sherwani. Many families choose matching jackets in one colour for brothers and cousins.
Choosing for each event
- Mehndi night and sangeet: light kurta pajamas in cotton, linen or soft silk blends. Comfortable for dancing.
- Jaggo: something you do not mind getting warm in, because there is a lot of bhangra.
- Anand Karaj: often a sherwani or a smart kurta pajama for the groom, with a pagg (turban) matched or co-ordinated with the bride's outfit. Family usually wear kurta pajama with heads covered.
- Pheras and nikkah: a sherwani is the classic choice for the groom; a pathani or kurta with jacket suits family.
- Reception: sherwani, a Nehru jacket over a kurta, or a western suit. Many grooms change between ceremony and reception.
How early to order
- 6–8 weeks beforeOrder the sherwani. It is a structured garment with lining and finishing, and it needs fittings.
- 4–6 weeks beforeBook a family measurement visit for the groom's side.
- 4 weeks beforeLatest comfortable point to order kurta pajamas. They take 7 to 14 days, with a trial fitting.
- 2 weeks beforeTrial fittings and any adjustments. Sherwani fitting or alterations are $45.
- 1 week beforeCollect everything and try it all on together, shoes included.
We can rush kurtas in about a week when needed, but in October to March, wedding season in Surrey and the Lower Mainland, the earlier the better.
Measuring the whole family at once
Getting six men and three boys to a tailor on different days is how weddings run late. A family measurement visit takes about an hour: we measure everyone in one sitting, note the styles and fabrics, and keep every measurement on file for next time.
- Chest, waist, seat, shoulder, sleeve, neck, kurta length and pajama length for each person.
- One fabric choice per person, or one matching fabric bought in bulk for the group.
- Style notes: collar type, buttons, pockets, churidar or straight pajama.
- Four or more kurta pajamas get 10% off each set.
Fabric and fit
- Cotton and linen: breathable and comfortable for daytime and dancing. They crease, which is part of the look.
- Silk and silk blends: richer colour and sheen for ceremonies and receptions.
- Brocade, jacquard and velvet: for sherwanis and jackets, especially in winter.
- Fit: a kurta should sit comfortably across the shoulders and chest without pulling at the buttons when you sit.
- Length: kurtas usually fall to around the knee; pathanis a little longer. Bring the shoes, such as Punjabi juttis or mojaris, you will wear for the pajama length.
Not sure how much fabric to buy? Ask us before you shop. It depends on height, style and whether the fabric has a border or pattern to match.
What it costs
| Item | From price |
|---|---|
| Kurta pajama | $75 |
| Kurta only | $50 |
| Pathani suit | $85 |
| Nehru jacket or waistcoat | $120 |
| Sherwani | $275 |
| Sherwani fitting or alteration | $45 |
| Shirt | $65 |
| Trousers | $55 |
| Family set: 4 or more kurta pajamas | 10% off each |
Prices are for stitching your fabric and are before tax. A 50% deposit is taken when the order ticket is written, with the price and ready date on it.
The bride's side, planned together
Because beauty and tailoring are under one roof at our Newton studio, the groom's outfits can be planned on the same timeline as the bride's lehenga fittings and makeup trial. The Bride & Family package ($2,499) includes the groom's kurta pajama or sherwani along with the bride's makeup, family makeup and outfit fittings.
Questions
How early should the groom order a sherwani?
Six to eight weeks before the wedding, to allow time for stitching and fittings.
How long does a kurta pajama take to stitch?
Seven to fourteen days, with one trial fitting. Order four weeks before the wedding to be comfortable.
What is the difference between a kurta and a pathani?
A pathani is usually longer, with a shirt collar and cuffs, and is worn with salwar-style trousers. A kurta is simpler, often with a band collar.
Can the whole family be measured together?
Yes. Book a family measurement visit and we'll measure everyone in about an hour and keep the measurements on file.
Is there a discount for family kurta pajamas?
Yes. Four or more kurta pajama sets get 10% off each.
How much is sherwani stitching in Surrey?
At Glam & Seam, sherwani stitching starts at $275, and a sherwani fitting or alteration at $45.