Vests At Weddings: A Stylish Do Or A Don't?

Deciding what to wear to a wedding can be tricky, especially when it comes to vests. While some people believe that wearing a vest to a wedding is perfectly acceptable, others may consider it inappropriate or too casual. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear a vest to a wedding depends on several factors, including the time of year, the formality of the event, and the preferences of the bride and groom.

Wedding guest wearing a vest

When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few things to consider before deciding to wear a vest as a guest. Firstly, it is important to respect the dress code specified by the couple. If there is no dress code, consider the formality of the event, the season, and the venue.

If you are male and want to wear a vest with a suit, it is generally acceptable to do so as a wedding guest, especially if the vest is part of a three-piece suit. Vests can add a stylish touch and make you stand out from the other guests. They are also a good option for warm weather weddings, as they are thinner than jackets and can be worn without the suit jacket. However, some may consider vests to be too casual for a wedding, so it is worth assessing the formality of the event.

If you are female, wearing a vest to a wedding can be a unique and stylish choice. Vests for women come in a variety of styles, from formal waistcoats to casual, open-front vests. Consider the formality of the wedding and choose a vest that aligns with the dress code. Layering a vest over a dress or pairing it with a blouse and trousers can create an elegant and sophisticated look.

It is important to note that the vest should complement the overall outfit and not be the main attraction. Choose a vest that fits well and is made from high-quality fabric. Avoid bold patterns or bright colours that may be distracting. As a guest, you don't want to upstage the wedding party, so it is best to avoid white vests, which are typically reserved for the bride and groom.

In conclusion, wearing a vest as a wedding guest can be a stylish choice, but it is important to consider the formality of the event, the season, and the venue. Vests can add a unique touch to your outfit, but they should not be the main focus of your attire. Remember to choose a well-fitting vest made from appropriate fabric and avoid colours or patterns that may be too distracting.

Groom wearing a vest

There are many reasons why a groom might choose to wear a vest on his wedding day. Firstly, it can be a great way to stand out from the rest of the wedding party. The groom can choose to be the only one wearing a three-piece suit, while the groomsmen wear just the suit jacket and pants. This helps the groom look more formal and match the formality of their partner. Additionally, once the jacket is removed during the reception, the groom will still look stylish and stand out as the only person in a vest.

Wearing a vest is also a good option for warm-weather weddings, helping to keep the groom cool and comfortable. It is a great way to set a rustic or casual vibe for the wedding, especially for outdoor or daytime garden weddings. Vests also have the added benefit of being slimming, especially in dark colours like navy or black. They can also help to keep the shirt tidy during dancing.

Some grooms choose to wear just a vest with a shirt and trousers, which can be a fun and casual look, especially for more laid-back weddings. This option can keep the groom happy and comfortable, especially if they don't enjoy wearing a full suit. However, it may look dated in photographs and is less versatile for future wear.

Overall, a vest can be a great addition to a groom's wedding day look, helping them to stand out, stay comfortable, and look stylish.

Layering with a vest at a winter wedding

Layering with a vest is a great way to stay warm and look stylish at a winter wedding. Here are some tips to help you pull off this look:

Fabric Choice:

When choosing a vest for a winter wedding, opt for heavier and textured fabrics such as wool or tweed. These fabrics will not only keep you warm but also add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Consider a wool vest in a dark colour like navy or black, which can be easily paired with a suit and provides a slimming effect. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also go for a vest with a unique pattern, such as a Victorian-style waistcoat.

Layering Techniques:

To effectively layer with a vest at a winter wedding, consider the following techniques:

• Three-piece suit: Go for the classic three-piece suit look by pairing your vest with a matching suit jacket and pants. This is an excellent way to stand out as the groom or a groomsman, especially when the rest of the wedding party opts for a more casual look.
• Mix and Match: If you want to wear a vest but are unsure about a three-piece suit, try mixing and matching. Pair a vest that complements the colour of your groomsmen's suits or opt for a unique colour to distinguish yourself from the rest of the wedding party.
• Layering for Warmth: In addition to style, layering with a vest can provide extra warmth during the colder months. If you're attending an outdoor winter wedding, consider wearing a vest under your suit jacket for added insulation. You can also experiment with layering a sweater or cardigan underneath the vest for even more warmth.
• Accessories: Don't forget to accessorise! Add a boutonniere or suspenders to your vest for a stylish touch. A colourful pocket square or a unique lapel pin can also enhance your overall look.

Additional Tips:

• Consider the dress code: Before finalising your outfit, understand the wedding's dress code by referring to the invitation. This will help you determine the formality of your attire. For more formal weddings, a three-piece suit with a vest might be a suitable choice.
• Coordinate with the wedding party: If you're part of the wedding party, communicate with the other groomsmen or bridesmaids to ensure your outfits complement each other. This is especially important if you plan to incorporate unique colours or patterns into your vest choice.
• Comfort and Mobility: While style is important, don't compromise on comfort and mobility. Ensure your vest fits well and allows for a comfortable range of motion, especially if you plan on showing off your dance moves!

Pros and cons of wearing just a vest

Pros of wearing just a vest

• It can help you stand out as the groom. You can be the only one in the wedding party to wear a three-piece suit, while the groomsmen wear a suit jacket and pants.
• It is a great option for warm-weather and destination weddings, keeping the groomsmen comfortable and setting a rustic or laid-back vibe.
• Vests are slimming, especially in dark colours like navy and black. They also help keep your shirt close to your body so it doesn't come loose while dancing.
• Vests can be a good option if you want to remove your jacket at the reception, as you will still look stylish.

Cons of wearing just a vest

• It may look too casual, especially if everyone else is wearing a suit.
• It may look dated in photographs.
• It gives a less mature look.
• It has limited usefulness after the wedding if you are purchasing the vest without the matching jacket.

Vests and jackets

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to wear a vest or a jacket to a wedding. Firstly, the season and location of the wedding will play a role in your decision. If the wedding is taking place during the summer or in a warm location, you may want to opt for a vest instead of a jacket to stay cool and comfortable. On the other hand, if the wedding is during the colder months or in a chilly location, layering up with a jacket or vest might be a good idea.

Secondly, the formality of the wedding should be considered. If the wedding is more traditional or formal, a jacket might be a better choice. If the wedding is more casual or laid-back, a vest could be a perfect option. It is also worth noting that a vest can make you stand out as the groom, especially if you are the only one in the wedding party wearing a three-piece suit. This can be a great way to match the formality of your partner and stand out during the reception when the jackets come off.

Another thing to keep in mind is the colour and style of your outfit. Vests tend to show off a man's body shape more, so if you are comfortable with that, a vest could be a great choice. You can also create a unique look by wearing a different colour vest than your suit or matching your vest to the colour of your groomsmen's suits. If you are concerned about looking too bulky, dark-coloured vests in navy or black can be slimming and help keep your shirt close to your body.

Ultimately, the most important factor is that you feel confident and comfortable in what you wear. If you are unsure, you can always ask the bride and groom about their preferences or bring a jacket with you to the wedding and decide on the day based on the weather and atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions