The vest trend every stylish wedding guest should know

Once considered optional, the vest has now become the main character of men's wedding wear. It's the one piece that can instantly turn a simple outfit into a statement piece, without any heavy commitment to a sherwani! Think of it as the style shortcut for men who want to look wedding-ready without appearing as though they are trying too hard.

What's exciting this season is how experimental men's vests have become. Gone are the days when black was the only "safe" choice. Sure, black still has its place — sleek, elegant, forever dependable — but wedding fashion has officially expanded its colour palette.

Deep bottle green, royal blue, charcoal grey, rust, ivory, champagne gold, maroon, and even muted pastels are making strong appearances. For events like gaye holud or mehendi, brighter shades of purple, rani pink or orange with playful prints are stealing the show. Receptions, on the other hand, are witnessing the rise of bold solids with rich textures.

The prints, you say? Oh! The prints.

From geometric patterns to floral motifs that feel celebratory, vests are giving men the confidence to step outside their neutral comfort zones. Paired with a plain kurta, they create just the right balance between festive and polished.

This is where the groom's best friend shines: coordinated, stylish, and clearly aware that wedding photos last longer than Instagram stories.

For those who prefer subtler drama, minimalist thread work is having a moment. Fine embroidery, tone-on-tone detailing, and understated textures add depth without screaming for attention. These are perfect for close cousins or brothers who want to look refined and distinguished from the crowd but not overpower the groom.

On the other end of the spectrum, full-on karchupi vests are unapologetically bold and are ideal for the groom himself or that one cousin who will dance to every song. Rich embellishments, intricate craftsmanship, and statement detailing make these vests wedding royalty material.

For the groom, the vest offers an extra opportunity to coordinate with the bride in ways that feel thoughtful rather than overly matchy.

Some grooms are choosing to twin subtly, echoing the bride's outfit through colour accents, embroidery tones, or fabric textures, creating a visually harmonious look without stealing her spotlight.

Others are going the contrast route, opting for deeper or more muted shades that allow the bride's ensemble to shine even brighter.

A soft ivory vest against a richly coloured bridal lehenga, or a deep emerald or maroon that complements gold jewellery, can elevate the couple's overall aesthetic beautifully.

This kind of colour coordination adds depth to wedding photos and creates a sense of cohesion that feels intentional, elegant, and undeniably striking, because when the bride and groom look good together, everyone notices.

Sleeves, too, are no longer an afterthought. Sleeveless vests remain the classic choice. But sleeved vests are gaining popularity for winter weddings and evening events, offering a slightly more formal, layered look. They add warmth, yes, but more importantly, they add presence. Perfect for groomsmen who want to stand out without stepping on the groom's toes (fashion politics is real).

And let's talk fit, because no amount of embroidery can save a poorly fitted vest!

A well-tailored vest sharpens the silhouette, elevates posture, and makes even the most relaxed panjabi look intentional. Too tight and you will spend the night adjusting buttons; too loose and you will look like you borrowed it five minutes before leaving.

What's refreshing this season is how men are finally having fun with wedding fashion. The groom's brother can afford to be bold, the best friend can experiment, the cousins can coordinate, and the groom can choose a vest that quietly says, "Yes, this is my wedding."

Photo: House of Ahmed

Wardrobe: House of Ahmed