Bridesmaids' Dress Code In Taiwan: Can They Wear White?

In Chinese culture, red is the most popular colour for brides to wear, symbolising happiness, good fortune, success and fertility. However, in Taiwan, brides may opt for multiple outfit changes, with red being one of the dresses, if not the main one. Bridesmaids have a lot of freedom in what they wear, as the practice of having bridesmaids is a modern adoption. While red is off the table, as it is reserved for the bride, bridesmaids can choose to wear white, although white is also a colour worn at Chinese funerals, signifying death and mourning.

Bridesmaids wearing white in Taiwan is uncommon

In Chinese culture, which is prevalent in Taiwan, wearing white is considered inappropriate for both guests and the wedding party. White is reserved for funerals and signifies death and mourning. Therefore, it is considered bad luck to wear white at a wedding. Bridesmaids wearing white in Taiwan is uncommon, and they are more likely to wear red, which symbolises happiness, joy, and prosperity.

Red is a very popular colour at Chinese weddings, with brides often wearing several red dresses or a dress with red as the main colour. The colour is also popular with grooms, who traditionally wear a red jacket with their suit. However, wearing red is not recommended for guests, as this is reserved for the happy couple, particularly the bride.

Guests should also avoid wearing black, as this is another colour associated with mourning in Chinese culture. Warm colours such as purples and pinks are considered more appropriate, as they represent the new life the couple will embark on together.

Chinese weddings often include multiple outfit changes for the bride and sometimes the groom too. The tea ceremony, where the couple pays their respects to their parents and new in-laws, usually takes place in the morning, and the banquet takes place in the evening.

White is a mourning colour in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, colours are chosen carefully as they are believed to carry symbolic meaning. White is considered the colour of mourning and is associated with sadness and death. It is also linked to metal, brightness, purity and fulfilment.

In traditional Chinese culture, white is the colour of funeral rites and is worn by those in mourning. However, since the economic reforms and the influx of Western influence, white is now also the colour of wedding gowns. This shift demonstrates the changing nature of Chinese culture and the increasing influence of Western traditions.

The colour white is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. According the mythology, the goddess Nüwa mended the heavens after a disaster, using five coloured stones in five auspicious colours. These colours represent the many colours that fill the skies. The five colours are black, red, grue (青; qīng), white and yellow, each corresponding to one of the five elements of traditional Chinese metaphysics: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.

Yellow, the colour of the earth, is considered the most prestigious colour. It is associated with the centre of everything and symbolises neutrality and good luck. In imperial China, yellow was reserved for the emperor and was used in royal palaces, altars, temples and the attire of the emperors.

In summary, white is a significant colour in Chinese culture, representing both the positive qualities of brightness and purity, as well as the somber tradition of mourning. The colour's dual nature underscores its importance and versatility within Chinese culture and traditions.

Bridesmaids wearing red is more common

In Taiwan, bridesmaids wearing red is more common. This is because red is considered one of the luckiest colours in traditional Chinese culture, symbolising happiness, joy, and prosperity. It is also customary for brides to have several outfit changes, with red being one of the dresses, if not the main one.

At a wedding in Taiwan, it is important to consider the cultural significance of colours. While red is a popular choice for bridesmaids, guests should avoid wearing this colour as it could be seen as upstaging the bride or competing for attention. Similarly, black and white are also colours that should be avoided by guests as they are worn at Chinese funerals and signify death and mourning. Warm tones such as purple or pink are more suitable options for guests to wear, as these colours represent the new life that the couple will embark on.

In Taiwanese culture, the engagement must be approved by the parents, and the groom pays "Pinjin" to the bride's parents as compensation for taking their daughter away from them. The wedding day is also a huge deal, with Taiwanese people following the lunar calendar to select a lucky day for the ceremony. Brides in Taiwan often go through multiple dress changes, and it is customary for guests to give money in red envelopes, known as "Hong Bao", to the newlyweds.

Overall, the colour red holds a significant meaning in Taiwanese weddings, and it is common for bridesmaids to wear this colour to symbolise happiness and good fortune for the couple.

Bridesmaids wearing qipao or cheongsam

When choosing qipao for your bridesmaids, you have a variety of options to consider. Qipao comes in different lengths, including short, mid, floor-length, and fishtail, allowing you to select the style that best suits your bridesmaids' preferences and body types. You can also choose from a range of colours, such as lilac, pink, green, blue, and yellow, to complement your wedding theme and colour palette.

One advantage of choosing qipao for your bridesmaids is the elegance and dignity it conveys. The silhouette of the dress, with its dignified feel and elegant drape, will make your bridesmaids feel both comfortable and stylish. Additionally, qipao can be customised to ensure the perfect fit for each bridesmaid. It is recommended to provide measurements while wearing the bra and shoes that will be paired with the qipao for an accurate fit.

When styling your bridesmaids in qipao, you can enhance the overall aesthetic with carefully chosen accessories. Paper parasols, for instance, can add a cute and cultural touch to your bridesmaids' look. You can also incorporate traditional Chinese hair accessories, necklaces, and earrings to complete the ensemble.

By choosing qipao for your bridesmaids, you not only pay homage to Chinese culture but also create a visually stunning and memorable wedding party. The blend of textures and colours, along with the cultural significance, will make your special day even more extraordinary.

Bridesmaids wearing a shade of purple or pink

In Taiwan, bridesmaids do not typically wear white. In fact, it is recommended that guests avoid wearing red, black, or white to a wedding, as these colours are considered inappropriate. Red is the colour of choice for brides, black and white are worn at funerals, and these colours are considered bad luck.

So, what colours are suitable for bridesmaids to wear? Purples, pinks, and warm tones are great options, as they represent the new life the couple will embark on.

If you are a bridesmaid at a Taiwanese wedding, you could consider wearing a shade of purple or pink. These colours are not only appropriate but also flattering and elegant. Purple is a regal and sophisticated choice, often associated with luxury and elegance. It is a versatile colour that comes in many shades, from soft lilacs to deep eggplants, so you can find the perfect hue to complement the wedding theme and the bridesmaids' complexions. Purple also symbolises power, nobility, and creativity, making it an empowering choice for the bridesmaids.

Alternatively, pink is a cheerful and romantic option. It is associated with femininity, sweetness, and happiness, making it an excellent choice for a joyful celebration like a wedding. Like purple, pink also has a wide range of shades, from soft blush tones to vibrant magentas, so you can find the perfect shade to suit the bridesmaids and the wedding aesthetic. Pink is a fun and playful colour that will add a touch of whimsy to the wedding party.

Whether you choose purple or pink, these colours will enhance the festive atmosphere of the wedding and beautifully complement the bride, who will likely be wearing red. These colours are also a safe choice, as they are considered auspicious and will not cause any cultural misunderstandings.

To complete the look, the bridesmaids could carry bouquets of flowers that incorporate shades of purple or pink. For instance, a bouquet of pink peonies or purple orchids would be stunning. The bridesmaids could also wear matching or complementary jewellery, such as a pair of pink or purple earrings or a delicate necklace.

Overall, purple and pink are excellent choices for bridesmaids' attire in Taiwan, as they are culturally appropriate, visually appealing, and symbolic of the happiness and new life that the couple will embark on together.

Frequently asked questions