Deborah Chan
If you're attending a Thai wedding, it's important to be mindful of the cultural traditions and customs. While there is no standard wedding outfit in Thai culture, brides typically wear either a Chakri, Chitralada, Amarin, or Boromphiman dress. These dresses are often two-piece, with a form-fitting, long-sleeve silk top or a sabai (shawl) wrapped around the chest, paired with a sarong skirt. Grooms usually wear a similar white long-sleeve top with chong kben trousers or a jong kraben, a wrap-around cloth. As for wedding guests, it is recommended to avoid wearing black as it is considered bad luck and is associated with funerals. Instead, guests can opt for comfortable and stylish attire, with men wearing button-up dress shirts and dress pants, and women wearing dresses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing white | Not recommended for guests as it is worn at funerals |
| Wearing black | Not recommended as it signifies bad luck and is worn at funerals |
| Red | Historically considered unlucky, but now socially accepted |
| Groom's outfit | White royal shirt with long sleeves, black dress pants or jong kraben |
| Bride's outfit | White, red, gold, or purple, blue, or grey (for rosy white skin tones) |
| Bride's outfit style | Thai Chakri, Thai Chakraphad, Thai Boromphiman, Thai Siwalai, Sabai wedding dress, lace-patterned shirt with puffed sleeves and white silk skirt |
| Groom's outfit style | Dark-coloured double jong kraben, suit with flowers or brooch with pink tassels |
| Formality | Formality depends on the location and time of day; formality is more common in Bangkok than upcountry |
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What You'll Learn
Guests should avoid wearing black or white
When it comes to attending a Thai wedding, it is important to be mindful of certain customs and traditions, especially when it comes to attire. While Thai weddings are generally open and flexible, with no standard wedding outfit, there are some colours that guests should avoid wearing.
It is highly recommended that guests avoid wearing black to a Thai wedding. In Thai culture, black is traditionally worn only during funerals and is believed to bring bad luck to the bride and groom by attracting bad spirits. While black shoes, jackets, or trousers are acceptable, wearing black in any other form is not.
Similarly, it is advisable to avoid wearing white to a Thai wedding. White is a colour that holds significant meaning in Thai culture, and it is typically worn during funerals. As such, wearing white to a wedding may be considered disrespectful and inappropriate.
In addition to black and white, it is worth noting that red was also traditionally frowned upon as it is the same colour as blood and was believed to bring bad luck to the couple. However, this belief has evolved, and wearing red is now generally accepted at modern Thai weddings.
When attending a Thai wedding, it is respectful to follow these colour guidelines. By avoiding black and white attire, guests can show their respect for Thai culture and ensure they do not unintentionally cause any offence.
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Brides with rosy-white skin should wear darker colours
For brides with rosy-white skin, it is recommended to opt for darker colours like ivory, champagne, or blush. These shades complement fair skin tones and add a touch of warmth to the overall look.
Ivory, in particular, is a popular choice for brides with fair skin as it flatters their complexion and provides a soft, elegant appearance. It is often paired with ivory lace, adding a touch of tradition to the ensemble. Blush is another unique and flattering option, perfect for spring or summer weddings.
Additionally, considering the venue's lighting is crucial when choosing a dress colour. For outdoor weddings, natural sunlight can affect how colours appear, so trying on dresses in similar lighting conditions is advisable.
When it comes to Thai weddings, it is worth noting that black and white are typically avoided as these colours are associated with funerals. Superstition plays a role in Thai wedding customs, so guests are advised to steer clear of black attire. However, black jackets, shoes, or trousers are acceptable.
For brides with rosy-white skin attending a Thai wedding, darker shades of ivory, champagne, or even mocha and blush would be suitable choices while respecting local customs and traditions.
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Brides with gold skin can wear any colour
When it comes to Thai wedding attire, it is recommended to avoid wearing black as it is considered inauspicious, being the colour typically worn at funerals. White should also be avoided by guests as it is another colour associated with mourning.
If you are a bride with gold skin, you are in luck as gold is a radiant colour that can be paired with a multitude of shades. Gold is a lavish hue that can be styled in a variety of ways, from chic champagne to yellow gold, rose gold, and even copper. The possibilities are endless, and you can choose the shade that best complements your skin tone.
For a bold and glamorous look, consider a gold wedding dress. Gold is a statement colour that will make you shine on your big day. You can opt for a metallic gold gown or add a touch of gold to your ensemble with accessories. If you want to include your partner in your colour scheme, consider pairing your gold with green. A dark green vintage-style suit would complement a gold wedding dress beautifully.
If you are looking for a more subtle way to incorporate gold into your bridal look, consider adding a hint of gold to your hair or makeup. A delicate golden headpiece or jewellery with golden accents can add a touch of glamour to your outfit.
When it comes to your bridal party, gold is also a versatile option for bridesmaid dresses. Gold is a neutral colour that can complement a range of skin tones, especially those with warm, olive undertones. You can prescribe a specific shade of gold for a uniform look or let your bridesmaids choose their own gold dresses for a more relaxed approach. Adding other complementary shades, such as jewel tones, pinks, or other metals, can create a cohesive yet distinctive look for your bridal party.
So, if you are a bride with gold skin, feel free to explore the endless possibilities that gold has to offer for your wedding day. Gold is a versatile and radiant colour that can be styled in countless ways, allowing you to create a look that is truly your own.
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Grooms wear a white shirt with long sleeves
When it comes to Thai weddings, there are some cultural customs and dress code suggestions it is worth being aware of. Firstly, it is important to note that black and white clothing should be avoided by guests, as these colours are reserved for funerals in Thai culture.
In terms of the groom's attire, in Northeastern Thailand, it is customary for the groom to wear a white shirt with long sleeves, paired with a sabai khit or a silk sabai draped across the shoulder. The groom may also wear black dress pants, or a jong kraben, which is a lower-body wrap-around cloth with twisted ends that are pulled between the legs and tucked into the back of the waistband.
In Southern Thai weddings, the groom typically wears a suit adorned with flowers or a brooch decorated with pink tassels on the chest.
If the wedding is held in a more rural, 'up country' location, it is recommended that guests opt for comfortable yet stylish attire. For groomsmen, a dress shirt and dress pants may be more suitable than a full suit, and it is worth bringing a jacket and slip-on shoes.
Overall, it is important to be mindful of cultural customs and dress codes when attending a Thai wedding, and if in doubt, it is best to ask the couple for advice on what to wear.
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The Thai Chakri dress is suitable for all body shapes
Although there is no official national dress in Thailand, there are several types of Chut Thai dresses, including the Chakri dress, which is considered one of the most famous and elegant traditional dresses in Thailand. The Thai Chakri dress is suitable for all body shapes due to its unique design and versatility.
The Chakri outfit typically includes a long tube skirt with two front pleats and a sabai, a silk top that wraps around the shoulders and gracefully trails to the ground on one side. The skirt can be adjusted to flatter different body shapes, and the wrap-style sabai can be tied in a way that complements the wearer's figure. The two-piece nature of the Chakri dress allows for a degree of customisation, making it adaptable to various body types.
The Chakri dress is often chosen for weddings, as it is formal and elegant, and its vibrant colours and culturally diverse patterns reflect the celebratory nature of the occasion. While there is no standard wedding outfit in Thai culture, brides typically choose a style that best fits their body type, and the Chakri dress is renowned for its ability to suit all figures.
When attending a Thai wedding, it is customary for guests to avoid wearing black or white, as these colours are reserved for funerals. Instead, guests often opt for bright and colourful attire, reflecting the joyous nature of the celebration. The Chakri dress, with its vibrant hues and elegant silhouette, is an excellent choice for guests who want to embrace Thai culture and celebrate the special occasion in style.
The versatility and beauty of the Thai Chakri dress make it a popular choice for women of all body shapes, whether they are attending a wedding or participating in other special occasions. Its adjustable nature and elegant design truly embody the spirit of Thai fashion.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you do not wear black or white to a Thai wedding, as these colours are worn at funerals. For men, a suit is generally a good option, and for women, something similarly formal or smart casual. If the wedding is in a rural area, it may be more appropriate to dress down and opt for something comfortable yet stylish, like a button-up shirt and dress pants.
Black is associated with bad luck and is thought to attract bad spirits in Thai culture.
In the past, red was considered to be bad luck as it is the colour of blood. However, this colour is now widely accepted at modern Thai weddings.
This depends on the region of Thailand the couple is from. Wedding dresses in Central Thailand have the most variety, with some brides wearing white and red, and others wearing white silk skirts with lace-patterned shirts. In Northern Thailand, brides wear a colourful Sabai dress with a sarong and Sangwan ornaments, while grooms wear a dark double jong kraben. Northeastern Thai weddings usually involve the bride and groom wearing white shirts with long sleeves and a silk sabai across the shoulder, with different-coloured sarongs. Finally, Southern Thai weddings feature light-coloured lace blouses with long sleeves and ruffled robes, while grooms wear suits with flowers or brooches.
Thai weddings often involve a water blessing ceremony, where elders are allowed to process first. You may be asked to pour a libation over the fingers of the newlyweds and make a wish for them. It is also considered disrespectful to ask about the dowry.
