George Boyle
Chinese weddings are steeped in tradition and ritual, with clothing playing a pivotal role in the wedding ceremony. The traditional Chinese wedding dress is not just an outfit but a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and honour. The colour red is a common theme in Chinese wedding attire, with brides often wearing a long, form-fitting red dress with a Mandarin collar and side slits, known as a Qipao or Cheongsam. The groom will often wear a Tang suit, a Western tuxedo, or a blend of Western and Eastern styles. In this article, we will explore the different dresses worn during Chinese wedding receptions and the significance of each.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese wedding dress | Qipao, Cheongsam, Xiuhefu, Aoqun, Mamianqun, Qungua, Longfenggua, Gua, Qun, Fengguan Xiapei, Phoenix Coronet, Juebian, Xuanduan, Xunran |
| Modern Chinese wedding dress | Western gowns, tuxedos, suits, mandarin-collar jackets, tang suits, three-piece suits, qipao |
| Wedding banquet | Eight-course meal, fish, suckling pig, poultry, lotus seed dessert, slideshow, yam seng toast |
| Wedding colours | Red, pink, peach, purple, orange, yellow |
| Wedding gifts | Li Shi gift of money in a red envelope, 24-karat gold pig necklace |
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What You'll Learn
Brides traditionally wear red, a symbol of joy and prosperity
In Chinese culture, red symbolises joy, honour, success, loyalty, fertility, and love. It is also believed to drive away evil spirits. For this reason, red is a popular colour for wedding dresses in China. Brides in China traditionally wear a Qipao, also known as a Cheongsam, which is a one-piece red dress that often features an elaborate gold or silver design. The Qipao is a long, form-fitting dress with a Mandarin collar and side slits. It often features gold embroidery and elaborate adornments. Another option for brides is the Qun Kwa, a two-piece set consisting of a jacket and a long skirt, usually featuring a dragon and phoenix to symbolise male and female harmony. This outfit is also typically red with gold thread, symbolising wealth and fertility.
While white wedding dresses have become increasingly popular in modern Chinese weddings, white is traditionally associated with death and mourning and is therefore considered inappropriate for a wedding. Black is also considered a symbol of mourning and death, so it is not traditionally worn to a wedding. Instead, guests are encouraged to wear warmer colours such as purple, pink, and peach, which symbolise new life and happiness. Gold is another lucky colour in Chinese culture, symbolising wealth and fortune, so it is also commonly used at weddings.
In addition to wearing red, Chinese brides may also wear a red silk veil, symbolising the start of a life of cherishing each other. They may also opt for a more ornate headdress, such as the Chinese Phoenix Coronet. The bride's shoes may also be red or pink, with delicate patterns.
The colour red is not only reserved for the bride, as it is a popular colour in Chinese culture, used in festivals and special events. It is also commonly used in wedding decor, such as fresh red roses or neon signage, and the Double Happiness symbol, composed of two identical Chinese characters meaning joy, is often featured in red.
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Guests should avoid wearing red to a Chinese wedding
In Chinese culture, red symbolises happiness, joy, and prosperity. It is a very important colour at weddings, with many brides wearing a red dress at some point during the day, even if they opt for a white Western wedding gown for the ceremony.
Because of the significance of the colour, guests should avoid wearing red to a Chinese wedding. Doing so could be seen as disrespectful and an attempt to steal the spotlight from the bride. It may also confuse vendors, such as the wedding photographer, who will expect the bride to be wearing red.
If you are attending a Chinese wedding, it is best to check with the couple or someone close to them about what to wear if you are unsure. Some couples may be more modern and less traditional, and so may be fine with guests wearing red. However, it is always better to be cautious to avoid accidentally offending the couple or their family.
Other colours to avoid as a guest at a Chinese wedding include black, white, and other dark colours such as navy or grey. White symbolises death, and black is also a colour symbolic of mourning. Warmer colours such as purple, pink, and peach are good options for guests as they symbolise new life and happiness. Orange, yellow, and gold are also acceptable colours for guests to wear.
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The Qipao or Cheongsam is a traditional Chinese wedding dress
The Qipao is also known as the "banner robe" or "flag robe" in Mandarin, while the Cheongsam means “long dress” in Cantonese. The two terms refer to the same style of dress and are used interchangeably, with "Qipao" being more commonly used in Northern China and "Cheongsam" in the south. The dress has evolved over time, with different regional variations emerging, such as the Shanghai and Hong Kong styles. The Shanghai-style Qipao became popular during the Republic of China period due to its fashionable designs and slim shape. It is still the most popular style today, especially among younger women.
The Qipao or Cheongsam is often worn during Chinese wedding ceremonies and receptions. Brides may choose to wear a white wedding dress for the ceremony and then change into a Qipao or Cheongsam for the reception or tea ceremony. This dress is also worn for other formal occasions and special days, such as parties or taking photos.
The number of dresses a bride may wear during a Chinese wedding reception can vary. While some brides may choose to wear one dress, others may opt for two or more, depending on the traditions they are following and their personal preferences. It is common for Chinese weddings to incorporate both traditional and modern elements, allowing brides to showcase multiple outfits throughout the festivities.
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The groom might wear a Western tux or a traditional tang suit
For a Chinese wedding, the groom has a few options when it comes to attire. He can opt for a Western tuxedo or suit, especially if the bride is wearing an ultra-modern dress. Alternatively, he can choose to wear a traditional tang suit, which is a more cultural option. The tang suit, or Tangzhuang, originates from the uniform of Manchu horsemen during the Qing Dynasty. It consists of an outer layer with a mandarin collar and an inner layer, traditionally a robe called a Changshan. Modern grooms may choose to forego the inner layer in favour of a dress shirt or undershirt.
The colour of the tang suit is also important. Red is the most common colour as it is considered the luckiest in Chinese culture. However, grooms may also opt for other colours such as black, gold, green, or navy blue. The suit can be customised with intricate gold or silver threading, featuring the characters Fu and Shou, meaning happiness and longevity, respectively. The suit may also be adorned with dragons, a popular symbol of strength, honour, and power, or phoenixes, symbolising good luck and a harmonious marriage when paired together.
For an East-meets-West look, grooms can pair a classic Western suit with a pop of red, such as a red boutonniere, or a bow tie made of brocade fabric. A minimalist mandarin collar jacket is another option, which can be paired with Western trousers. This look is especially popular for the tea ceremony, where the groom may choose to wear a traditional tang suit and then change into a Western outfit for the reception.
Ultimately, there are many ways to incorporate both Western and Eastern elements into the groom's attire, and he may even choose to wear multiple outfits throughout the day to showcase different styles.
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The wedding banquet is an eight-course meal with symbolic foods
In Chinese wedding culture, the wedding banquet is a lavish affair, with eight courses of symbolic, auspicious foods. The number eight is considered lucky in Southern China, as it sounds like "good luck" and fertility. The banquet is hosted by the couple's parents, and the menu is carefully chosen to wish the couple well.
The first course is often a platter of Chinese cold cuts, including jellyfish, bean curd, spiced beef shank, seaweed, and pork slices. This dish is arranged to represent a dragon and phoenix, symbolising the union of two mystical creatures, male and female energy, and good luck. The second course might be a soup, such as Shark Fin Soup with crab meat, or Eight Treasures Soup, both of which contain expensive ingredients to signify future prosperity.
A fish course is served to symbolise abundance, and a poultry dish, usually chicken or duck, symbolises peace and unity. The main meat course is a roast suckling pig, symbolising the bride's purity and virginity.
The dessert is a sweet dish, such as lotus seed dessert, sweet red bean soup, or sweet buns, all of which symbolise fertility and a wish for a sweet life for the newlyweds. The colour red is also significant, as it represents happiness and celebration.
The banquet is a joyous occasion, with a slideshow of childhood photos and a raucous "yam seng" (cheers) to congratulate the groom. The bride may also change into a traditional red qipao or cheongsam, a long, form-fitting dress with gold embroidery, halfway through the banquet.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional Chinese wedding dress for brides is called the Qipao or Cheongsam. It is a long, form-fitting dress with a Mandarin collar and side slits, often featuring gold embroidery and elaborate adornments. The colour red is significant in Chinese wedding attire as it symbolises joy and prosperity.
The groom typically wears a Tang suit in light grey. However, modern grooms may opt for a Western tuxedo or suit, or a blend of Western and Eastern styles.
The Qipao/Cheongsam is a traditional Chinese wedding dress that symbolises good luck, prosperity and honour. It is believed to bring good fortune and luck to the couple, especially the bride, on their wedding day.
Yes, there is the Qun Kwa, a two-piece set consisting of a jacket ("kwa") and a long skirt ("qun"). It usually features a dragon and phoenix to symbolise male and female harmony, and is typically red and gold to represent wealth and fertility.
Modern brides often blend ancient customs with contemporary designs. Today, Qipaos can be made from silk blended with modern materials for a better fit and comfort. Embellishments can be added, ranging from subtle to bold, depending on the bride's preferences.
