Chinese Bridesmaids' Outfits: What's The Traditional Dress Code?

Bridesmaids at Chinese weddings have a lot of flexibility when it comes to what they wear. While there is no deep tradition of bridesmaids in Chinese weddings, modern couples have increasingly chosen to adopt the practice of having close loved ones serve as wedding attendants. This means that the options for how to dress the wedding party are almost limitless. Bridesmaids could each wear a qipao dress that's red, or a totally different colour—the choice is up to the couple.

Red qipao bridesmaid dresses

The qipao, also known as the cheongsam, is a traditional form-fitting sheath dress featuring a Mandarin collar. It traces its origins to the Qing dynasty and was the dress for Manchu women. It became popular in Hong Kong and Shanghai after the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912.

Qipao dresses come in a variety of lengths, including midi, mid-length, floor-length and fishtail. They can be made from a range of fabrics, including polyester, silk, lace, tulle, brocade and satin. Some qipao dresses also feature flared sleeves, pankou knots, or a cape.

When choosing a qipao dress, it is important to consider the size and measurements carefully. It is recommended to measure yourself multiple times and compare these measurements to the size chart. For custom orders, it is also important to wear the bra and shoes you plan to wear with the dress to ensure accurate measurements.

Mandarin collar

The Mandarin collar, also known as a standing collar, band collar, or choker collar, is a type of collar that stands upright in a short, unfolded style. The name "Mandarin collar" comes from the bureaucrats in Qing-era China, who wore this style as part of their uniform. The collar length is straight, with either straight or rounded edges at the top centre front, and the edges may meet or overlap slightly. Overlapping collars often have a button to secure the two sides of the shirt together.

In China, the use of the high collar on minority ethnic jackets is typically influenced by Han Chinese clothing. The use of high collars in clothing began in the late Ming dynasty and continued into the Qing dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, stand-up collars were closed with interlocking gold and silver buttons called zimukou, which promoted the popularity of the stand-up collar and the Chinese jacket with front buttons. During the Qing dynasty, the stand-up collar was integrated into the clothing of both the Chinese and the Manchu. The standing collar became a defining characteristic of the long jacket worn with a long skirt or trousers for Han women, and it continued to be a feature of clothing in the Republic of China.

In the context of Chinese wedding attire, the Mandarin collar is a feature of the traditional qipao or cheongsam, a form-fitting sheath dress typically worn by the bride. The qipao or cheongsam is often red with gold and silver embroidery and is considered a symbol of good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture. While the traditional style of the dress varies by region, it typically features a Mandarin collar.

Gold dragon and phoenix embroidery

The dragon and phoenix are popular symbols in Chinese wedding attire, as they represent happiness and loyalty, and the union between a husband and wife. The dragon and phoenix are also symbols of the Emperor and Empress.

In southern China, brides typically wear a two-piece outfit known as a qun kwa, which consists of a decorative jacket over a long, embroidered skirt. The qun kwa is usually embroidered with a dragon and phoenix, and is also known as a "dragon phoenix coat". The dragon and phoenix embroidery on a qun kwa may be gold, but can also be other colours such as red, pink, turquoise, blue, or black.

Red silk veil

The red silk veil is a traditional element of Chinese wedding attire. The veil is typically square-shaped and made of laced silk, covering the bride's face. This custom is rooted in a Chinese folktale about the Goddess Nüwa, who created humanity, and her elder brother. In the story, the two were shy about their impending marriage, so Nüwa made a fan of grass to cover her face. Over time, silk veils replaced grass fans as they were softer and more convenient.

The red veil is not a necessity at modern Chinese weddings, but some young couples still choose to include it in their ceremonies. The veil serves as a fun element and a special keepsake of their marriage. When the groom removes the veil, it symbolises the couple's vow to cherish and care for each other for the rest of their lives.

The colour red is of great significance in Chinese weddings. It is believed to bring happiness, good fortune, success, and fertility. The veil, in particular, is thought to ward off evil spirits and cover the bride's nervous flushing face. The groom has the privilege of removing the veil, typically using a small steelyard, symbolising that the bride will listen to his opinion willingly.

White wedding dress with cheongsam-style cape

A white wedding dress with a cheongsam-style cape is a beautiful way to pay homage to traditional cheongsams while also incorporating a Western-style dress.

The cheongsam, also known as a qipao, is a traditional Chinese dress that traces its origins to the Qing dynasty. It is a form-fitting sheath dress with a mandarin collar, and it is often red with gold and silver embroidery. For brides who want to incorporate this traditional style into their wedding dress, a cheongsam-style cape is a perfect option.

The Vera cheongsam cape, for example, features a mandarin collar and lace embroidery, adding a subtle touch of tradition to any wedding dress. It is available in standard sizes and can be shipped within 2-3 business days, making it a convenient option for brides. If you're looking for something more luxurious, the Guo cheongsam cape is made from smooth silk fabric and features a mandarin collar, pankou knot, and a beautifully embroidered porcelain dragon and phoenix motif. This cape will definitely make you feel like royalty on your big day.

When planning a wedding, it's important to consider how to incorporate your heritage and traditions into the celebration. For Chinese brides, wearing a cheongsam-style cape with a white wedding dress is a perfect way to blend Western and Chinese styles and pay homage to their cultural roots.

In addition to the bride's dress, bridesmaids can also wear cheongsam-style dresses in red or other colours to add a unique and cultural touch to the wedding party attire. With so many options available, brides can easily find ways to incorporate the cheongsam style into their wedding and create a meaningful and personalized celebration.

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