Junior Rasmussen
Chinese weddings can be elaborate or very informal, and the dress code depends on the couple's preferences. While the bride usually wears red, a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune, some brides in the US opt for white, changing into a red dress for the reception. Guests are expected to know what colours to avoid. It is best to avoid black and white, which are both associated with mourning and death in Chinese culture. Instead, it is encouraged to wear warmer colours such as purple, pink, peach, orange, yellow, emerald green, and gold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colors to wear | Red, gold, yellow, purple, pink, peach, orange, emerald green, burgundy, blue |
| Colors to avoid | White, Black, Navy, Grey |
| Dress styles | Qipao, cheongsam, qun kwa, zhongshan suit, chang pao ma gua, tuxedo |
| Dress features | Modesty, mandarin collar, embroidery, no thigh-high slits, no sheer fabrics |
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What You'll Learn
Colours to wear and avoid
Colour plays a significant role in Chinese culture, and there are certain colours that are traditionally avoided at Chinese weddings. Black and white are generally considered colours of mourning and death and are best avoided by guests. However, black accessories and accents are acceptable.
Red is a popular colour for brides to wear as it symbolises happiness, prosperity and good fortune. It is also an excellent colour choice for guests to wear, along with other vibrant shades such as gold, pink, and emerald green. Gold symbolises wealth and fortune and is often incorporated into wedding decorations and accessories. Warmer colours like purple, peach, and orange are also good choices as they symbolise new life and happiness.
It is important to note that Chinese weddings can vary in terms of traditional and modern interpretations, and it is always a good idea to check with the couple or someone close to them if you are unsure about what to wear.
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Traditional Chinese wedding attire
The traditional Chinese wedding dress is not just an outfit; it represents a deep cultural significance that resonates through the ages, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and honour. Colours and patterns are not just design choices but carry symbolic meanings that influence the aura and sentiment of the wedding day.
Red is the most iconic colour for a traditional Chinese wedding dress, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and prosperity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bless the union with vibrant life and joyous energy. Gold and silver are often used in detailing to represent wealth and fortune. Embroideries in gold and silver on a custom wedding qipao can depict various auspicious symbols like the phoenix or dragon, enhancing the garment's cultural significance. Patterns featuring peonies, lotuses, and chrysanthemums are also popular for their meanings related to love, honour, prosperity, and fertility.
There are various forms of traditional Chinese wedding attire, including the qipao, qungua, and cheongsam. The qipao, also known as the zansae or mandarin gown, traces its origins to the Qing dynasty. It is a popular choice for custom wedding dresses, with designers introducing innovative changes to cater to contemporary tastes while retaining its roots. The qungua, or longfeng gua, is a set of attire that follows the traditional yichang system. It consists of a jacket and a long skirt, which can be straight or have pleated sides. The xiapei, another type of wedding attire, could resemble a long scarf or stole, as in the Ming dynasty, or a waistcoat, as in the Qing dynasty.
The Xiuhefu, or Xiu He Fu, is a two-piece ensemble consisting of an intricately embroidered jacket and a matching skirt. It is crafted from rich fabrics like silk or brocade and is celebrated for its meticulous construction and the harmony between its components. The zhongshan suit, which emerged in the 20th century, is a modern alternative for grooms who want to match the bride in a traditional Chinese outfit. It has the look of a Western suit but features Eastern details like a Mandarin collar and overlapping lapels secured with five buttons.
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Modern Chinese wedding attire
Brides:
For brides, a popular modern choice is the qipao, also known as the cheongsam, which is a traditional Chinese wedding dress style. This can be customized with contemporary details such as an open back or slits, or made from ivory silk with red embroidery. Another option is to wear a white qipao, which, while non-traditional in colour, can still feel classic with gold embroidery and a mandarin collar. For a more Westernized look, some brides may opt for a white Western gown for the ceremony, changing into a qipao for the tea ceremony or reception.
Grooms:
Grooms often opt for a Western tuxedo or suit, especially for the ceremony and reception, and choose to wear traditional Chinese attire for the tea ceremony. A modern take on the traditional tang suit is a popular choice, with grooms choosing to wear tailored mandarin-collar jackets in luxurious fabrics like velvet or brocade, or pairing a classic mandarin top with Western trousers. For those who want to match the bride's traditional Chinese outfit with a more modern look, the zhongshan suit is a good option, usually in blue, green, or grey, with Eastern details like a mandarin collar.
Colours:
Red is the most traditional colour for Chinese weddings as it symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Gold and yellow are also considered lucky colours, symbolizing wealth and often woven into embroidery or accessories. Warmer colours like purple, pink, and peach are also good options for guests, symbolizing new life and happiness. It's best to avoid black and white, which are associated with mourning and death, as well as other dark colours like navy or grey.
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Dress code expectations
The dress code expectations for a Chinese wedding can vary depending on the couple and whether the wedding leans more traditional or modern. It is always a good idea to check with the couple or someone close to them to understand the expected dress code.
Colours
Colour plays a significant role in Chinese culture and weddings. It is important to know what colours to wear and, more importantly, what colours to avoid. In Chinese culture, red symbolises happiness, prosperity and good fortune, so it is a popular choice for brides and is encouraged for guests to wear. Other auspicious colours include gold, pink, peach, purple, orange, yellow, emerald green, and burgundy. Gold symbolises wealth and fortune and is often incorporated into the wedding decorations and the bride's attire. It is common for brides to wear a gold dress at some point during their wedding.
Black and white are colours that should be avoided as they are associated with mourning and death in Chinese culture. Although black accessories and accents are acceptable, it is best to avoid wearing a full-on black or white outfit as a guest. Dark colours such as navy and grey should also be avoided.
Attire
The attire for a Chinese wedding can range from traditional to modern formal wear. Guests outside the family are generally not expected to wear traditional attire. However, some may choose to pay homage to Chinese heritage through their outfit or embroidery. For female guests, modern formal wear is the most common choice and includes cocktail or formal dresses in festive colours. Modesty is appreciated, especially during ceremonial portions such as the tea ceremony. It is best to avoid revealing outfits and very short or plunging necklines out of respect for elders and cultural customs.
For male guests, a suit or tuxedo is a safe choice. A zhongshan suit is a modern option that blends Western and Eastern styles, featuring a Mandarin collar and overlapping lapels secured with buttons.
It is worth noting that Chinese weddings can vary in formality, from very informal to elaborate. It is always a good idea to check with the couple or organisers to understand the expected dress code and any specific themes or cultural aspects that should be considered.
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The role of colour in Chinese culture
Colour plays a significant role in Chinese culture, with each colour carrying distinct meanings and associations that reflect the values and beliefs of the people. The choice of colours for a Chinese wedding is therefore carefully considered.
Red is a popular and auspicious colour in Chinese culture, symbolising happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and joy. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and is often worn by brides during weddings and other celebrations like the Chinese New Year. In ancient China, writing in red ink was exclusive to emperors. The custom of wearing red at weddings began over 650 years ago during the Ming Dynasty and continues to be a lucky colour for traditional Chinese couples.
Gold symbolises wealth, prosperity, and imperial opulence. It is often combined with red during the Chinese New Year to symbolise happiness and good luck. Gold is also a popular colour for brides to wear during their wedding celebrations.
Yellow is considered a prestigious colour, symbolising power, royalty, and prosperity. In imperial China, yellow was reserved exclusively for the emperor and is held as the symbolic colour of the five legendary emperors of ancient China. It is also highly valued in Buddhism, with monks' garments and temple elements featuring this colour.
Warmer colours such as purple, pink, and peach are also symbolic of new life and happiness in Chinese culture. Purple, in particular, signifies wealth, nobility, romance, divinity, and immortality in traditional Chinese culture.
On the other hand, colours such as black and white are associated with mourning and death and are therefore not traditionally worn during joyous occasions like weddings. However, black is also associated with mystery, authority, and water, while white symbolises purity and brightness.
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Frequently asked questions
Black and white are traditionally associated with mourning and death in Chinese culture, so it's best to avoid wearing these colours to a Chinese wedding. Other dark colours such as navy and grey should also be avoided.
Warmer colours such as purple, pink, peach, orange, and yellow symbolise new life and happiness in Chinese culture, making them good options for guests. Red is also a popular colour to wear to Chinese weddings as it symbolises happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Gold symbolises wealth and fortune and is commonly used at Chinese weddings.
Guests at Chinese weddings are not expected to wear traditional attire. The most common type of attire for female guests is formalwear, which doesn't differ too much from the wedding guest dresses you might wear to Western weddings. Women typically wear cocktail or formal dresses in festive colours. It's important to avoid revealing outfits and to dress modestly out of respect for elders and cultural customs.
