How to dress for a Chinese marriage?

Chinese marriages, like Western marriages, are all unique in their own way. Some marriages tend to be more traditional with parades and wedding ceremonies, while others include more contemporary and Western customs. Although Chinese weddings are necessarily a little more complicated to understand for us than traditional Western weddings, it is always easy to navigate, even if it is your first time!

As a guest, which you wear for a Chinese marriage can be important.  This is why we will answer the question: how to dress for a Chinese marriage? Through 9 recommendations to be in the dress codes of a traditional Chinese marriage.

1. Do not wear red

Chinese brides generally wear red on their wedding day, so wearing it as a guest will be considered rude. It’s a bit like in the West, where it is evil to dress in white when invited. After all, you don't want to seem to want to get the bride to the background! Choose a different and more subtle color for your dress, or your shirt if you are a man.

2. Wear hot tones

Violet, pink and peach color all symbolize a new life and happiness in Chinese culture. Carrying these colors So indicates that you want the best for the new union and also helps bring luck and happiness to the new couple. These are also good choices of colors because they tend to be flattering on many shades of different skin and hair colors, and can work during all the seasons. Wearing yellow or orange is also considered acceptable.

3. Avoid wearing too much black or white

White and black symbolize mourning and death in Chinese culture. Bringing these colors to a marriage could bring bad luck to the couple, and is simply considered to be rude, so they must be avoided. However, you can get out of it by wearing touches of black or white on your dress, especially if the couple is modern.

4. You can include festive accents and accessories

Small touches of gold, which is a popular color in Chinese culture, can really spice your look without breaking the dress code. You can also include small touches inspired by Chinese culture in your outfit, such as a mandarin collar on your dress. You can also add Chinese culture accessories such as a Chinese shadow or a traditional range. However, if you overload your oriental accent outfit, you may give the impression of doing too much.

 5. The length of the dress depends on the wedding

 Although certain aspects of Chinese marriage are very traditional, the brides always like to keep the party. In general, you must check with the couple, if you can, the degree of formality he wants before buying your dress or your costume. Unless the invitation expressly indicates that it is a very formal event, it is preferable to choose a skirt length above the knee. If the marriage is very traditional, you will need to check with the nuptial procession to find out the specific guidelines.

6. Stay elegant

If short dresses may be suitable, they must always remain elegant. Too light or too sexy dresses can be considered inappropriate, just as they would be in most marriages in the world, not only in Chinese culture. And even if the marriage is not particularly formal, you have to make an effort to be elegant and well dressed, whether you are a man or a woman!

7. Wear something that represents you

 Especially if you are witnessing a wedding where you do not know many people, you really have to think about what your outfit says of you. In traditional Chinese culture, the way you present yourself can have an impact on the honor of your family. Even if many families are more flexible today, you will still have to think about how to represent yourself as well as possible. This means that you should avoid flashy colors, too sexy silhouettes or details that could be perceived as vulgar. Chinese tradition is always considered rather conservative.

8. The sets are just as acceptable as the dresses

Some Chinese weddings are far from being as formal as Western weddings, and it is generally completely suitable to wear a skirt and a blouse instead of a qipao, especially if you think you will be more comfortable . During some Chinese marriages, you will get a little bit if you dress too formally. Of course, it varies from wedding to marriage. It is therefore preferable to check with the newlyweds or a person closer to the party.

9. Make sure your dress stretches

Chinese weddings are known for their endless buffets, and you will at least have to try all the dishes. If you wear something too tight in the middle, you may regret it at the end of the evening! Draped fabrics are an excellent choice, because not only are they elegant, but they cover the problem zones without restricting your movements.

You now know what clothes to wear for your next Chinese wedding. You can find on our shop an anthology of traditional clothes that will delight you to be at the top for your future Chinese weddings.