Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
While we love seeing a Western wedding with a bride in a white dress, we’re in awe when we see the influence of other cultures in wedding customs.
Chinese brides choose to wear the Qipao to pay homage to their tradition. The qipao, also known as a Cheongsam, is a one-piece red dress that often details an elaborate gold or silver design.
Black and white, which are considered classic wedding colours, are symbolic of mourning and death in Chinese culture. Ironically, red, which we associate with anger or danger, becomes a sign of honour, success, loyalty, fertility and love – it is the Chinese sacred colour and it drives evil spirits away on the big day.
Because of this, the Chinese bride is the lady in red!
Be sure not to don a red dress at a Chinese wedding because you don’t want to be the guest upstaging the bride!
Via Jemanci
It is common for modern day brides to get the best of both worlds and wear a red qipao and a white dress. Gold accents make an appearance in Chinese decorations and embroidery because they represent wealth and fortune.
In Southern China, brides will wear a Long Feng Gua – a two-piece red dress adorned with a dragon and phoenix, that symbolise the groom and bride respectively (all hail our Phoenix Fairies).
The wedding attire doesn’t end there.
Chinese brides can wear a red silk veil that helps cover their flushing faces! We love this idea because we can imagine the nerves! It is also a vow that when the groom removes the veil, it marks the start of a life of cherishing each other.
Chinese brides can also opt for a more blingy headdress – the Chinese Phoenix Coronet.
The coronet is a most honourable ornament and despite its origins in the Ming Dynasty, it resonates with modern brides for its exquisite craftsmanship.
Chinese brides haven’t left out bridal shoes – they can be seen in red or pink shades and delicate patterns.
We are loving our Chinese Fairies from head to toe.
WRITTEN BY SHAYMAH ALKHAIR
