Wedding Qipao

What is the traditional Chinese wedding dress called?

If would you like to learn about what is traditional Chinese dress called, then keep on reading. Typically for Chinese wedding ceremonies, brides choose to wear the cheongsam or qipao dress. Brides that are coming from Southern China often select a two-piece Qun Kwa as their traditional wedding ensemble. These Chinese bridal dresses are usually made in the auspicious red color and embellished with sophisticated gold motifs featuring dragons and phoenixes.

Elegant qipao wedding dress

The most popular option among brides is to wear a wedding qipao gown for their Chinese wedding. Qipao or cheongsam is a well-fitting long dress with intricate frog buttons, a side slit, and a high mandarin collar. This type of bridal Chinese dress symbolizes femininity and elegance. Traditionally the wedding qipao dress is made of luxurious silk or satin fabrics and is worn in red color which has a positive meaning in Chinese culture.

Nowadays, modern cheongsam for a wedding comes in a variety form of colors, designs, and silhouettes. It’s quite common for brides to choose more contemporary styles of wedding qipao dresses that combine both Chinese traditional elements together with modern bridal fashion.

Traditional Qun Kwa Chinese wedding dress

Apart from the qipao dress another preferred choice for a Chinese wedding costume is Qun Kwa. Qun Kwa dress is a two-piece wedding gown that originated in the South of China. 

This timeless bridal attire is composed of a brocade jacket and a long skirt. The beauty of Chinese Qun Kwa is that it’s usually embroidered with golden and silver threads that create exquisite motifs. The most traditional Chinese wedding patterns are dragon and phoenix, peonies, and koi fishes.

What color is a qipao wedding dress?

Typically, traditional cheongsam wedding dress is made in a bright red color. This vibrant shade is the most fortunate color in Chinese culture and is commonly associated with weddings and other festive occasions. However, in modern times, there is an increasing variety of color choices for qipao wedding dresses. Let’s explore each of the shades for a Chinese bridal gown:

Classic red cheongsam wedding dress

Red is the most popular color options for a Chinese wedding qipao dress. Red qipao meaning and history are important and cherished by Chinese people. It is an important color at Chinese weddings thanks to its positive meaning. Red shade represents happiness, good luck, and joy that will be brought to the marriage.

This is the reason why brides are often prefer wearing a red qipao wedding dress with intricate embroidery to honor the beautiful Chinese customs on the wedding day. Red is a perfect color to pick for the traditional Chinese tea ceremony part of the wedding to pay respect to the cultural heritage.

Glamorous gold Chinese wedding dress

Chic gold cheongsam wedding dress is a fantastic choice to create a glamorous and luxurious aura at the ceremony. This sparkling color will add more radiance and glow to the complexion of the bride. Gold shade symbolizes wealth and prosperity, which are great things to wish for the future of the new family. As a result, this gilded tone can be often seen in traditional wedding embroidery of qipaos that features auspicious phoenixes, dragons, and peonies.

Feminine pink Chinese wedding qipao

Embrace your femininity by mesmerizing your guests in a pink qipao wedding dress. This charming and romantic rosy shade can create a softer and youthful bridal style. Similar to red, pink color is considered auspicious in Chinese culture and it is associated with love, happiness, and beauty. Graceful and stylish, a wedding cheongsam in a pink shade will make you a dreamy bride to remember.

Modern white qipao wedding dress

Many brides prefer to have a modern Chinese wedding and opt for a white qipao wedding dress. Inspired by Western fashion, a bridal cheongsam in this light shade will make you look elegant and chic. Apart from classic white, you can also consider ivory, off-white, champagne, and blush tones. A white Chinese wedding dress can be a wonderful choice for the banquet part of the wedding to showcase your personal style.

Other colors

Other popular colors for wedding qipaos include green, blue, and purple. In Chinese culture, green tones bring health, growth, and harmony, blue stands for trust and longevity while purple symbolizes royalty, divinity, and romance. Those original color choices will make your personal style shine on your wedding day.

Does the wedding qipao have to be red?

The color of the wedding Chinese dress is a significant aspect to consider for every bride. Traditionally, red color is the most beloved and favored choice for a wedding qipao gown. This crimson shade has been used for centuries for Chinese wedding ceremonies. With its historical importance and auspicious meaning, the ruby red color remains the most classic option for a Chinese wedding cheongsam.

However, red color is not necessarily required for a Chinese wedding. Modern brides can pick a wedding qipao dress in a different color that suits the most their personal tastes and preferences. If red seems too bold and intimidating, you can explore the spectrum of crimson shades from soft pinks and corals to burgundy and mahogany tones.

With Western influence, white is becoming increasingly common as a color choice for modern wedding qipaos, as it is seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. It can be a lovely option to wear for the banquet part of a contemporary Chinese wedding.

How many dresses does a bride wear at a Chinese wedding?

Usually, the bride wears at least three wedding qipao dresses during the Chinese wedding. The first Chinese wedding qipao dress is made specifically for the traditional tea ceremony with the bride’s and groom’s families. After that, the bride changes the cheongsam gown for the wedding ceremony during which the vows are exchanged. The third and the following Chinese dresses are worn for the wedding reception with the guests.

Typically the bride will put on various magnificent wedding qipao dresses that represent her style and personality. Therefore, there is no fixed maximum number of wedding dresses that a Chinese bride would wear and it depends on the personal preference and budget.

Here are the most common types of qipao wedding dresses worn by Chinese brides:

Chinese tea ceremony dress

The Chinese tea ceremony qipao dress is worn during the most traditional part of the wedding. During the ceremony, the groom and the bride show respect and gratitude towards their families and offer them tea. For this important wedding custom, a traditional style of the cheongsam dress is often worn. The bride would gracefully serve tea in an elegant red qipao with a high mandarin collar and long length that is decorated with sophisticated Chinese motifs. They include phoenix and dragon embroidery that symbolize love, prosperity, and happy marriage in Chinese culture.

Apart from wearing a classic wedding qipao dress, brides often choose a two-piece traditional Qun Kwa ensemble with an embroidered jacket and long skirt. It’s a great idea to pick traditional Chinese red and gold colors for the bridal outfit for the tea ceremony.

Qipao traditional Chinese wedding dress

Many brides enjoy wearing a qipao traditional Chinese wedding dress on their big day. This is a perfect way to celebrate Chinese culture and pay homage to the customs at their wedding. A traditional cheongsam wedding dress is usually made in a vibrant red color and adorned with stunning embroidery. It is tailored with a classic body-fitting long silhouette with side slits that exude timeless elegance. The handmade Chinese frog buttons and a standing mandarin collar create a charming neckline for the bridal gown. The traditional Chinese wedding qipao ensembles are sometimes accompanied by a beautiful long cape and intricate hair pieces that complete the look.

Modern cheongsam wedding dress

Modern qipao wedding dress style is becoming more popular as it combines the traditional elements of cheongsam as the high mandarin collar and Chinese knotted buttons with Western designs. For example, the modern Chinese wedding dress can be designed in a white color, with a mermaid silhouette, and decorated with exquisite French lace. Choosing this type of contemporary bridal gown will highlight your individuality and modern sense of fashion. 

Wedding banquet cheongsam

The wedding banquet cheongsam has a more modern and stylish design that matches the taste of the bride. The banquet dress can be in any color and may feature up-to-date Western-style elements. Shine bright like a diamond in a luxurious wedding banquet qipao made with a graceful silhouette, breathtaking design, and premium fabrics. During the wedding reception, the bride typically changes several times to showcase her elegance and grace.

How to choose the perfect Chinese wedding qipao?

Celebrate your heritage and culture by choosing to wear a Chinese wedding dress qipao on your special day. Picking the right bridal cheongsam is an important decision to make that will impact your wedding. It is key to make sure that you feel charming, confident, and comfortable in your gown during the wedding. The Chinese bridal dress should express your personal style and individuality while respecting the cultural traditions of your family.

A Chinese wedding consists of different parts like the tea ceremony, exchanging the vows, and wedding banquet. So each of those wedding segments deserves to have a dedicated bridal qipao dress in a specific style and purpose. There are several factors to consider to select the best Chinese wedding dresses that will make you shine on your special day:

Style and aesthetics of the Chinese bridal dress

Determine the style and design that suits your personal taste and the overall theme of your Chinese wedding. For example, a classic wedding qipao or Qun Kwa two-piece costume for a more traditional and conservative wedding. If you would like to have a more Western or European-inspired wedding theme, pick modern wedding qipaos with contemporary designs and embellishments.

Color of the wedding cheongsam dress

You can choose colors for your wedding qipao dress that complement your wedding theme or preferences. Red and gold are the most traditional shades for a bridal qipao. Those are timeless and vibrant colors that play an important role in Chinese culture. They instantly create a festive and joyful atmosphere, while bringing attention to the bride.

You can also consider more Western colors for your wedding qipao dress that will make you look elegant and graceful. Great examples of them are ivory, white, champagne shade, and blush tones. It can be a wonderful choice for the banquet part of the wedding to showcase your personal style.

Material of the bridal qipao

Select a high-quality fabric that feels comfortable against your skin, looks great in photos, and drapes well. Premium silk, satin, and brocade are the most popular and traditional materials for Chinese wedding dresses thanks to their luxurious look and feel. You can also incorporate lace and chiffon fabrics for a more romantic and ethereal look.

Flattering fit and silhouette for the perfect bridal look 

Ensure that the bridal qipao fits nicely your body shape and complements your figure. A proper fit is crucial for a flattering and comfortable wedding look. Consider factors like the neckline, sleeve style, waistline, and overall length to find a silhouette that suits you and your aesthetic and body type. Nowadays, wedding qipaos come in various silhouettes like well-fitted sheaths, flared trumpets, mermaids, a-line, and princesses. Try out different qipao outlines to discover the most stunning silhouette for you.

Tailoring and measurements of the wedding qipao

Wedding qipao sizing can vary depending on the brand, so it’s always better to know your exact body measurements for qipao while choosing a bridal gown. Modern wedding cheongsams can be chosen in pre-made sizes, custom-made to match your precise measurements, and in plus-size styles. In case you have any questions or you would like to have one of our wedding cheongsams to be tailor-made for you, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support.

Accessories to complement your bridal cheongsam

Chic accessories will add a touch of sophistication and style to your wedding qipao gown. One of the most gorgeous things you can do is to incorporate traditional Chinese hairpins into your hairstyle. This stunning hairpiece will elevate your bridal outfit and make you look sublime and regal. A wedding cheongsam appearance wouldn’t be complete without some golden jewelry. Their beautiful sparkle will bring more glamour and luxury to the qipao gown.

If you are having a traditional ceremony, you can consider wearing a red veil that will be removed by the groom. This classic accessory can create more mystery and romance on the wedding day. Bridal shoes will complement your Chinese qipao and add a chic accent to your wedding outfit.

Does the tea ceremony have to be in a bridal cheongsam?

The tea ceremony is one of the most important and sentimental parts of a Chinese wedding. During this traditional part of the marriage ceremony the bride and the groom serve tea to their families and receive their blessings for the marriage. This way the newlyweds are showing their respect and gratitude for the elders and honor your heritage.

Usually, brides choose to wear either a traditional Qun Kwa ensemble or a red cheongsam dress for their tea ceremony. Chinese Qun Kwa is a more classic option that consists of a two-piece bridal ensemble made with a traditional style. A red qipao dress for a tea ceremony can offer a modern look with an elongating and flattering silhouette, lavish fabric, and a high mandarin collar. If the couple is having two tea ceremonies dedicated to each of the families, the bride can pick both of the Chinese gowns.

What shoes to wear with a wedding qipao dress?

Choosing the right pair of shoes for a wedding qipao dress is a great way to complete and enhance the bridal look. The feminine shoes should complement the style of the wedding cheongsam and add more harmony to the overall appearance. A gorgeous pair of footwear will make your banquet entrance graceful and unforgettable. Here are some ideas of which type of shoes to wear with a wedding cheongsam gown:

One of the most universally flattering and gorgeous options is to match your Chinese crimson qipao with red bridal high heels. The closer their red color corresponds to the scarlet shade of the wedding cheongsam, the better. Choosing heels in traditional materials like silk or embroidered brocade would make your outfit look timeless and elegant.

If you would like to make a fashion statement, consider wearing your wedding qipao dress with metallic pumps. With such luminous colors as gold, rose gold, and champagne the heels will coordinate well with your sparkling jewelry on the wedding day. Your bridal pumps will look even more special if they are decorated with sequin, glitter, or crystals.

Dress code for a Chinese wedding

While it’s thrilling to be invited as a guest to a Chinese wedding, it can also be worrying to choose what to wear. Wedding guest guidelines might seem a bit tricky, especially if you haven’t attended a Chinese wedding before. Here are some of the recommendations on how to follow the Chinese wedding dress code:

What should guests wear to a Chinese wedding?

When choosing what to wear as a wedding guest to a Chinese wedding, a great thing to do is to check the wedding invitation that you’ve received. Often the marrying couple would specify the dress code and the color palette for the wedding guests. You can also look into the marriage venue to determine how formal will the Chinese wedding guest dress code be. If you are still in doubt, you can contact the bride and the groom to get more guidance.

If you are invited as a guest to a Chinese wedding, wearing an elegant cheongsam dress can be an excellent option for women. Cheongsam also known as qipao is a traditional Chinese dress with a high collar and handmade frog buttons. Wearing a graceful qipao dress as a wedding guest is a beautiful way to show your appreciation for the marrying couple’s culture. Make sure that your dress is not too eye-catching, not to draw the attention away from the bride on her special day. Men can pick a suit or a button-down shirt with pants for the wedding ceremony. As a wedding guest select clothing in which you feel confident and comfortable to enjoy the Chinese banquet and the dancefloor.

What color to wear to a Chinese wedding as a guest?

One of the most typical questions you can ask yourself is can I wear a red dress to a Chinese wedding? On top of that, what are the colors to wear and to avoid as a Chinese wedding guest? Here are several things that you should keep in mind while picking the color of your qipao dress as a guest at a Chinese wedding:

The red color is exclusively reserved for the bride and one of her wedding qipao dresses will likely be in this traditional color. Therefore, don’t wear red shade as a guest for a Chinese wedding. It’s better to opt for other color options to make sure that the bride enjoys her spotlight on such an important occasion.

Make sure to avoid being dressed in black and white at a Chinese wedding. White and black are the colors associated with funerals and mourning in Chinese culture, so it’s safe to evade them.

Soft warm tones are a great choice for your wedding guest qipao. Such colors as peach, pink, yellow, and purple represent happiness and new beginnings in Chinese culture. By picking these tones for your outfit you can express your support and heartwarming wishes for the beautiful couple that is getting married.

What does the mother of the bride wear to a Chinese wedding?

For Chinese weddings, the mother of the bride traditionally wears an outfit or qipao dress in a color that complements the wedding color scheme: 

Red and gold are popular colors for mothers of the bride, as they symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness in Chinese culture. However, make sure to pick a shade of red that is different from the bride’s gown. 

Other colors that are suitable for the mother of the bride to wear include pink, blue, lavender, and purple. They all have a bright and positive meaning in Chinese culture and are elegant options to wear.

To conclude, the color of the outfit worn by the mother of the bride will depend on the bride's preferences and the overall color scheme of the Chinese wedding. Being dressed in a cheongsam for the mother of the bride can be a great option, as this traditional Chinese gown is made in different colors and styles.

Buy a Chinese wedding dress online

If you are looking to buy a wedding qipao for your special day, then you came to the right place. Qipao Cheongsam boutique is the perfect destination to purchase online beautiful Chinese wedding dresses. Our high-quality cheongsam wedding dresses come in various designs and styles from traditional bridal qipaos for tea ceremonies to contemporary and luxury wedding gowns. In our qipao store, you can also find an exclusive collection of Chinese wedding dresses online that can be tailored to fit you like a glove on your big day. 

Chinese wedding qipao for sale

Discover a magnificent wedding qipao for sale that you have been searching for. All of our cheongsam wedding gowns are handmade by Chinese craftsmen and artisans out of traditional Chinese silk, brocade, lace, and other quality fabrics. The flattering bridal silhouettes and exquisite details of our Chinese wedding dresses will make you look unforgettable and ravishing.

Chinese wedding dress website with great reviews

Enjoy exploring our reputable Chinese wedding dress shop that offers you a curated selection of bridal cheongsams. Our customer support team will be delighted to assist you with making your choice for your wedding ceremony. The positive reviews of our customers highlight the chic bridal styles, graceful fit, and premium materials of our qipao wedding dresses. Online shopping for a wedding cheongsam has never been easier with high-resolution photos, comprehensive size charts, and detailed descriptions available for each bridal gown.

Wedding cheongsam dresses with free shipping

Buying a bridal cheongsam online is now even more convenient and simple. At our boutique, you can order Chinese wedding dresses with free shipping for all orders over $150. You can receive your elegant wedding qipao gown in any corner of the world thanks to international delivery.  Additionally, we would recommend you purchase your wedding cheongsam in advance. This way you will be confident to receive your Chinese wedding gown before the wedding day.