How to Dress Asian Brides

Modern Japanese wedding gowns are similar to Western gowns.

Bridal fashion for Asian women differs greatly from that of Western brides. Brides with culturally rich, Eastern backgrounds often opt for traditional wedding attire. The elders in an Asian family are particularly honored to see the younger generation wearing long-established wedding garments. Dressing in a time-honored way is especially important if the rest of the wedding ceremony and reception follow traditions as well.

Instructions

Chinese Brides

1. Symbolize "joy" by wearing the color red, since in China, this color represents the emotion.

2. Choose a bridal gown with gold embroidery. In China, wedding gowns are often embroidered with symbols that mean love, luck and fertility.

3. Start off by wearing a traditional Chinese gown for the ceremony, then switching to an American-style, modern gown for the reception. Modern brides are able to mix tradition with their contemporary taste.

Japanese Brides

1. Opt for traditional Western-style wedding attire if you're a Japanese bride. This is the most popular type of wedding gown in Japan.

2. Wear a traditional Japanese bridal kimono during the ceremony to stick to cultural customs.

3. Change into an embroidered, brightly-patterned kimono to wear during the wedding reception.

Indian Brides

1. Dress in a sari as a traditional Indian bride. Saris are often embroidered and embellished.

2. Choose wedding attire in red, pink, burgundy or wine.

3. Ask a family member to personally create your wedding sari.

Vietnamese Brides

1. Wear an "ao dai" wedding gown as a Vietnamese bride.

2. Choose a gown in red or yellow, as these are traditional wedding colors in Vietnam.

3. Look for an embroidered gown. Symbols of happiness and prosperity are often embroidered in gold fabric on a traditional Vietnamese ao dai gown.

Korean Brides

1. Dress in a short jacket with long sleeves as a Korean bride. This type of jacket is called a "chogori."

2. Wear a full-length skirt, also known as a "chima." This type of skirt has a high waist and is worn as a wrap skirt.

3. Incorporate a white sash embellished with a floral design, or a crown or other type of headpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're going to honor your family traditions by wearing a traditional wedding dress, you don't have to stop with simply fashion. Consider serving traditional foods and performing time-honored traditions during the ceremony and reception.

• For additional ideas and tips when it comes to dressing in traditional Asian wedding attire, it's best to consult an elder in the family. Older female relatives, such as great aunts or grandmothers, will be able to offer recommendations and guidelines. You'll also learn about your culture's traditional styles and colors.

• It's inaccurate to assume that all Asian cultures are the same; Asian wedding garb varies from region to region. Ensure you are properly attired to reflect your heritage.

References

• Search Your Love: How to Choose Bridal Gowns for an Oriental Wedding
• Wedding Details: Korean