If you’ve never been to a Chinese wedding before you may be wondering what colors are appropriate for guests to wear. Chinese weddings have a few different rules and customs than western weddings. Color plays a big role in Chinese culture, so it’s important that you don’t offend the bride and groom by wearing the wrong color.
Red
Red is a very important color in Chinese culture. It symbolizes happiness, joy, and prosperity. You can expect to see a lot of red at a Chinese wedding. Most notably, many Chinese brides will wear a red dress at some point during their wedding, even if they opt for a white western wedding gown for the ceremony. Absolutely avoid wearing any shade of red to a Chinese wedding as it will not only come across as disrespectful, it could also confuse vendors such as the wedding photographer who will expect the bride to be in that color.
White
White is a big no-no in terms of wedding attire for both Western and Chinese weddings. Not only do many modern Chinese brides wear a white gown for their wedding ceremony, but white is also symbolic of death in Chinese culture. Be sure to avoid colors that could pass as white such as cream or very pale colors. White accents and accessories are okay though! So men can wear a white shirt with their suit or tux and woman are okay to wear dresses that include white in the pattern.
Black
Black is traditionally the color of mourning and has only become a socially acceptable color to wear to Western weddings in recent years. That hasn’t extended to Chinese weddings yet though. Along with white, black is also a color symbolic of death and mourning. Wedding guests should also avoid other dark colors such as navy or grey. As with white, black accessories and accents are perfectly fine though.
Gold
Gold is another lucky color in Chinese culture. It symbolizes wealth and fortune, so it is commonly used at Chinese weddings. It’s not uncommon for brides to wear a golden dress at some point during their wedding either. Gold accessories are acceptable, but avoid wearing a full-on gold dress.
What Colors are Appropriate at Chinese Weddings?
Luckily, there are still tons of options available for wedding guests to marry. Warmer colors such as purple, pink, and peach symbolize new life and happiness in Chinese culture making them good options for guests. Orange and yellow are also acceptable colors. Don’t be afraid of wearing patterns either!
Our wedding photographers have experience photographing Chinese weddings. What guests wear really depends on the venue, theme, and of course the couple. Some couples are more modern and maybe fine with guests wearing these colors. Other’s are more traditional and could be offended. If you are in doubt about what to wear check in with the bride and groom, or someone close to them such as a family member or member of the wedding party!
If you’re looking for a photographer for your Chinese wedding contact AGI today!
