Chinese Wedding Guest Attire: What to Wear, Where to Shop & More

Traditional Chinese wedding attire is truly beautiful: It's colorful, intricate, form-fitting and luxurious. But outside of the tea ceremony—a ritual performed with family before or after the wedding ceremony—many modern couples wear Western wedding wear. Because of that, Chinese wedding guest attire can go either way: Traditional attire is rarely required, but can serve as a respectful homage if the guest so chooses. Otherwise, modern formalwear is perfectly acceptable at Chinese weddings.

"If traditional attire is encouraged, it will often be clearly noted on the invitation or wedding website with phrases like 'traditional attire encouraged' or 'festive attire: qipao or cheongsam welcome,'" says Los Angeles-based event planner and designer Dee Lee. "If no guidance is given, guests can assume modern formalwear is appropriate."

That said, Chinese weddings are rife with symbolism, and there are a multitude of ways to incorporate that through Chinese wedding attire for guests. "In Chinese weddings, the dragon and phoenix are powerful symbols that represent a harmonious and balanced union," Lee says. "This iconic duo is often featured in wedding decor, attire embroidery and ceremonial elements like the tea ceremony backdrop." Color also has deep meaning in Chinese weddings, with red, pink, emerald green and gold considered the most auspicious colors for a wedding. Wearing those shades is a sign of respect.

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Here, we break down what to wear for a Chinese wedding, from modern formalwear to the customary pieces sometimes requested for traditional celebrations.

In this article:

• What to Wear to a Chinese Wedding
• Traditional Chinese Wedding Attire for Guests
• Where to Buy Traditional Chinese Wedding Guest Attire

What to Wear to a Chinese Wedding

What to wear to a Chinese wedding as a guest has less to do with tradition and more to do with the wishes of the couple; in short, guests can typically wear any style of formalwear that they choose, as long as it's in line with the wedding dress code.

Chinese Wedding Dress Code

Chinese weddings don't always require traditional attire from the guests, but they do usually have dress codes, just as Western weddings do. "Only the couple and immediate family members typically wear traditional Chinese attire," Lee explains. "Guests are not expected to dress traditionally unless specifically requested, though they are encouraged to dress respectfully and avoid culturally inappropriate colors, such as white and black." Check the couple's wedding website or the wedding invitation for notes on the dress code and follow those guidelines; a Chinese wedding might be black-tie, formal or semi-formal, for example.

Chinese Wedding Guest Attire Colors

Though they aren't expected to wear traditional attire, guests are expected to know what colors to wear—or, perhaps more importantly, what colors to avoid. In Chinese tradition, the bride wears red, but in many Chinese weddings in the US, the bride will opt for white, maybe changing into a red dress for the reception. So, can you wear red to a Chinese wedding as a guest? "Yes, red is highly encouraged!" Lee enthuses. "It symbolizes happiness, prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture." It's a welcome hue for modern Chinese wedding guest attire, as are a few other vibrant shades. "Gold (prosperity), pink (romance) and emerald green (harmony) are excellent," says Leo Lu, a client services representative for Beth & Brian Qipao. Festive colors are encouraged, but use your best judgment. "Steer clear of overly flashy neon colors, which can feel out of place or distracting," Lee says.

While black is appropriate if paired with color (avoid all-black looks), white should be avoided entirely, but not for the same reason it is avoided at Western weddings. "White is associated with mourning in Chinese culture," Lee says. "Pure white head-to-toe is considered inappropriate. Guests should avoid white, black or dark gray."

Chinese Tea Ceremony Guest Attire

Photo: Terence Tan Photography

"A traditional Chinese wedding typically includes several meaningful rituals, with the tea ceremony being the most significant," Lee explains. "During this ceremony, the couple serves tea to their elders as a sign of respect and gratitude, and in return, they receive blessings and red envelopes—hongbao—with gifts or money." Here, the couple will likely be wearing traditional attire such as a qipao or changshan, and guests' attire should respect the reverent nature of the event. "The tea ceremony is more intimate; guests should dress modestly," Lu says. "Think knee-length qipaos or colors that respect the couple's spotlight." Though color is still acceptable, it's usually not as vibrant for guests at the tea ceremony. "Since it's a deeply respectful ritual, attire should reflect that tone," Lee says. That said, not all guests are typically invited to the tea ceremony—the rite is often performed for family alone—so it's unlikely you'll need to have more than one wedding guest look.

Traditional Chinese Wedding Attire for Guests

In addition to the invitation, where you may find wording like "traditional attire encouraged," the venue can also help influence attire expectations. "A ceremony at a Buddhist temple or the tea ceremony might call for more conservative or respectful attire—covered shoulders and modest hemlines—while a hotel or banquet hall reception may allow for more contemporary formalwear," Lee says. Here, we break down guest attire based on the Chinese wedding dress code.

Chinese Wedding Guest Attire for Women

Chinese wedding guest dresses can fall into two categories: modern formalwear or traditional attire. The former is acceptable at most Chinese weddings today, as guests outside the family are not expected to wear traditional attire. However, for those who want to pay homage—or for the rare occasions when traditional attire is requested—we've outlined some options here.

Photo: Twah Dougherty Photography

Formalwear: The most common type of attire for female guests at a Chinese wedding is formalwear, and this doesn't differ too much from the wedding guest dresses you might wear to Western weddings. "Women typically wear cocktail or formal dresses in festive colors like red, pink or gold," Lee says. "While modesty is appreciated—especially during ceremonial portions like the tea ceremony—there's no strict rule. Avoid overly revealing outfits, particularly anything very short or with deep plunging necklines, out of respect for elders and cultural customs."

Photo: Laura Watson Photography

Qipao: Also known as a cheongsam, this is a traditional Chinese dress. It's not required—except for those special, specific times when traditional attire is requested—but it is always an option as Chinese wedding attire. "A qipao is a form-fitting dress with a Mandarin collar," Lee says. "It is a beautiful nod to Chinese heritage and is welcomed at most weddings." Remember, though, "modesty is key," Lu says. "Avoid excessive cleavage, thigh-high slits or sheer fabrics. Tea-length or midi qipaos are ideal; floor-length is reserved for the couple."

Photo: Miss Gen Photography

Hanfu: While it's not traditional to wear a full hanfu—a robe-like garment with wide or draped long sleeves—it would honor the couple to find looks inspired by it. Think: a drapey wrap dress. "Female guests often opt for elegant qipaos (midi or tea-length), hanfu-inspired dresses, or formal dresses in auspicious colors," Lu says. "Avoid overly flashy designs to respect the couple's spotlight."

Photo: Katherine Elyse Media

Bridal Party: What the wedding party wears is ultimately up to the couple. Some use their bridesmaids' attire to nod to their heritage, while others opt for more modern attire. "The wedding party may wear coordinated qipaos, cheongsams or dresses in the wedding's color palette," Lee says. Often, attire falls somewhere in between, with modern attire or dresses that subtly nod to the Chinese heritage through their embroidery or finishes.

Mothers of the Bride and Groom: "Mothers traditionally wear elegant qipaos or long formal dresses in auspicious colors like red, burgundy, gold or deep green," Lee says. "Their attire should complement the couple's theme and maintain a dignified presence without overshadowing the bride." Additionally, "rich fabrics such as silk and brocade convey respect," Lu adds. As with guests, mothers of the bride and groom should avoid white or black.

Chinese Wedding Guest Attire for Men

As with women's Chinese wedding guest attire, men have the option of donning modern formalwear or traditional cultural attire. Here are a few more specific dos and don'ts for whichever direction you choose.

Formalwear: Similarly to women, Chinese wedding guest attire for men is the same as at Western weddings: a suit or tux. "Men generally wear suits or dress shirts with slacks," Lee says. "As with women, black or white should not be worn." (The exception? Black tuxedos for a black-tie wedding.) If the wedding is formal or semi-formal, opt for a suit in blue or gray or, better yet, an auspicious color like burgundy or deep green.

Cultural Attire: If it's noted on the invitation to wear traditional dress, men might opt for a Tang suit, which includes a button-front jacket, often silk, with a Mandarin collar. "Men typically wear dark suits or a tangzhuang, a Chinese tunic suit jacket," Lu says. "For ultra-traditional weddings, a changshan (long men's robe) may be worn."

Groomsmen: The same goes for groomsmen, but again, it's up to the couple. "Groomsmen might wear tailored suits or traditional changshan," Lee says. "The couple may choose to outfit their bridal party in modern attire with subtle nods to Chinese elements, such as embroidered details or matching accessories."

Where to Buy Traditional Chinese Wedding Guest Attire

"Traditionally, only the couple wears full ceremonial attire; guests are encouraged but not required to wear traditional clothing," Lu says. "Modern formalwear is also acceptable." Here, we've rounded up some shopping recommendations for both Chinese wedding guest dresses in both styles.

Beth & Brian Qipao: For ready-to-order qipaos in a stunning array of colors and patterns—affordably priced and with inclusive sizing—check out this e-commerce shop, started by a husband-and-wife duo.

East Meets Dress: This Asian-American e-comm retailer puts a modern spin on the traditional Chinese cheongsam with options in mermaid silhouettes and even jumpsuits. They offer plus-size, mother-of attire and even a collection of prom cheongsams perfectly suited for teenage guests. And if you don't want to go fully traditional, check out pieces with symbolic embroidery, like this strapless peacock dress.

Jinza Bridal Couture: For a beautifully bespoke traditional suit or dress for a Chinese wedding, Dee Lee highly recommends designer Jinza Jin's studio. Her Los Angeles atelier handcrafts traditional qipaos, Tang suits and cheongsams—in addition to wedding dresses and bridal attire—that blend tradition with modern elements. Made from premium silk and other fabrics and personalized with embroidery and luxe finishes, the custom pieces are heirlooms to be cherished.

Sau Lee: One way to nod to the culture? Opting for a modern dress by an Asian fashion designer. Sau Lee creator Cheryl Leung designs Chinese bridal attire, but also offers a stunning selection of black-tie and formalwear appropriate for more Western-leaning weddings.

Lulus: For budget-friendly black-tie, check out Lulus' wedding shop; its inventory of guest-of formalwear is seemingly endless, and includes countless options in the most auspicious colors. Even better, you can get 20% off first-time purchases with our exclusive code, THEKNOT20.