What to wear at the Asian Wedding Ceremony
Standing in different hues, getting to smell the odour of exotic spices, and that folk and infectious music we have been listening to since childhood, everything is the essence of an Asian wedding. The weddings are the perfect getaway to celebrate the culture we are brought up in and create memories that last forever. From discussions over food lists to scrolling websites for the best decor, the confusion and excitement remain constant. The whole wedding journey is like an adventure (managed by you and your family). But in all this, one question is what always stays in common: “What should I wear?”. From handcrafted designs in India to beadworks in China, and a lot of options, confusion gets real. To help you find out the answer to the same, this post will help you select the best Asian outfit for the momentous occasion. Here we go!
Celebration of Culture and Colour
Western weddings focus on white and minimalism, whereas Asian weddings focus on colours and culture. A bride wearing a lehenga with tiny gold embellishments, and guests dancing wearing kurtas and sarees. This is not just an attire, this tells us about the roots of tradition. Red symbolises good luck in different cultures, while gold is a sign of wealth and prosperity. At Indian weddings, brides usually wear green bangles, which signify new beginnings and purple hints of royalty and wisdom. Including these colours in your attire, you don’t only value your traditions but add cultural flair to your overall wedding look. Capturing these perfect colours and traditions in photographs is where Indian wedding photography comes in. Skilled photographers can capture the emotions, traditions, and vibe of an Asian wedding in stunning visuals, helping the individuals to come back to memory lane anytime.
The Bride: Charm of the Day
The bride takes centre stage, a vision of elegance and cultural pride. A bride’s attire is carried on for generations, reflecting her heritage and personal style. Here are some popular clothing choices of brides across Asia:
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Indian Bride
An Indian bride opts for a lehenga or a saree, depending upon the culture they belong to. It is a voluminous skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli) and a scarf (dupatta). The saree or lehenga is designed using different jewels, and each attire delivers a unique message. The colour can be your choice, from vibrant red to pastels, you can add a flair to your overall look.
Chinese Bride
The qipao, a form-fitting dress with a mandarin collar and high slits, is the top pick for Chinese brides. Traditionally crafted in red (symbolising good luck), it can also be found in other solid colours and is designed using beadwork, creating a look that’s both elegant and sophisticated.
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Japanese Bride
Stepping away from solid colours, Japanese brides might opt for a traditional uchikake. This is a long, flowing kimono made from luxurious brocade with trailing sleeves. The uchikake is often adorned with family crests and auspicious symbols, making it a beautiful and symbolic piece. However, modern brides might choose a white wedding dress with subtle Japanese-inspired motifs like cranes or cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary style.
The Groom: The Heartthrob of the Occasion
Men are very particular about their fashion and when it comes to wedding looks (especially theirs), they don’t stay behind. Here is what the groom wears on the wedding day:
Indian Groom
The sherwani, a long coat paired with dhoti (trousers) or churidar (pyjama), is a classic choice for Indian grooms. Made from rich fabrics like silk or velvet, it has intricate embroidery or zardozi (metallic threadwork), creating the perfect fusion look. In some weddings, the groom even prefers to wear a pantsuit, making them the gentleman of the day.
Chinese Groom
The tangzhuang, a mandarin-collared jacket with intricate embroidery, is a traditional option for Chinese grooms. The embroidery might feature auspicious symbols, adding a layer of cultural significance to the outfit. Modern grooms might opt for a Western-style suit with subtle Chinese motifs like a silk tie or a pocket square featuring a traditional pattern, creating a modern addition to tradition.
Japanese Groom
Japanese grooms traditionally wear a black montsuki hakama, a formal kimono with a tradition. This attire exudes elegance and formality, making it a perfect choice for a traditional wedding ceremony. However, a Western suit with a subtle Japanese-inspired tie or pocket square is another option, offering a more contemporary take.
The Guests
As a guest, you have the opportunity to celebrate the couple and their heritage through your attire. Here are some tips to navigate the world of Asian wedding guest attire:
Dress for the Occasion
Asian weddings can range from formal to silent, and semi-formal gatherings. The invitation will usually include the dress code or you can dress according to the culture and occasion. If we talk about Indian culture, the dress code may vary. For instance, in a ceremony called haldi (turmeric paste is applied to the groom and bride), people wear yellow attire and likewise.
Embrace the Culture
While not mandatory, incorporating cultural elements like colours and patterns, the traditions being celebrated. For example, if the wedding has a strong Indian influence, consider wearing a beautiful silk kurta or a vibrant saree in a colour that complements the occasion (but not red, let the bride rock it!). And here comes the main role of photography, an Asian wedding photography isn’t just about capturing the bride and groom; it’s about portraying the story of the entire celebration.
Comfort is Key
Weddings are often long affairs filled with dancing, socialising, and enjoying delicious food. Choose comfortable fabrics that allow you to move freely and enjoy the festivities without worrying about your clothes. Opt for breathable materials like cotton or silk, especially if the wedding is during the summer season.
The Finishing Touches
Your outfit is just one part of the equation. Here’s how to complete your look and truly enjoy the celebration:
Jewellery
Opt for pieces that complement your outfit and cultural theme. Statement earrings, classic necklaces, or beautiful bangles can add grace to your overall look. If you’re unsure about what to wear, prefer going for tiny jewels like studs, pendants, etc.
Shoes
Comfort is key here too! Choose shoes that allow you to dance the night away without any aches or blisters. Consider a comfortable pair of ballerinas or heels, and for men, shoes that help you groove to your moves.
Accessories
A clutch is an added extension to your look. Choose a clutch with a shiny or patterned style to give you those happy vibes.
Key Takeaways
An Asian wedding is an affair of fun, traditions and love. The attire you select not only helps you look good but also shows your respect for the culture. Not just the bride and groom, but guests too add overall magic to the day. So, enjoy the day, explore traditions, and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable event.
Conclusion
Unveiling the splendour of Asian weddings, from the art of Asian bridal makeup to the significance of videography, is an awe-inspiring journey. Photographers who embark on capturing these magnificent occasions must navigate the rich traditions, intricate details, and heartfelt emotions that unfold throughout the events. By avoiding common mistakes, understanding cultural nuances, and capturing the essence of the occasion, photographers can create a collection of photographs that truly reflect the beauty, love, and joy of Asian weddings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to wear to an Asian wedding as a guest?
Depending upon the occasion you can select various outfits. It is best to wear the outfit according to the occasion. For eg. go for yellows on Haldi, greens for Mehendi and a solid shiny shade for the wedding.
Can you wear blue to an Asian Wedding?
Yes, blue is generally a safe colour to wear to an Asian wedding. It represents trust and harmony, making it a great choice for the occasion. Just avoid wearing a shade too close to black or anything that might outshine the bride’s outfit.
What do English people wear in an Asian Wedding?
Guests from any background can follow the same guidelines! Dress according to the formality of the occasion (usually mentioned on the invitation) and add cultural elements if you’d like. For example, men can wear a suit and tie, and women can choose a dressy pantsuit, a cocktail dress, or a beautiful kurta or saree in a festive color.
Is it OK to wear black to an Asian Wedding?
Black is sometimes worn to Asian weddings, but it’s best to check the culture being celebrated. In some traditions, black is associated with mourning. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to choose a brighter colour.
What is not appropriate to wear as a guest in an Asian Wedding?
As such there are no limitations for what to wear to the wedding. But try avoiding black, white and red colour tones (because that’s for the bride).
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