Bride's Lucky Charm - The Red Chinese Wedding Dress
Wedlok.com guest columnist Karen Vander of RedHotBrides.com shares insights into wedding wear from around the world and the joys of wearing red on your big day.
By Karen Vander
For More Infomation Visit Redhotbrides.com
The red gown is the classic wedding dress in China. It goes without saying that one of the most distinct specialties of Chinese wedding is the richly decorated, all red wedding gown.
It is often embellished with elaborate embroidery of the motifs of dragon and golden phoenix that represent the subtle balance of male and female elements in this universe.
In China, red has always been considered a lively and lucky color capable of keeping the evil spirits at bay.
Some brides go for the contrast color combination of opposite colors, for instance: red and yellow, which is very common in traditional Chinese wedding attire.
Chinese brides typically do not use white gown as white is considered closely associated with death or mourning. However, modern brides in China (akin to their American counterparts) often pick up a white gown as part of their wedding trousseau, comprising one of 4-5 dresses to be worn on that special day.
By the same token, we are seeing a stunning cultural mosaic of the West and the East. Many Chinese brides who live in America have set off an enticing style of the bright red wedding gowns, true to their oriental culture. Chinese wedding themes have increasingly started to catch up to American brides as well.
Chinese wedding gowns are mostly done up in dazzling silks that have a glossy, matte or a rugged texture. Cotton or polyester blends too are head-turning options that would give off a radiant look at a lower cost. They are based on Chinese classics.
From the northern states of China, a single piece closed neck gown called Qun Kua is used while in the southern regions the two-piece Cheongsan forms the typical wedding gown.
The Cheongsam is a breathtaking dress designed with a closed neck and body hugging skirt with sleeve length of your choice. You can choose variations like sleeveless, fish tail, halter top style or a shorter length hem to infuse freshness into this otherwise classic design.
There is also Shen-i, which is a fusion between the cheongsam and the pien-fu. It is a one piece garment with an attached top and the bottom sections. It is also a highly popular ceremonial dress in China.
Another hot style is close fitting gowns with very short sleeves and mandarin collars. If you fancy a modern touch to a classic look, go for ornate pearls and beads in place of the customary needle work design of the golden dragon and phoenix.
A Chinese sheath or halter dress with fishtail could be the ultimate traffic stopper. While the present day Chinese wedding gowns are created in tight fitting cuts with very short sleeves and mandarin collars, you are free to add on frills. For example, silk brocade fabric with intricate golden designs of chrysanthemum and dragons, which represent longevity and strength of your married life respectively. That's a bright note indeed to start your married life!
Chinese bridal shops are well stocked with jaw dropping designs and styles. Take a closer look at the wide array of stunning red Chinese wedding gowns that can bring good luck and fortune to your marriage.
Whichever course you choose to opt you are sure to be a trail blazer in the red realm of wedding gowns!
All photo sources in article from flickr & alibabba.com
Copyrighted 2008 Karen Vander, for Redhotbrides.com
Karen Vander, who was married in red, writes about wedding dresses for RedHotBrides.com, a NY based publication dedicated to the wonders of wearing a red dress on your special day. The site is devoted to helping brides who dare to be a little different find their perfect red dress. Contact Karen directly or sign up for the Red Hot Bride Newsletter at www.RedHotBrides.com.
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