History

• The traditional Chinese bridal dress is known worldwide for its antique and artistic embroidery. According to Cultural China, these designs most likely stem from the last dynasty in China, the Qing dynasty. Rituals common today reflect ancient culture and tradition. Traditionally, however, the bride and groom do not meet until the wedding night after they are married. During the ceremony, the bride wears a red veil preventing the groom from seeing her face.
  
  

Style

• Two wedding dress types prevail in China. In Northern China, the one piece frock called a Qi Pao is most popular, states China Bridal. Brides in Southern China wear a two-piece dress, called Qun Gua, Kwa or Cheongsam. Both types are elaborately embroidered.
  
  

Detail

• The embroidery of both types of dresses utilizes gold and silver thread. The Qi Pao of Northern China is decorated with various needlework designs. The golden phoenix and dragon embroidery, a symbol of the male and female powers working together in harmony, adorns the Cheongsam of Southern China. The embroidery covers the whole of both of dresses. Hired skilled craftsmen hand sew the gold and silver thread across all the borders of the most expensive and exclusive dresses.
  
  

Color

• Red is the color of traditional Chinese bridal dresses. Bringing good luck, this strong color also keeps evil spirits away, states China Bridal. Cultural China adds that red also symbolizes love and prosperity. Red is a prominent color that extends even to candles, ribbons, flowers and fireworks. Black, blue and gray, on the other hand, bring sorrow to the new couple's future life and are avoided. The dress cannot show any hint of those three colors.
  
  

Veil

• Traditionally, a red veil is worn as part of the wedding outfit to hide the face of the bride, according to China Bridal. The veil is made of red silk and is removed by the groom in the bridal chamber, states Cultural China. The wearing of the veil probably began in the Tang dynasty when Emperor Tang ordered the court ladies to wear a veil.