When we think of a wedding dress, we think of the beautiful, long white gowns that brides wear on their big day. In fact, white is the most common color worn by brides in Western-style weddings.
However, in certain cultures and countries, wedding dresses, and wedding attire, in general, can look quite different. Here is a sample of some traditional wedding dresses from around the world.
India
Bridal fashion in India is considered to be one of the most gorgeous in the world.
Colors at a traditional Hindu wedding are especially important because brides avoid white, a cultural sign of mourning in India. Usually, red is a popular color because it represents love and commitment. The color of the bride's attire also depends on the region as well. A few other popular colors include orange, yellow and peach.
Hindu weddings adhere to a traditional dress code that applies to the couple, their family and friends and the wedding guests. Traditionally, the brides wear either a lehenga or saree wedding dress. A lehenga consists of an ornate skirt, a cropped or long blouse called the choli and a dupatta, which is is draped over the head or shoulders. A saree is an unstitched garment that drapes around the body and tucks into an underskirt.
Jewelry is another important component in the Indian bridal look. Each individual piece carries a cultural meaning. To top it off, brides traditionally cover their hands and feet with henna, a reddish-brown dye made from leaves of a tropical shrub.
Japan
A traditional Japanese wedding follows the Shinto (Japan's native polytheistic religion) tradition. It is customary for the couple to change outfits over the course of the ceremony day. The tradition of changing clothes represents the bride's readiness to be accepted into the groom's family.
At a Shinto shrine, the bride wears a long, white kimono called shiromuku with a white headress (wataboshi or tsunokakushi). White symbolizes purity and that the bride will become the "color" of her husband's family, meaning the bride will have the husband's last name upon marriage.
After the ceremony, the bride may change into beautifully embroidered kimono called uchikake for the reception, and then into a western-style evening dress. All in all, Japanese weddings today combine both traditional elements and Western traditions.
Morocco
Traditional wedding celebrations in Morocco involve elaborate celebrations, vibrant colors, and fascinating customs. Of course, just like any wedding, the bride is treated like a queen.
Throughout the days leading up to the wedding, a neggafa, a Moroccan bridal specialist, assists the bride with various wedding tasks. These include helping the bride during the hammam day (a visit to the traditional bathhouse), helping out with the pre-wedding henna party and doing the bride's hair and makeup on the big day. In addition, the neggafa organizes the bride's dress and jewelry.
The bride will wear various Moroccan kaftans called takchitas during the multi-day wedding celebration. On the wedding day itself, the bride wears a traditional white takchita, which consists of up to five pieces. The first layer is called the tahtia, a long silky kaftan. The second layer is called a dfina or fouqia, which is a transparent over-dress that is held in place with a golden belt.
Often, the dress is embroidered in different gold designs and patterns depending on the bride's tastes and style.
While bridal dresses in Morocco vary by region, the takchita remains the most important piece of each bridal look.
China
For a traditional Chinese wedding, brides will wear a traditional Chinese dress called a cheongsam or qipao.
The difference between these two words comes from linguistics. Cheongsam is Cantonese and originated in southern China, while qipao is Mandarin and used in northern China. Both terms describe the same traditional dress.
According to East Meets Dress, the cheongsam originated nearly a century ago in Shanghai as a modern take on the Manchu dress. One of the main elements that goes into a cheongsam/qipao is the material. Traditionally, the dress is made of silk or brocade with embroidery. Often, the embroidery can feature floral designs, a phoenix and/or a dragon.
Color is another element to consider for a Chinese wedding, and red is the most common color for a traditional cheongsam/qipao. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes good luck, happiness and joy.
The most iconic part of the cheongasm/qipao is the Mandarin collar. It is an unfolded and upright collar that goes around the neck and typically measures two to five centimeters tall.
The last element of the cheongsam/qipao is called pankou knots, often referred to as frog fasteners. They often come in different floral or animal designs and are usually made of silk wrapped around a stiffening material.
Modern Chinese weddings can combine both Chinese wedding customs with westernized traditions, and there is plenty of room to mix and match.
Vietnam
An áo dài is what Vietnamese brides wear on their wedding day. Five essential elements go into the traditional áo dài worn for special occasions, especially weddings.
The top garment of the wedding áo dài is a long split tunic, consisting of a Mandarin collar, long sleeves and side slits that go from the waist down to the ankle. What makes the áo dài distinctive from the qipao is the long, loose pants that are typically worn underneath the tunic. According to East Meets Dress, the pants add movement and grace to the overall wedding look.
Color is also an important element in an áo dài. It is indicative of a wearer's age and status and brides typically wear a red, white or pastel-colored áo dài on their wedding day. Bridesmaids wear dress colors that either compliment or contrast the bride's wedding dress color. For Đám Hỏi, the traditional Vietnamese engagement ceremony, brides will traditionally wear a red áo dài.
The most unique feature in Vietnamese bridal fashion is the Khăn đóng, which is the circular headdress worn by the bride and groom during Đám Hỏi and matches their respective áo dàis.
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