Traditional Bridal Ensembles in Different Parts of the World
When people imagine weddings, the majority have an image of a groom wearing a classic black suit and the bride in a beautiful white gown, with a stunning wedding ring and diamond or sapphire engagement ring to complete her bridal wear look.
What comes as a surprise to many is that these outfits wouldn’t be worn for weddings in other parts of the world, and some may even say that these outfits are dull compared to the clothes brides and grooms wear in other cultures.
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some unique bridal ensembles worn by women from different parts of the world.
China
By Chinese tradition, bridal wear consists of red wedding outfits to symbolize love and prosperity. The red color is considered to be an evil spirit repellent, as well as a symbol of good luck. These outfits are often decorated with golden dragons and phoenixes, two popular symbols of success and prosperity in Chinese culture.
Japan
To honor their tradition, Japanese brides often don a pure white kimono, a robe-like garment that symbolizes maidenhood and purity. Once the wedding ceremony is over, the brides may then change into a red kimono to symbolize good luck.
Ghana
Traditionally, wedding ceremonies in Ghana are very vibrant and full of colors. Bridal wear, kente, is a patterned fabric made in Ghana that’s packed with bright colors and interesting patterns. These ceremonial outfits are also featured with unique cloth patterns from both families, as each family has their own pattern design.
Scotland
Most Scottish women wear a classic white gown for their wedding vows. However, once the ceremony is finished, the bridal wear consists a shawl adorned with the pattern and colors of her husband’s clan to honor the transition into a new family.
Fiji
Traditionally, brides in Fiji wear a masi wedding dress. Masi is a native dress made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. This interesting dress is highly valuable and is used for special celebrations like firstborn rituals, weddings, funerals, and more.
India
In India, wedding traditions may vary from region to region. However, they may share certain similarities. The choice of color for a wedding in Indian culture is usually red. Red color represents the rising sun and the planet Mars, which is typically associated with marriage.
Thailand
Brides in Thailand wear a traditional wrap-around styled outfit that is often one-shoulder and pastel-colored. This formal bridal dress is called chut thai phra ratcha niyom, which means Thai dress of royal endorsement.
Turkey
Turkish women wear dresses that are very similar to the white gown we are used to seeing in western culture. These dresses are often made of tulle and lace. By tradition, brides tie a red ribbon around their waist. This custom is done before the bride leaves her home, with the color red symbolizing luck, happiness, and sexuality.
Indonesia
Like India, Indonesia also has a wide variety of different traditions when it comes to bridal robes. Traditionally, all of them are very colorful and widely embroidered. In some parts of Indonesia, couples cover themselves with gold and various jewelry to emulate the look of kings and queens.
Korea
In Korea, bridal wear a variation of a national formal costume called hanbok. This form of attire is originally consisted of seven layers of underclothes, however, modern brides mostly avoid putting as many layers and go for less.
Peru
Traditional wedding outfits throughout the Andean regions are mostly very colorful, bright, and often include woven hats and cloaks with reflective material and tassels. Additionally, the betrothed couple wears a specially made poncho and a skirt for the wedding day.
Bridal ensembles around the world are as unique as they are beautiful!
The union between man and woman is celebrated differently depending on which part of the world they’re in. One thing in common between these momentous events, however, is that the bride is often the center of attention, which is why she has to look her best for the guests and her husband-to-be.