I think the ceremony will be somewhat traditional....What is a respectful color to wear, as a guest? I thought I had read somewhere that colors were significant (funerals, etc.) and I would like to honor her family by wearing the right color, if there is such a thing!! Any other customs that I should be aware of?
2006-08-24 15:58:36 · 16 answers · asked by momofboys 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Don't wear red or white. Red is the colour of good luck and good fortune, and you'd been seen as upstaging the bridal couple (diverting the attention of the gods, if you will). Likewise gold/yelllow, which was once used only for the Emperor and revered elders. White is the traditional colour of death and mourning, and you sure as heck don't wish them any ill-will! Plus, even if the ceremony is traditional the bride may still opt for the Western wedding gown -- another reason not to wear white.
Also, I'd advise you not to present them with gifts that are in quantities of four (四, or shi, is a homophone for 'death'), that incorporates a blade (scissors or knives) or a clock or timepiece (meaning 'your time's running out').
Stick with cool colours (blue, green). Neither has ever caused offense at a wedding I've been to.
2006-08-24 16:13:53 · answer #1 · answered by meilang 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Red is the traditional Chinese wedding color (sign of good luck). I'm not sure if it's proper for a guest or not. However, you should be aware that white is the color of mourning. My husband is Chinese, by the way, so that's how I know this stuff.
2006-08-24 16:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by KittyKat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from white - that's the colour of funeral to Chinese, white colour is not just for the kids but also for family members and relatives of the deceased. "White-and-blue" is a critical no-no, that's exactly the colour combo of the funeral lantern hung at Chinese funeral parlours.
Stay away from red and gold - that's the colour the Chinese bride would use as her costumes and gowns. Her mother may perhaps use gold colour. You don't want to eclipse them.
Stay away from the colour of the backdrop for group photo. Chinese are into group photo against a backdrop at the banquet. You don't want to look like an invisible woman against the backdrop.
Stay away from black, that's the colour of western funeral, as you must have known.
Pink, light blue, green, yellow ...etc are fine.
2006-08-24 17:30:07 · answer #3 · answered by Dinner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In response to the person above me, kids are the ones who wear white to funerals. I'm Chinese, but I haven't really been to many weddings. All I know is, don't wear black! If they're having a traditional reception and the bride wears a red Chinese gown, you aren't supposed to wear red either. I could be wrong though cause I was born and raised in Florida so I don't know much about my own culture. I'm very american-ized =)
2006-08-24 16:04:47 · answer #4 · answered by C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No black clothing definitely. Black and white are usually for funerals. If possible, try to avoid blue or dark colours
Bright colours like red, pink, orange, lilac are safe. Adds to the festive mood and thought to be another of wishing the couple happiness
When offered food, universal to sample it (eevn if you find it strange looking)
Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl. It is a belief that it means you are offereing the food (in the bowl) to the dead
Enjoy the dinner...
2006-08-24 16:10:25 · answer #5 · answered by warasouth 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you know any one in the wedding party you can ask. Just because the bride is Chinese does not mean that she is observing customs since she is not in her home country. Maybe you should just wear what you would to a normal wedding. Keep it simple yet tastefule.
2006-08-24 16:02:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must know earlier before you are going to attend the wedding party whether it will be held in a chinese tradition or international tradition. and at what time , such as at noon or at night.If it will be held in chinese tradition you do not use white as the mourning clothes.You can use a bright colour if it is held at noon such as light red,light blue,light brown.But if it is held at night you canuse a dark colour such as dark blue,dark brown and black.
2006-08-24 16:23:27 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White is a funeral color in the Chinese culture.
2006-08-24 16:05:16 · answer #8 · answered by gatorgrad99_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been to two Chinese weddings and your color doesn't matter. they serve Traditional foods and have different ceremomies. Its refreshing to experience a different event like that. Just have fun and treat it like any other wedding. You will not disrespect anyone by dressing a cerain way.
2006-08-24 16:12:48 · answer #9 · answered by Christine B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from WHITE that is the Funeral Color. Silver Gold and blue would be good.
2006-08-24 16:03:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋