The tea ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of a wedding in many Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. It’s a beautiful tradition where couples honor their elders, express gratitude to their families, and receive blessings for their future together. Whether you’re planning a traditional celebration or blending cultural elements into your modern wedding, your tea ceremony outfit should reflect both heritage and personal style.
At Dream Dresses by PMN, we specialize in creating custom bridal gowns that celebrate culture, craftsmanship, and couture detail. If you're wondering what to wear for your tea ceremony, here are some ideas rooted in both Chinese and Vietnamese tradition.
For a Chinese Tea Ceremony
The Qipao (Cheongsam)
The qipao is a sleek, fitted dress that celebrates femininity and elegance. Traditionally worn in red or gold for prosperity and joy, today’s brides are embracing everything from soft blush tones to bold embroidery and beadwork for a personalized look.
Modern twist: We love adding illusion lace, side slits, high collars, or detachable overskirts to bring a couture feel to this classic style. Incorporating symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, or double happiness motifs can also add personal and cultural meaning.
For a Vietnamese Tea Ceremony
The Áo Dài
The áo dài is the traditional Vietnamese bridal dress, known for its graceful silhouette, long tunic, and flowing trousers. While red remains the most popular color for good fortune, many brides today are choosing white, ivory, blush, champagne, or even hand-embroidered floral styles.
Modern twist: Our bridal áo dài designs often feature illusion necklines, beaded lace, sheer sleeves, and dramatic chiffon trains. You can also pair your look with a khăn đóng (traditional headpiece) or a cape for a contemporary and couture finish.
Capes, Boleros & Layering Pieces
If your áo dài is minimalist, layering with a custom bolero or bridal cape can enhance your look for the ceremony. These additions bring drama and elegance without taking away from the traditional shape of the áo dài.
Blending Cultures or Creating a Unique Look
For multicultural weddings, many brides choose to wear both—a Vietnamese áo dài for the tea ceremony and a Chinese qipao for the reception, or vice versa. You could also combine elements of both traditions in a custom gown, such as a fitted qipao silhouette with Vietnamese-inspired embroidery or a áo dài in a gold brocade with Chinese symbolism.
Your Tea Ceremony, Your Dream Look
At Dream Dresses by PMN, we’re here to bring your vision to life—whether that’s honoring your culture with a traditional silhouette or designing a modern fusion that’s uniquely yours. Every gown is custom-made with attention to detail, fabric, and fit to make your tea ceremony truly unforgettable.
Ready to begin designing your tea ceremony gown? Get in touch or comment down below to book your custom consultation or browse our collection of qipaos and áo dài.
Your heritage is beautiful—and your wedding day look should be, too.