You’ve received an invitation to a wedding which is exciting enough, but even more so if the wedding is of a different culture. It is sure to be a great experience – but what will you wear? It is hard enough trying to find a wedding outfit in the UK. Luckily Charles Tyrwhitt, retailers of quality morning suits, have investigated how the culture of the bride and groom can change the dress code of a wedding.
How will the bride be dressed?
Tradition in the UK is for the bride to be wearing a white gown, usually accompanied by a veil and long train. But how do our own bridal traditions compare to India, Japan and China?
Japan
A wedding in a Japanese culture is very elaborate and it wouldn’t be unusual for it to cost around £75,000. It is often the parents of the couple who organise the wedding, and they are willing to spend excessive amounts to save face. Because of the large scale of the weddings, the bride can have as many as 5 costume changes!
Recently a Japanese bride has been dressed in a traditional print, but in a Shinto (traditional) wedding the bride will be in a white kimono. 
India
The way the bride is dressed for an Indian wedding would depend on the region in India she is from. In some regions, the bride wears a saree which is a garment that looks like a long drape, in others she wears a lehenga which is a long skirt. Often the bride is dressed in red or another vibrant colour, her garments will be carefully embroidered with an impressive design.
It is common for the bride and her bridal party to have henna on their hands, palms, forearms and legs.
China
In China, the colour red is considered a sign of good luck that can warn off evil spirits. So, it is likely that the bride will be dressed in red to represent this. In some regions, typically in northern China, the traditional attire for a bride is a one-piece dress that is embroidered with gold and silver designs. In southern China, the typical wear is a two-piece frock.
For some Chinese brides, a bridal crown can be part of their wedding costume – it is worn for photography or for show at a grand occasion. For footwear, a special pair of shoes are often worn that are embroidered with a symbol — for example, a turtle or a deer which symbolises happiness and longevity.
How will the groom be dressed?
Japan
Usually, for the ceremony a Japanese groom would wear a wedding kimono but would later change into a tuxedo. The formal kimono that he wears is called a montsuki, and often displays the family crest. More recently, younger grooms start the ceremony in a tuxedo too.
India
Just like the bride, the style of the Indian groom would depend on where in India he is from. Some husbands-to-be wear traditional dress, such as a dhoti which is a rectangular cloth ties around the waist. In other regions, they wear a sherwani (a long coat), a kurta (loose falling shirt that hangs below the knee), or a Western suit.
The men also have henna on their bodies but it is less elaborate and often hidden.
China
Most commonly, the groom at a Chinese wedding would be dressed in a black silk coat over an embroidered robe. Often, in the modern day, the overcoat is not worn.
A black hat with a red tassel has to be worn by the groom also. Some younger generations are not following the traditional dress code and simply wear a tuxedo or a Western-style business suit.
How should wedding guests dress?
There can be traditions or symbols in other cultures which wedding guests may be unaware of, so it can be difficult choosing what to wear.
Japan
Men should be prepared to dress very formal, usually with a black suit and white tie. Now however, the dress code is more flexible and it is accepted for men to come dressed in suits other than black with various coloured ties. However, it is advised to avoid white clothes with black ties.
For women, go for a knee length dress or a coloured kimono to fit in with the traditional look. Showing your shoulders can be seen as disrespectful so bear this in mind when shopping for your outfit.
India
For a wedding in an Indian culture, the bolder the better! Wearing vibrant colours will mean you fit in with the Indian guests. Guests should avoid white or black as these are colours worn for funerals and mourning in India. It is also advised that red is not worn either as the bride will probably be dressed in this colour.
Female guests should have their shoulders covered and stay away from low cut tops or short skirts as this can be deemed disrespectful. Think jewel-tone dress with a shawl for this type of wedding. The Indian female guests will most likely be dressed in colourful sarees or anarkali suits. Jewellery is important for women too, choose a statement piece for around your neck with matching earrings and bangles. 
The men usually wear a tailored kurta with pyjama and a dupatta (shawl) can be added over the kurta. For their feet, sandals, jootis or chappals are often worn as these are comfortable and prevent overheating.
If the wedding is being held in a temple then guests may be expected to cover their heads. For this, women can wear a long scarf or pashmina over their heads and men are usually provided with a head cover such as a large handkerchief.
An Indian wedding is often a long drawn out event (it could be three days long!) so make sure you are wearing something loose and comfortable.
China
As we mentioned earlier, the bride is likely to be dressed in red, so stay away from this colour as this will be seen as trying to steal the limelight from her. It’s best to wear pink, peach or purple as these are all symbols of new life and happiness. A formal dress is suitable for a Chinese wedding.
Colours to avoid include black and white, as these symbolise mourning and black is considered to be the colour of bad luck.
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