Before the Western wedding gown, Chinese brides got married in a traditional wedding dress called the qun kwa. It is a two-piece loose jacket and skirt in striking red to symbolize luck and happiness for the auspicious occasion and is usually heavily embroided or embellished with colourful threads and beads.
The qun kwa is always embroided with a dragon and phoenix down the front. The dragon in the Chinese culture represents the male while the phoenix represents the female. Having them side by side symbolizes the perfect balance of yin and yang of the bride and the groom.
Traditionally, the qun kwa was worn with a red headcloth covering the bride’s face as the groom was not allowed to view his bride until after the marriage. Today, many modern Chinese brides have done away with the red cloth but still choose to preserve their Chinese heritage by wearing the auspicious qua during their wedding.
Where can you find the qun kwa and when should you wear it? All your questions answered below!
When To Wear The Qun Kwa?
The kwa was traditionally worn throughout the wedding. Now, most brides usually wear it for just a few hours. You can wear it during the morning “picking of the bride” session when the groom arrives with his entourage to add a delightful splash of colour. Most brides choose to wear it during the tea ceremony as the traditional Chinese wedding dress blends in perfectly with the traditional ceremony of respect. Alternatively, wear it during wedding reception in the place of an evening gown after you have done your walk-in in your Western wedding gown.
Where To Find The Qun Kwa?
The qun kwa can be found in most Chinese wedding shops in Chinatown, either for rent or sale. It is also sold for a relatively lower price in China or wedding shopping centres such as Golden Plaza in Prince Edward, Hong Kong.
In Kuala Lumpur, you can rent it from The Wedding Isle, Chinatown Classics and Armadale by Cheryl Yaw. Rental prices vary (approximately RM700 to over RM1,000) according to the details of the embroidery and are usually available in several standard S, M and L sizes.
Can I Wear The Qun Kwa?
Almost any bride can wear the qun kwa as the jacket is loose fitting and the skirt is essentially a wrap around skirt. Even plus size brides can wear the kwa easily. There are no messy buttons to deal with as the jacket is usually a zippered jacket and the skirt comes with ties to secure it. However, as it is loose, petite brides may want to opt for a more form fitting modern qun kwa to avoid looking shapeless.
What Shoes Can Match The Qun Kwa?
Pretty red heels will go very well with the qun kwa. Otherwise, the traditional flat embroided Chinese wedding shoes will match it beautifully. In ancient times, brides had to sew their own wedding shoes and the beauty of it would be a test of their embroidery skills!
The qun kwa adds a wonderful touch of Chinese tradition to your wedding. It is striking, ornate and looks beautiful with the gold jewellery you may be presented with during your tea ceremony.
Tip: Its bright red contribute to fantastic wedding photos!
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hey this is enlightening
I’ve always thought it is cheongsam
and the rental fee for that is too expensive “-_-
Hmmmm.. Pretty but still prefers the modern ones though:)
Hi Lisa – Yes the rental price is rather expensive but I think some bridal studios do have it as part of their package. That should work out cheaper
Hi Iris – Yes, the modern cheongsam has that sexy touch to it that the qun kwa lacks!
I think for a slim and tall bride would be nice.
Hi Molly – It would look pretty on a petite bride too
They come in S, M and L and some places carry even XS! 
Hi.. wonder where i can get the red kua pictured at the top of this website:
http://myweddingplanningtips.com/2009/02/26/chinese-wedding-traditions-the-qun-kwa/
Hi,
I’m Malaysian but currentlly working in Vietnam and my wedding is coming soon. I don’t have time to spend in Malaysia to looking for Chinese Traditional Wedding Dress Qun Kwa. I wish to buy a Qun Kwa for my wedding & I believe it will be a good memory to me & my family. Do you have any idea where I can get it in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam?
Hi,
Sorry..I provided you with a wrong e-mail address. Please see again my query for my wedding.
I would like to buy a Qun Kwa for my wedding. Do you have any idea where I can get it in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam?
Hi Ngo, I believe some shops in KL such as Chinatown Classics and Wedding Isle do rentals of their kuas.
I found a website chinesekwa.com that sells many unique style qun kwa and qipao. Anyone bought from them before? Good that the website allows custom make.
We’re in Boston, MA and my daughter wedding is coming soon, I wish to buy or rental for the Chinese Traditional Wedding Dress Qun Kwa for her wedding but I have no idea where I can get it in Boston, NY or CA ??
Lydia
Just wondering, whr can rent or buy Qun Kwa in KL?
Hi, may i knw where can i make the kwa at KL. My wedding is next year, i wish to hv 1 oriental gown for my wedding. I more prefer “???“. My budget is not more than 4k. Can u gv me some infrmation?? Thanks!!
Hi Lynn, thanks for your mail. Instead of making it, why not consider renting it from some of the shops mentioned in my site? Especially since you will not likely wear it again!
Hi Stephanie – Try Chinatown Classics or Wedding Isle.