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Recently, I wrote about starting to shop for a qipao of my own.
Early in the planning process, I had decided to browse around online for options. I never felt comfortable in the high, closed collar that qipaos traditionally have but something like this seemed more along the lines of what I could wear:
Source: WedCandy / Photograph by Courtney Davidson
So I went online to look for something similar.
While they were all perfectly lovely dresses, I just felt so lukewarm about them. When I spoke to Mama Crepe, she told me that I didn’t have to wear one at all! She even preferred me in something more modern. The qipao didn’t feel quite right for me; it had been a long time since I wore my mother’s to a school event. I no longer had my 15 year old body—it has settled, quite firmly, into the pear shape it was always meant to be and there was no way that I was going to feel confident in that type of dress.
Once I decided that I was going to wear an evening gown, a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t even know it was there! I began looking for ideas, and what better place to do that than the red carpet?
Check out those sleeves on Helen Mirren’s dress! Beautiful.
Did you wear a modern dress to your culturally traditional wedding reception?
I am not trying to persuade you to change your mind, just want to give you my 2 cents: I did not feel entirely comfortable with a qipao either, but I wore one nonetheless for my tea ceremony. Despite of my body type (also pear shaped), the pictures turned out really pretty! Somehow my qipao, the Chinese tea set, red envelopes, and the Chinese gold/jade jewelry really came together in the pictures beautifully.
A well tailored qipao can bring out the natural beauty of a woman’s body - I challenge you to at least try one on again.
I would like to look like Helen Mirren when I am her age. Period. Love all of the stunning red gowns you’ve shown, though!
I recently discovered hanfu. I’d love to own one like this: http://www.finechineseclothing.com/eng/Product/detail.aspx?ProductID=1117 or this: http://www.finechineseclothing.com/eng/Product/detail.aspx?ProductID=2115 , even though I’m not asian. I just think they’re so elegant. I realise, though, that it’s the opposite of the modern direction your gut is telling you.
@miss hello kitty: I think if I was having a more traditional banquet with the ceremony and everything, it would make more sense to do that.. since it will essentially be without any traditions except for the dinner, it probably doesn’t make quite as much sense for me. I’m sure your photos turned out beautifully with all the cultural context!!
@Miss Hyena: I know, that dress has some impact!
@Miss Tartlet: oh I KNOW. She’s so beautiful.
I felt the same way about wearing a qipao too (hellooo pear shape!), and I got one custom made in China. It fit like a glove and I really loved wearing it. Although our wedding ceremony & reception wasn’t “traditional”, I’m glad I was able to pay homage to our culture in that sense.
regardless, those red dresses are gorgeous and you’ll look stunning either way! can’t wait to see what you decide on.
@Mrs. French Toast: I might have changed my mind if I had more time to think about getting one custom made but I definitely broke under the stress of time.. a little glitch switched up my posts, but I made my decision in this post: http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/05/03/dress-anxiety/
I’m sure you looked great in yours! Can’t wait to see in recaps.
Hi Miss Crepe, it’s interesting that your mom doesn’t expect to you wear a qipao. I think my mom will be upset if I choose not to wear one. To make things better, my FI got a Chinese outfit too!
Just wanna say that not all qipao have a “high cut”. I’m wearing two qipaos at my wedding, a red one with the “high cut” for the tea ceremony and a hot pink one without the “high cut” at my reception. My mom also found a gold qipao to wear at my reception that does not have the high cut. I’ve seen something that is modern but with traditional details on.
go you for taking a tradition and making it your own! I’m certain that what ever you pick you are going to look amazing!
Actually looking at the link you put in a post above I think your body shape would look wonderful in a QiPao. You have curves!
Although my mom was fine with me not wearing a QiPao for the tea ceremony I actually really wanted to wear one. When else was I ever going to get to wear a QiPao?!
I shopped desperately for a red reception dress but never found one I like enough for a price I was willing to pay.
But that red dress you posted in the other thread looks wonderful on you!
I love that your mom told you to do an evening gown. If it’s more you then that is exactly what you should do.
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Mrs. Crepe, Queens, NY/Nashville, TN Age and Occupation: 28, Jewelry Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Animation Director Engagement Date: September 28, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: A church in downtown Nashville About Me: I'm a native New Yorker who has always been a DIY kind of girl and loves tackling creative projects while getting the most out of a dollar. I'm marrying my college sweetheart and we love frequenting antique stores, exploring together, and playing with kittens. We're planning a fun, "us" wedding in his hometown---with as many handmade touches as we can pack into a day!
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