Introduction to Kua
In Chinese culture, the Kua or Qun Kua (群褂) is the traditional wedding dress worn by the bride when she returns to her parents’ home. After she is “fetched” to the groom’s home and have completed the customs needed there, she goes back to her own parents’ home (回娘家) in the Kua for the tea ceremony involving her family and relatives. Therefore, it is also the attire she dons on when she serves tea to her family.
The Kua consists of a top jacket and a bottom skirt that is embroidered most commonly with dragons and phoenixes and sometimes with mandarin ducks, bats, lotuses, and pomegranates – all of which carry their own significance in Chinese culture such as harmony, fidelity, good fortune, purity, and fertility.
Traditional Kuas have a boxy silhouette that can be more comfortable for brides. Today, some Kuas have taken on a more figure-fitting form to fit the taste of modern brides.
In countries such as Hong Kong and China, much emphasis is placed on making the bride’s Kua. Each piece is highly prized (and priced) as it involves skilled craftsmanship. The process of handmaking a Kua can take a year or more! The Kua can be categorized into a few types with varying intricacy, complexity, and correspondingly, the weight!
King Kua & Queen Kua
The use of gold and silver thread in high density creates more elaborate motifs; can appear more gold and silver than red. The King Kua is almost fully embroidered which can make it feel much heavier.
Princess Kua
Lesser density and less elaborate motif; can be hand-sewn or machine sewn and is the lightest in weight.
Locally, most brides may opt to wear a Kua because they get to wear only once in their lifetime. In recent years, modern versions have emerged and have become “trendy” as a result. Most bridal boutiques provide Kuas for rental but if you’re looking for something more traditional and a more extensive collection, here are some places that specialize in wedding Kua rental in Singapore. You may even choose to purchase them!
Where to Find Kua in Singapore?
Here is a list of boutiques that provide these traditional attires, or check out our directory of traditional boutiques where some of them provide rental of Kua along with your wedding gown!
House of Etiquette
Website: House of Etiquette
Jin Weddings
Website: Jin Weddings
The Red Wedding
Website: The Red Wedding
If you’re wondering what the groom wears to match the bride’s Kua, they can choose to go with a matching Ma Kua (马褂), a Mandarin Collar suit, or simply keep to their day suit!
Ps. If you provide traditional attire and we have missed in this list, please write to us here or list your business on our directory!