In short
There is no strict dress code for guo da li, but many Singapore families lean towards festive, auspicious colours rather than everyday wear. Some brides choose a cheongsam or another elegant red or auspicious-coloured outfit, while others save their qun kua for the wedding day; grooms can choose a tang suit, a smart suit, or a neat shirt and trousers; and other family members typically dress a notch more formal than casual wear, often with a touch of red.
- Red and other auspicious colours, such as gold or pink, are the most common choice for guo da li.
- Some brides choose a cheongsam or a modern dress in an auspicious colour, while others reserve their qun kua for the wedding day itself.
- Grooms can choose a tang suit, a mandarin-collar shirt, a smart suit, or simply a neat shirt and trousers.
- Many families avoid black or white, associating these colours with mourning, though views on this vary.
- Coordinated, warm-toned outfits look more cohesive in photos if the visit is being documented.
What the bride typically wears
Many brides save their full qun kua, the traditional two-piece skirt and jacket set embroidered with dragon and phoenix motifs, for the wedding day itself, choosing something a little simpler for guo da li — a cheongsam, a modern dress in red or another auspicious colour, or a smart two-piece outfit. Some brides do choose to wear a qun kua or a similar traditional piece for guo da li as well, particularly if their family places importance on the occasion.
There is no single correct choice here, and what matters more to many families is that the colour feels festive and appropriate rather than the specific style of the outfit. It is worth checking with your mother or future mother-in-law whether they have a preference, since older family members sometimes have stronger views on this than the couple themselves.
What the groom typically wears
One option for grooms is a tang suit (唐装), a traditional jacket often in a dark or auspicious colour with a mandarin collar and frog buttons, sometimes with subtle dragon motifs. Others prefer a well-tailored suit with a crisp shirt, occasionally adding a mandarin-collar shirt for a more traditional touch without going all the way to a full tang suit. A smaller number of families go further with a ma gua, a silk jacket worn over a long gown, though this is less common for guo da li than for the wedding day itself.
As with the bride's outfit, there is flexibility here, and many grooms choose based on what feels comfortable and matches the formality their family expects, rather than following a fixed rule.
What both families typically wear
Parents and other close relatives attending guo da li generally dress a level more formally than they might for an ordinary family gathering, often incorporating red or another auspicious colour into their outfit even if it is not a full traditional dress. This might mean a cheongsam or tang-style top for an older female relative, or simply a smart shirt in a warm colour for a father or uncle.
It is not usually expected that every relative wears full traditional dress, and many families are fairly relaxed about this so long as the overall look feels festive rather than casual.
Colours to choose, and ones many avoid
Red remains the colour most closely associated with guo da li and Chinese weddings generally, given its association with luck and celebration, and it is a safe default for anyone unsure what to wear. Other auspicious colours, such as gold, pink or a warm coral, are also common choices, particularly for outfits that do not need to be full traditional dress.
Many families prefer to avoid black or white for this kind of occasion, since both colours carry associations with mourning in Chinese tradition, though how strictly this is observed varies between households, and some families are entirely relaxed about it. If in doubt, it is reasonable to ask a parent or elder what they would prefer, rather than assuming either way.
How outfits photograph
If guo da li is being photographed, richer, saturated colours such as red, gold or a deep pink tend to read clearly in photos, particularly against the often plainer background of a family living room. Very pale colours or busy patterns can sometimes wash out or compete with the surroundings, so a solid, warm-toned outfit is usually the easiest to work with.
It also helps for the two families to loosely coordinate, even if not matching exactly, since a mix of very different colour palettes across the group can make family photos afterwards look less cohesive. This does not need to be tightly planned — even a shared colour family, such as everyone leaning towards red or gold tones, tends to photograph well together. See our guide to guo da li photography for how the moment is usually covered.
What you wear for guo da li is ultimately a family decision, and the guidance above is a general starting point. If you would like the occasion photographed alongside your wedding photography, get in touch to talk through your plans.