The bride is wearing a heavily embroidered ceremonial gown; a pleated bridal skirt with a front panel; a phoenix cape; four embroidered strips pinned to the cape—two are draped over the front and two at the back; a coloured braid with intricate knots ending in one long tassel with a small mirror, or ‘pak kuah’, in the middle of the tassel to deflect evil; a velvet bib to pin family jewellery; a headdress, which consists of a crown and a decorative band; a ring on the fourth finger of her left hand, which is attached to a stiff embroidered handkerchief; and soft embroidered shoes. The groom is wearing a short jacket (‘tng sah beh kua’) over a long Chinese gown, a Mandarin cap (‘hwa boh’) and soft embroidered shoes while carrying a fan. White cotton undergarments and bamboo vests are also worn by both bride and groom to protect the outer wedding garments from prespiration. The bamboo vest also provides ventilation for the wearer.
