Two ceremonies, two looks
Most modern Korean weddings include a Western-style main ceremony (white dress, tuxedo) and a paebaek family tea ceremony in hanbok. The paebaek is shorter, more private, and the photos from it are often the ones the family keeps. The hanbok matters.
Read more in what is paebaek, which covers the ceremony itself in detail.
What the bride wears
The most traditional choice is the wonsam, a long ceremonial robe in deep red, blue, and gold, layered over a chima and jeogori. The even more traditional choice (rare today) is the hwarot, the embroidered overrobe historically reserved for royal brides.
Modern brides often choose a lighter version: a colorful chima and embroidered jeogori without the full wonsam overcoat. The piece is easier to wear for photos and the meal that follows. See wedding hanbok for both ends of the range.
What the groom wears
The traditional groom wears a danryeongpo, the dark blue or purple ceremonial robe with embroidered chest panels showing tigers, cranes, or floral motifs. A black samo hat completes the look.
Modern grooms sometimes choose a simpler durumagi over a jeogori and baji, especially if the wedding is smaller or less formal. The Groom’s Samsaek Jeogori (three-color jacket) is a popular middle ground.
What the parents and family wear
Mothers wear chima jeogori in muted, dignified palettes. Fathers wear charcoal or navy durumagi over cream sets. The parents’ hanbok should not compete with the couple’s; muted is the rule.
Maids of honor, best men, and close cousins are sometimes asked to wear hanbok. If you are asked, choose a quieter palette: dusty sage, dove grey, or muted pink for women; charcoal or beige durumagi for men.
Budget
Full traditional bridal sets with hand embroidery start around $1,800 to $3,500. Modern bridal hanbok starts lower, around $900 to $1,500. Men’s ceremonial sets start around $1,200 to $2,200. Parents’ sets start around $800.
Rentals exist, sometimes the right call for one-time use, but a commissioned wedding hanbok is the kind of piece many Korean families keep and pass down.
Timeline
Wedding hanbok needs 4 to 6 weeks of production in Seoul plus another week for inspection and shipping. Eric asks customers to plan at least 8 weeks before the wedding. 12 weeks is more comfortable, especially if you are dressing six or more people.
If you are a non-Korean partner
Talk to your future in-laws about what they expect. Some families want a full traditional wonsam or danryeongpo; others prefer something softer that signals family-of without overshadowing the bride. See is it appropriate for non-Koreans to wear hanbok for more on this.
Talk to Eric
Looking for wedding hanbok for your day? Eric at The Korean In Me sources authentic hanbok personally from Seoul, inspects every piece in San Mateo, and works with each customer on sizing and color. Contact Eric to inquire →