In this story
The second look is the one most couples underestimate. The white dress and tuxedo get months of attention. The hanbok, which the couple wears for the paebaek and the family portraits that follow, tends to get sorted in a rush the month before the wedding. And then the paebaek photographs turn out to be the ones the grandparents ask for copies of.
This is the reference for Korean American couples building the hanbok side of the day. What the bride wears, what the groom wears, what the parents and wedding party wear. How the budget lines up, from a modern chima jeogori to a fully embroidered wonsam. And when to start when the piece has to be commissioned in Seoul.
What the groom wears
The traditional groom wears a danryeongpo, a long 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 jeogori and baji, especially if the wedding is smaller or the budget is tighter.
What the parents wear
The bride's parents and the groom's parents often wear hanbok too. Mothers in a chima jeogori set in a muted, dignified palette. Fathers in a charcoal or navy durumagi. The parents' hanbok should not compete with the couple's; muted is the rule.
What wedding party members wear
Maids of honor, best men, and close cousins are sometimes asked to wear hanbok too. This is up to the family. If you are asked, choose a quieter palette: dusty sage, dove grey, or muted pink for women; charcoal or beige durumagi for men. You should read as part of the family, not as a second wedding party.
How to budget
Pricing for each piece is confirmed in conversation with Eric. Modern bridal hanbok usually costs less than a full traditional ceremonial set with hand embroidery.
Rentals exist and are sometimes the right call for a one-time use. But a commissioned wedding hanbok is the kind of piece many Korean families keep and pass down. Eric's mother still has hers.
Timing
Made-to-order hanbok take 2 to 3 weeks to make. Start early.
See wedding hanbok, or send Eric a message with your wedding date and we will quote a timeline.
Talk to Eric
Looking for authentic hanbok for your occasion? Eric at The Korean In Me works with each customer, selects pieces in Seoul through authorized Korean suppliers and makers, and inspects each piece in San Mateo. Send Eric a message or call or text Eric.