The popular “Old Three” for brides in the 1970s were replaced by the “New Three”—black-and-white TV set, washing machine, refrigerator in the following decade.

Liu Guimei from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, had all of the “New Three” when she got married in the 1980s. “My fiancé’s family was wealthy at that time. They bought a TV set, washing machine, and refrigerator for the wedding. In addition, they bought me a watch and a bicycle, and gave my parents 2,000 yuan in cash as betrothal gift,” Liu recalled, smiling.

Color TV set, motor car, and video recorder became popular in the 1990s. Golden accessories like ring, earrings, and necklace were added into the list of betrothal gifts to bride.

Wedding photos

in the 1970s were not as grandiose as today. New couples usually took one photo, black-and-white, as their wedding photo. Dedication to the Chinese revolutionary cause led people to choose army uniforms or plain farmer’s clothes, over traditional wedding gowns or western suits, to pose for their wedding photos before they were married. Wedding pictures were often hung on the wall in each family to show that the couple was married as husband and wife.

In the 1980s, white wedding gowns became fashionable and the trend made its way into the 1990s. Because of heavy makeup, couples were often unrecognizable in their wedding photos as they strived to look glamorous.

1990s wedding photo

In large cities like Shanghai, white wedding gowns were in vogue. Brides would wear a gown, carry a bridal bouquet in one hand and have a five to six meter long white veil over her head. The groom would wear a black suit with a white shirt and black cravat. He would hold a black hat and wear white gloves.