Frequently Asked Questions

Each piece begins with a private consultation — in person at our Los Angeles atelier or via Zoom — where we learn about your occasion, cultural background, and personal vision. We discuss fabric options, embroidery motifs and their meanings, colour, lining, and every detail that will make the piece yours. An individual pattern is then drafted to your exact measurements. A muslin toile is fitted before any precious fabric is cut — this is where we refine the silhouette and ensure everything is exactly right. Hand embroidery is worked stitch by stitch. A final fitting ensures the piece is perfect before delivery.

Learn more on our How Custom Works page.

Yes. Many of our clients are Asian American or multicultural couples learning about these customs for the first time.

We explain the meaning behind every symbol and color — from tea ceremonies to Tang suit pairings.

We guide you through an easy measuring process over Zoom or in person.

Every dress is made to your exact measurements. A muslin fitting ensures accuracy before the final silk is cut.

Yes. Every piece is drafted from scratch for your proportions.

Pricing is based on fabric use and embroidery detail, not body size — so the final cost may vary depending on design and materials.

Ready-to-wear pieces are crafted in standard sizes for quicker delivery.

Custom designs begin with your story — including sketches, fabric selection, embroidery planning, and full fitting support.

Minor adjustments such as hem or initials may be possible.

Major changes, like new embroidery or fabrics, require a full custom order.

From $1,200 and up, or $2,500+ with hand embroidery.

Each includes one consultation and a muslin fitting.

Ready-to-wear Chinese wedding dress — from $1,500.

Fully hand-embroidered dresses start at $6,800 and may take 4–14 months depending on embroidery coverage and detail.

A custom Tang suit starts from $1,200 and up, depending on fabric, embroidery, and personalisation. Hand-embroidered styles with dragons, phoenixes, or other symbols may range from $2,800 to $5,000+, especially for wedding designs. Each includes a consultation, muslin fitting, and final tailoring.

Every JINZA piece is made entirely by hand in Los Angeles by a dedicated team of artisans who have worked together since 2002. A simple Qipao involves 50 to 60 hours of coordinated work. A fully embroidered Chinese wedding dress can involve over 1,000 hours. Premium silk, individual pattern making, multiple fittings, and hand embroidery using traditional Shu and Panjin techniques — these are not fast or cheap to produce. You are investing in craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and a garment made to be worn, treasured, and passed down through generations.

Yes. A 75% deposit starts your order; the balance is due before delivery. Flexible plans are available on request.

Ready-to-wear Qipao and Cheongsam styles start at $500 and up. These are pre-designed pieces available in limited sizes and can be lightly customized. Alterations are available at an additional cost depending on what is needed.

The Qun Kwa is the most traditional Chinese wedding dress — a two-piece jacket and skirt hand embroidered with gold and silver threads, rooted in Cantonese wedding culture. It is the heirloom choice, made to be worn, treasured, and passed down through generations.

The Xiu He Fu is more contemporary with a structured jacket and dramatic 365-degree circular skirt — ideal for brides who want movement and romance. Both styles are made entirely to your measurements at JINZA with fabric and embroidery chosen during your private consultation.

Explore both in our Chinese Wedding Dress Collection.

Hand-embroidered Qun Kwa: 4–14 months.

Custom Xiu He Fu or red bridal Qipao: 3–6 months.

Yes. You can include zodiac animals, family initials, wedding dates, or even pets — every motif tells your story.

The tea ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of a Chinese wedding — the moment a bride formally honours her parents and new family. The most traditional choice is the Qun Kwa, worn for its deep cultural significance and hand embroidered symbolism. The Xiu He Fu is also popular for its dramatic circular skirt and comfortable fit through a long ceremony. Many brides choose a fitted wedding Qipao for its elegance and practicality. During your consultation we help you choose the right style considering your family traditions, venue, and how many outfit changes you are planning.

“Qipao” refers to the traditional long Chinese dress; “Cheongsam” is its modern Cantonese term. Learn more in our Qipao & Cheongsam Guide.

At JINZA, we design both — traditional and contemporary.

See our Qipao & Cheongsam Collection.

Absolutely. Qipao is an art form. We help multicultural clients choose designs that honor culture respectfully.

Yes. Explore our Traditional Qipao for cultural events and Modern Cheongsam for galas, receptions, or birthdays.

Absolutely. At JINZA we have made Chinese wedding dresses for brides from many different cultural backgrounds. Before specialising in Chinese bridal wear, we built our foundation making Western wedding gowns — so we understand both Eastern and Western construction and how to flatter different body shapes. Read more in our Chinese Wedding Dress Guide.

Typically 2–5 months, depending on embroidery and fabric. Learn more in our Tang Suit & Zhongshan Suit Guide.

View the Tang Suit Collection or check our Pricing section for estimated costs.

Yes. We regularly make Tang suits and Zhongshan suits for fathers of the groom, designed to complement the groom's outfit in fabric, colour, or embroidery. The process is the same — private consultation, individual measurements, and full customisation. Many families commission the groom and father together so both pieces are designed as a coordinated pair.

Yes — and this is one of our specialties at JINZA. When both garments are commissioned together we design them as a coordinated pair from the first consultation — same silk, same embroidery story, same colour carried through both pieces. The dragon on his Tang suit, the phoenix on her Qipao. The same sea wave at the hem. This is something only a bespoke atelier can do — and it is one of the most meaningful things we make.

Shu embroidery originates from Sichuan province and is known for its fine, smooth stitches and delicate detail — ideal for intricate motifs like phoenixes, peonies, and birds. The result is soft, painterly, and luminous.

Panjin embroidery uses a looping technique that creates a raised, three-dimensional texture — giving embroidery depth and shadow that photographs beautifully. It is the choice for bold motifs like dragons and sea waves. At JINZA we use both techniques depending on the design and the garment.

Learn more on our Embroidery Techniques page.

Yes. All orders ship from Los Angeles via insured carriers.

Delivery: 2–5 days U.S. / 7–10 days internationally.

All pieces are final sale due to their custom nature.

We include a muslin fitting and offer post-delivery fit support.

See details on our Delivery & Return page.

Yes. Many heirloom pieces are one-of-a-kind. Send us a photo, and we’ll advise on custom options.

Visit How Custom Works or Book a Consultation to start your design journey.