Beyond Red & Gold: Lessons From The Field

What Experienced Vendors Have Learned

@Rose & Revel Co

Working with modern Chinese couples has taught experienced vendors valuable lessons about navigating cultural change while maintaining respect and authenticity. These insights, drawn from real wedding experiences, provide practical guidance for vendors seeking to build their cultural competence.

Featuring:

Mivio | Co-Founder & Lead Wedding Planner, Rose & Revel & Lily & Co
Contact: hello@roseandrevel.co

Yukee Ong | Founder & Storyteller, Adante Documentary Wedding Videography
Contact: contact@yukeeong.com

The Importance of Slowing Down Traditional Moments

One key lesson from Yukee, a documentary wedding videographer, is how traditional moments deserve to be given space and time. “Tang yuan or bowing are often being rushed, but these moments carry emotional weight, so giving them space by slowing down is pretty important,” he explains.

This insight goes beyond videography. When traditional elements like tang yuan service or ceremonial bowing are rushed through, they lose their emotional meaning for families. Vendors in all fields can use this principle whether it’s allowing extra time for setting up the tea ceremony, giving families space to participate fully in traditional rituals, or making sure traditional moments are not hurried to fit tight schedules.

Practical Tip: Build buffer time into your schedule around traditional rituals. They often take longer than planned because they involve multiple generations and carry emotional weight that deserves your full attention.

Understanding Cultural Colour Sensitivities

Mivio’s experience in styling shows how small design choices can carry big cultural weight. “Certain colours are traditionally seen as unlucky in Chinese culture, especially when paired with important symbols like Chinese characters,” she explains. Using the wrong hue can come across as disrespectful even if it looks great from a modern design perspective.

This goes beyond avoiding obvious no-no’s like white or black in specific contexts. Colour symbolism in Chinese culture operates on many levels, so what works visually might unintentionally send the wrong message when combined with traditional motifs.

Practical Tip: Always research the cultural meaning of colours when they’re used alongside Chinese characters or symbolic elements. What’s perfect for flowers or table linens might not suit ceremonial details.