The Red Wedding: Classic, Always and Forever

Feb 7, 2024

Meet Janet Ng, the visionary founder and owner of The Red Wedding, boutique established in 2007 that specialises in preserving and innovating Chinese wedding traditions.

What inspired you to start The Red Wedding?

Janet: When planning for my wedding in the year 2000, I realised that obtaining a good-quality traditional Chinese wedding outfit at an affordable price was very challenging. I also have a soft spot for anything oriental, especially items with embroideries, dragon motifs, etc.

So, you can say it is both my passion and desire to preserve one of the unique traditions of Chinese wedding culture, as well as to bring joy to those around me.

What is it about Chinese traditional attires that has captivated your interest and passion?

Janet: Chinese traditional attires are timeless, classic, and enduring. They possess a unique charm that transcends trends and remains relevant throughout the years. I feel that we should try to preserve our traditions and culture as much as possible to ensure that our rich cultural heritage is not lost, allowing the next generation the chance to appreciate them and learn more about them.

What challenges did you face in finding artisans who could create the traditional garments you envisioned?

Janet: There were no local artisans that worked on these types of garments; most of them are from Hong Kong or Guangzhou. Unfortunately, many of these skilled artisans had either retired or moved on to different professions, creating a scarcity of individuals with the necessary expertise. This highlights the pressing need for cultural preservation and the importance of safeguarding traditional craftsmanship. With this, I became determined to help maintain the tradition of Chinese artistry in this field.

Can you share a memorable or heartwarming story from a couple who chose The Red Wedding for their special day?

Janet: We had a delightful experience with a couple residing in the US. The bride, an American, and the groom, an American-born Chinese, wished to incorporate Chinese elements into their wedding attire. However, being unfamiliar with authentic styles that would suit them, they sought our guidance.

Since the couple did not have the chance to visit my studio in person, all consultations, measurements, and “trials” were conducted virtually. In the end, the bride acquired two customized dresses, and the groom received one – all fitting perfectly, even surpassing the fit of the Cheongsam she got tailored locally. They even planned to frame the dresses and display them on their walls. It brings us immense joy to have played a role in fostering cross-cultural harmony, even from the other side of the world!

Beyond weddings, you’re expanding into preserving Chinese culture through DONG XI 東西. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

Janet: Dong Xi, meaning EAST–WEST or THINGS/PRODUCTS, is a curated collection of quintessential goods blending traditions with a modern twist. Our products primarily fall into two categories: lifestyle, which includes apparel suitable for non-wedding occasions, and wedding-related items such as decors and accessories.

To add an educational touch, our e-store features a “Let’s learn Mandarin” section. Here, we use idioms to name our products and provide explanations in both English and Mandarin, fostering a deeper understanding of the language.

Customers can anticipate a growing array of oriental-themed lifestyle products that embody our tagline, “Classic, Always and Forever.” We are continually on the lookout for items that can be repurposed and enjoyed in various ways.

What are some common misconceptions people have about Chinese wedding attire?

Janet: There are a few misconceptions that I’d like to clarify:

  1. Outdated fashion: Some perceive Chinese wedding attire as outdated or less fashionable than modern wedding dresses. In reality, traditional attire can be timeless and stylish, embodying a classic charm that never goes out of style.
  2. Limited options: There’s a misconception that traditional Chinese wedding attire offers limited choices. On the contrary, there is a rich array of options, encompassing various styles for both men and women.
  3. Unflattering cuts: Some believe that traditional attire might have unflattering cuts, making it challenging for wearers to showcase their physique. Modern Chinese wedding attires are tailored with a more tapered fit, allowing individuals to feel confident and comfortable, particularly on their special day.

How do you envision The Red Wedding’s role in preserving and promoting Chinese heritage evolving in the future?

Janet: I envision The Red Wedding’s evolving role in preserving and promoting Chinese heritage through a multi-faceted approach: education, adaptation, affordability, cultural events, social media engagement, and community involvement. These pillars drive The Red Wedding to play a pivotal role in ensuring that traditional Chinese wedding attire remains a cherished and vibrant part of our cultural tapestry for generations to come.

If there’s one thing you’d like readers to take away from your story, what would it be?

Janet: It would be to be passionate about what you do. Let passion guide you and fuel your perseverance through challenges.

Be part of the timeless elegance with The Red Wedding here: Website | Facebook | Instagram

About The Red Wedding

Founded in 2007, The Red Wedding rents and sells traditional Chinese wedding attire. The Red Wedding’s very own unique collections are designed and embroidered by master artisans in collaboration with Janet, the founder, in order to produce their own distinctive designs. Catering to both brides and grooms,  they also offer a full range of accompanying Oriental-styled accessories — from hair accessories to jewellery and shoes. Their upcoming retail concept, DONG XI 東西, will feature a collection of curated lifestyle items rooted in Chinese heritage.