Rising prices and hidden fees charged by vendors have left many couples preparing for their weddings this year dismayed. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – Song, a 32-year-old bride-to-be, was taken aback by a series of unexpected additional costs for her wedding, which exceeded her initial budget by millions of won.
She had initially estimated about 30 million won for the venue, “Ssudeme” (a package including studio photoshoot, dress, and makeup), and honeymoon, but the extra charges amounted to over 7 million won.
Rising prices and hidden fees charged by vendors have left many couples preparing for their weddings this year dismayed. For instance, trying on dresses incurs a “fitting fee” of 50,000 to 100,000 won, varying by shop and whether the dress is domestic or imported.
If a bride chooses a dress that has never been worn before, she must pay an additional “first wear” fee, which can range from 1 million to 3 million won.
Moreover, early morning makeup sessions come with an “early start” fee of about 100,000 won, and late appointments incur a “late out” fee. The lack of transparency and inconsistent charges across shops make it difficult for couples to anticipate these costs.
couples feel compelled to comply with these practices to ensure their once-in-a-lifetime event goes smoothly, despite the financial strain. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
While some wedding halls and studios disclose their prices, dress shops often do not, and the fitting fee is usually charged even if the fitting appointment is cancelled.
It has also become customary to tip the “helper aunties” who assist the bride with dress adjustments or makeup touch-ups during the photoshoot or ceremony. One bride recounted having to pay 50,000 won in cash for the helper’s transportation on a rainy day.
Another bride expressed confusion over why consumers should pay the helpers directly, especially after already paying the dress shop 250,000 won for helper services, only to be asked for additional payments.
Changing hairstyles during studio shoots introduces another “hair modification” fee of around 300,000 won, plus transportation costs for the hairstylist, further adding to the couple’s expenses.
Wedding planners justify these fees by pointing out the labor and time-intensive nature of services like dress fitting and makeup. However, couples feel compelled to comply with these practices to ensure their once-in-a-lifetime event goes smoothly, despite the financial strain.
Professor Lee Eun-hee from Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies argues that the wedding industry should clearly disclose any additional charges, similar to price display regulations in gyms or salons. She warns that such hidden costs could exacerbate the stress for couples in an already low marriage and birth rate environment.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
This is just bad business and makes it difficult for everyone in the industry by making couples feel defensive and suspicious before they even start shopping. There are too many people who think the wedding business is easy money and get into it for the wrong reasons.
I found this blog really insightful! It’s frustrating to see the unexpected wedding costs South Korean couples face. Weddings can create so much pressure—definitely an important topic to discuss!