Weddings tend to be more expensive during springtime (March – May) given the conventional perception that it is the most popular choice for most couples, urging brides and grooms to seek dates in the fall (October – December), which would usually be off-season in the wedding industry. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
BUSAN, Oct. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – May is no longer the most favorable month for weddings Korea, recent data shows. Instead, fall has become the most popular season for those tying the knot.
Based on Lotte Department Store’s “Wedding Members” data, October saw the highest percentage of weddings at 19 percent in 2015, followed by November (18.6 percent), May (12.5 percent), and December (11.3 percent).
Similarly, October had the highest percentage of weddings or planned weddings this year at 17.8 percent, followed by November (12.5 percent).
According to Lotte, the biggest reason for the changing trend is wedding cost.
Weddings tend to be more expensive during springtime (March – May) given the conventional perception that it is the most popular choice for most couples, urging brides and grooms to seek dates in the fall (October – December), which would usually be off-season in the wedding industry.
The change in demand has prompted the retail industry to compete for customers seeking autumn weddings.
Four Lotte Department Store outlets in Busan are hosting a wedding fair (October 14 – 27), offering various marriage-related products, packages, promotional events, and consulting services. Lotte’s Wedding Members customers will also have the opportunity to partake in the lucky draw event, which will give away 30-million-won ($26,500) worth of gifts.
Shinsegae Department Store’s Centum City outlet is hosting its own wedding fair as well, which kicked off on September 29, attracting couples with discounts of up to 30 percent on related products. Consulting services for wedding dresses, wedding halls, and honeymoons are also available at the fair.
“We decided to schedule our biggest wedding fair (for October) given the rapidly rising demand for fall weddings,” said a Lotte official.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
