More and more young couples in Hong Kong are turning to McDonald’s fast-food restaurants to fit their shoestring wedding budgets. With prices starting as low as $350 per wedding, the place is pretty much a steal – the deal includes the venue, decorations, audio equipment, food, gifts and invitations. The dream wedding has only one drawback – years later, couples will have to tell their kids that they got married at McDonald’s.
Surprisingly, not many couples are bothered by this. The demand for McDonald’s weddings is growing in Hong Kong – the wedding party program that was started in three locations in 2011, has now been extended to 15 branches. And, believe it or not, it’s not just about the money, there’s a sentimental value associated with getting hitched at McDonald’s.
Photo: Orient Daily
“We started the program because many customers tell us that McDonald’s is where they first started dating,” a company spokesperson explained. “McDonald’s is where their love stories grew. This connection is exactly why they want to hold their wedding parties and even anniversary parties at McDonald’s – to relive sweet beginnings and bring their romantic story full circle.” Apart from weddings, engagement parties and bridal showers are also often held at these 15 branches.
Photo: Orient Daily
“Our Wedding Party packages have just everything you need, including venue decoration, customized games and special gifts for bride & groom and your guests,” McDonald’s Hong Kong write on their website. “Everything will be taken care of by McDonald’s. All you need to do is be there and enjoy the moment of your lifetime.”
Photo: Pixnet
The wedding program includes four packages to suit every budget – the most expensive one – the ‘Love Forever Party’ – costs HK$9,999 (US$1,290) and the cheapest one – the ‘Happiness Party’ – is HK$2,888 (US$372). The Love Forever package includes a decorated venue rental for two hours, wedding presents, a pair of McDonald’s balloon wedding rings, a bridal bouquet, an apple pie cake display, a Crystal McDonald’s house, an MC, invites, food worth HK $3,000 and seating for 50 guests.
The Happiness Party might not make couples too happy – they only get food worth HK $1,000, invites and seating for 20 guests along with basic party decorations. Still, I do think it’s a steal compared to the average U.S. wedding, which costs a whopping US$30,000. The program is unique to McDonald’s Hong Kong at the moment, but as more budget-conscious couples get wind of it, I have a feeling we will see McDonald’s weddings all over the world.
via CNBC
