The number of marriages has increased for 11 consecutive months compared to the previous year since April 2024, leading to a rise in sales for wedding small and medium enterprises operating wedding halls. Some criticize this as being due to the aggressive sales tactics of wedding companies.
According to the February population trends report from the Statistics Korea, the number of marriages in February was 19,370, which marks an increase for 11 consecutive months compared to the previous year since April 2024.
The sales of wedding companies operating wedding halls also increased alongside the number of marriages. The top five wedding companies by sales in 2023 reported a revenue increase of 11.5% and an operating profit increase of 65% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In particular, companies with studios and wedding halls in the Gangnam area showed significant sales. You Moment Co., known for The Chapel and Apel Camo, recorded 93.77 billion won in revenue for 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year. Their operating profit also rose to 12.13 billion won, marking an increase of 181% compared to the previous year.
Not only in the metropolitan area but also sales of wedding small and medium enterprises located in Gyeonggi Province and Busan have increased.
GD Group, located in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, reported revenue of 24.99 billion won for 2024, with an operating profit of 5.36 billion won, a 93% increase from the previous year. W Wedding Co., located in Busan, achieved 30.53 billion won in revenue for 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year.
Some criticize the increase in sales of wedding companies as being due to 'option coercion.'
The expense of wedding halls consists mainly of hall rental fees and food expenses. Hall rental fees include venue fees, floral decoration fees, and staff labor costs, and some companies require mandatory contracts for flowers and ancillary facilities.
Additionally, some wedding halls in downtown Seoul ask for a guarantee of at least 200 to 250 guests, which increases the financial burden on newlyweds as they have to pay for the number of guests.
Lee Mo (31), who is preparing for marriage this year, said, 'I recently went to sign a contract at a wedding hall in Ansan and found out that I had to mandatorily contract ensembles and jazz quartets.' They added, 'The guaranteed number of guests is also set high, making the expense burden substantial.'
Eunhee Lee, a professor in the Department of Consumer Studies at Inha University, noted, 'While some see marriage as a union between individuals and may opt for small weddings, there remains a prevalent view of marriage as a union between families.' Therefore, she stated, 'The culture of seeking high-end wedding halls to host family acquaintances continues to contribute to high sales.'